Growing Concerns: Are Cities Supporting Urban Agriculture?
"Local Leaders Weigh In on the Governance of Urban Farming in Developing Cities"
Urban agriculture (UA) is recognized as a strategy for poverty reduction and a means to ensure sustainability in developing countries. It can supplement diets and provide income for low-income families. Conversely, if improperly practiced, it can lead to environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards. The key lies in effective governance.
In Tanzania, urban agriculture encompasses plant and animal husbandry within statutory townships, as defined by the town and country planning regulations. However, the definition lacks clarity regarding the inclusion of sparsely developed peri-urban areas, leading to conflicts over land use and resource allocation.
While urban agriculture faces legal and policy challenges, it persists due to urbanization pressures, economic constraints, and the need for employment. This article delves into the perceptions of local leaders in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, regarding the governance of urban agriculture. It assesses leadership quality, infrastructure provision, and farmers' land rights to understand the support extended to this vital practice.
Is Urban Agriculture a Priority? Local Leaders' Perspectives
To evaluate the governance of urban agriculture, local leaders were interviewed about leadership quality, infrastructure and farmers' land rights. Their insights reveal critical gaps in current support systems.
- Limited Plans for Sustainable UA: Many leaders believe that efforts to formalize urban agriculture are driven by foreign NGOs, and are not truly meant to sustain UA. They expressed concern that these plans may not be achievable in the near future.
- Lack of Regulation: Over 76% of the leaders agreed that UA is practiced haphazardly, with farmers initiating their own plans for land, marketing, and irrigation. This lack of regulation leads to tenure insecurity, unreliable markets, and dependence on unreliable water sources.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: A significant 87% of local leaders agreed that necessary infrastructure, such as markets and irrigation systems, is essential for UA's effectiveness. However, they feel the government isn't working hand in hand with farmers to provide this support.
Securing the Future of Urban Agriculture
Local leaders generally support urban agriculture in Kinondoni Municipality. However, their insights reveal issues and challenges, primarily due to farmers being left to fend for themselves, and a lack of proper plans that has pushed farmers to some in-appropriate solutions.
To ensure the sustainability of urban agriculture and solve the identified issues, the Kinondoni Municipal government should designate sizable land for UA in various areas. This will create both income generating activities for low income earners and a source of food for all urban residents. This land should be secured and incorporated in the Municipal development plans.
Furthermore, farmers should adhere to practices protecting customers and the environment, while government and stakeholders create an environment for marketing and storage of produce to avoid waste and promote self-employment. By implementing these ideas, urban agriculture can provide food and be beneficial to the farmers and residents.