A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Urban agriculture in Mekelle, Tigray state, Ethiopia: Principal characteristics, opportunities and constraints for further research and development
The informal production of food in city areas, a phenomenon known as urban agriculture (UA), has been a widespread strategy adopted by urban dwellers in many sub-Saharan African cities to cope with increasing poverty, caused by increasing population pressure and economic collapse. This phenomenon is also evident in Ethiopia. In a context of widespread urban unemployment and poor living conditions, the formal support of UA activities could play an important role in alleviating urban poverty. This paper analyses the case of Mekelle where, in recognition that agriculture is not an exclusively rural feature, the Mekelle Urban Agricultural Office was recently established specifically to give support to UA producers. Through a questionnaire survey in three locations and key informant interviews, this research sought to describe the principal characteristics of UA in Mekelle and identify the opportunities for and the major constraints to further development of UA. The paper reports on farmer characteristics, cropping and cultivation practices, land tenure, rationale behind production and marketing and constraints to production as identified by farmers. It identifies the potential for technical and scientific interventions, but stresses the need to match these to appropriate policy, marketing and education research and intervention. Two key issues which will have to be considered and addressed in any intervention designed for further development of UA are the current land tenure system and the dietary preferences (characterised by low vegetable and fruit consumption) prevailing in Ethiopia.
Urban agriculture in Mekelle, Tigray state, Ethiopia: Principal characteristics, opportunities and constraints for further research and development
The informal production of food in city areas, a phenomenon known as urban agriculture (UA), has been a widespread strategy adopted by urban dwellers in many sub-Saharan African cities to cope with increasing poverty, caused by increasing population pressure and economic collapse. This phenomenon is also evident in Ethiopia. In a context of widespread urban unemployment and poor living conditions, the formal support of UA activities could play an important role in alleviating urban poverty. This paper analyses the case of Mekelle where, in recognition that agriculture is not an exclusively rural feature, the Mekelle Urban Agricultural Office was recently established specifically to give support to UA producers. Through a questionnaire survey in three locations and key informant interviews, this research sought to describe the principal characteristics of UA in Mekelle and identify the opportunities for and the major constraints to further development of UA. The paper reports on farmer characteristics, cropping and cultivation practices, land tenure, rationale behind production and marketing and constraints to production as identified by farmers. It identifies the potential for technical and scientific interventions, but stresses the need to match these to appropriate policy, marketing and education research and intervention. Two key issues which will have to be considered and addressed in any intervention designed for further development of UA are the current land tenure system and the dietary preferences (characterised by low vegetable and fruit consumption) prevailing in Ethiopia.
Urban agriculture in Mekelle, Tigray state, Ethiopia: Principal characteristics, opportunities and constraints for further research and development
Ashebir, Dereje (author) / Pasquini, Margaret (author) / Bihon, Wubetu (author)
Cities ; 24 ; 218-228
2007-01-19
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
| DOAJ | 2022
| British Library Conference Proceedings | 2014