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201. Africa's Quest for Food Security: What is the Role of Urban Agriculture?

Author:
G. Arku, V. Kuuire, P. Mkandawire, and N. Aguda
Publication Date:
01-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Abstract:
The history of urban agriculture in Africa dates to the colonial era when farming flourished in urban areas, largely to meet consumption needs of bureaucrats, settlers, and other elites. Today, urban agriculture is becoming increasingly significant as a source of household food, a trend that is closely linked to declining incomes of vulnerable urban households in the wake of neoliberal economic restructuring, high rates of urbanisation, and the need to serve an emerging niche market in African cities. Urban agriculture is generally viewed as a potentially viable policy response to the complex challenge of feeding a burgeoning mass of urban residents amidst decline in food production in rural areas. Also, recent concern regarding climate change and the need to reduce the environmental footprint that comes from transporting food over long distances has given impetus to the need for urban agriculture. The aforementioned notwithstanding, the balance of evidence from existing literature on urban agriculture indicates that the practice faces varying degrees of opposition from urban authorities and policy-makers, who generally underestimate its actual value and contribution to urban povertyandfood insecurity. The apparent lack of political will necessary to promote African urban agriculture over the years is reflected in weak or absent policy frameworks over the years, resulting in an enormous capacity deficit. Policy makers and planners need systematic information for planning and managing capacity development centered on urban agriculture. Such a focus on urban agriculture will unlock its potential to address the growing urbandemandfor foodandto alleviate urban poverty.
Topic:
Agriculture, Food Security, Livelihoods, and Urban Agriculture
Political Geography:
Africa, Ghana, and Malawi

202. Food Security and Sovereignty in Africa: Issues, Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Author:
Peter K. Arthur
Publication Date:
01-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Abstract:
The last few decades have seen food insecurity as an emerging crisis that has bedeviledmanyAfrican countries. While many post-colonial African governments have widely recognized the role of agriculture in national development and capacity development efforts for education and skills have been ongoing for several years, progress to attain food security has been slow. This is partly due to the adoption of approaches which have not been long-term and institutions that do not have supporting mechanisms to use the capacities generated. This paper is therefore an examination of the causes of Africa's food insecurity, the consequences of food insecurity, the policy challenges, and the necessary interventions that can address the varying challenges that have contributed to this food insecurity. It is argued that putting in place appropriate capacity development initiatives can help alleviate the problem of food insecurity in Africa. In addition, food security efforts in African countries need to be complemented by food sovereignty principles that have at their core citizen participation, agrarian reforms, the promotion of property rights for local people, access by smallscale farmers to local and regional markets, and the putting of producers and consumers at the centre of decision-making processonfood issues.
Topic:
Agriculture, Development, Sovereignty, and Food Security
Political Geography:
Africa

203. Factors Underlying Communal Beef Cattle Marketing Decisions in Botswana: The Role of Public and Private Transfers

Author:
David Mmopelwa and Tebogo B. Seleka
Publication Date:
08-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This article examines factors underlying communal beef cattle marketing at a household level in Botswana, with emphasis placed on the role of public and private transfers. Results show that public and private transfers (pensions, remittances, government food rations, and food supplies from friends and relatives) discourage cattle marketing. Thus, while they are important sources of household food security, cash and food transfers may adversely impact on beef export performance in Botswana. It is therefore fundamental that public transfer programmes are well targeted to needy and poor households, in order to minimize their adverse effects on the cattle industry. On the positive side, the paper argues that public transfer programmes may assist poor farmers rebuild their cattle and other livestock inventory, contributing to transition out of inter-generational poverty.
Topic:
Poverty, Food Security, Cattle, Safety Net, Cash Transfers, and Meat Industry
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

204. Averting Crisis on the Mekong River

Author:
Prashanth Parameswaran
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:
The Mekong River faces challenges from hydropower, demographic and development pressures to climate change that threaten to alter the river. These trends have the potential to trigger a serious crisis characterized by water shortages, forced migration, food insecurity, and prolonged floods and droughts. Concerted efforts will be necessary to avert serious crisis along the Mekong.
Topic:
Climate Change, Demographics, Development, Energy Policy, Migration, and Food Security
Political Geography:
Cambodia, Laos, and Mekong River