Bangladesh: Urban gardening proving a success in Dhaka, helping hundreds of poor families
The initiative can also offer a source of extra income from the sale of small surpluses
Dhaka Tribune
Excerpts:
Urban gardening has an important role to play in improving the economy, environment, and health of cities in Bangladesh, experts said at a seminar on Tuesday.
It reduces poverty and food insecurity resulting from urbanization, while also improving the health of city residents and preserving the environment. Urban gardening allows low-income families to meet their needs for vitamins, minerals and plant protein by providing direct access to fresh, nutritious fruit and vegetables every day.
They also offer a source of extra income from the sale of small surpluses.
Although urban and peri-urban horticulture is a reality in most developing cities, it often goes unrecognized in agricultural policies and urban planning. The essential first step towards sustainable management of urban and peri-urban horticulture is the official recognition of its positive role in urban development, particularly in the nutrition and livelihoods of the urban poor.
A study carried out in 2019 by the Dhaka North Community Federation and FAO found that poor households were spending up to half their income on food. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated problems and there are increasing rates of hunger in urban communities. For many of the urban poor,growing their own food has been a lifeline. Promotion of urban gardening by FAO and organizations including BRAC, Proshika, POCAA, and Islamic Relief, has benefited hundreds of vulnerable families in Bangladesh.
