Kenya: Urban farming viable solution in hunger fight
Rapid urbanisation has led to high population density in urban areas. Rural-urban migration strains food distribution systems, causing challenges to adequate access to nutritious food.
By Davis Basweti Ombane
Nation
June 27, 2023
Excerpt:
Hunger and malnutrition are persistent challenges to millions of people, particularly urban dwellers. Nearly one in five Kenyans often sleep hungry, despite remarkable results from hunger and safety net programmes meant to achieve the SDG on zero hunger.
By 2025, over half of Kenyans will live in urban areas. As the global population grows, urbanisation escalates and traditional agricultural practices face obstacles. The concept of urban farming is thus a viable solution.
Cultivation of crops and raising of livestock in urban and peri-urban environments is a right step towards a hunger-free world by 2030.
Rapid urbanisation has led to high population density in urban areas. Rural-urban migration strains food distribution systems, causing challenges to adequate access to nutritious food.
Urban farming provides a localised approach to food production, reducing dependence on distant rural sources and offering a means to secure supplies.
One advantage is effective utilisation of limited space. Urban areas face land constraints, heavy reliance on food imports. Vertical gardens, rooftop farms, community gardens and hydroponics maximise space, enabling cultivation of a wide variety of crops.
This promotes food security but also enhances biodiversity and reduces the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and storage of food.
