Urban agriculture : an opportunity for environmentally sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Urban agriculture (UA) can play an important role in sustaining sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities. Ranging from informal garden plots to large agribusiness corporations, UA can be an important source of food, fuel, and income. It can also promote natural resource conservation, and in some cases, better living conditions for urban populations, particularly the poor. This paper aims to examine how urban agricultural activities can contribute to sustainable development in SSA and how the Bank can expand its involvement in UA in the future. Chapter 1 discusses the nature and extent of UA world wide, and summarizes UA's role in sustainable development. Subsequent chapters examines urbanization trends in SSA and the nature and extent of urban agricultural activities in SSA (chapter 2). Key factors that constrain UA in Africa's urban and peri-urban areas (chapter 3), how the Bank has addressed UA (chapter 4), and the various means by which the Bank can promote or support UA as part of its strategy for sub-Saharan Africa (chapter 5).