Urban farming
Urban farming refers to the growing, processing and distribution of food crops and animal products by and for the local community- within urban setting.
As urban population rapidly increase in Uganda food insecurity and malnutrition remain major developmental threat in Uganda and globally at large. In urban centers, people mostly rely on purchasing food, instead of utilizing their small land space to grow their own. This increases the high incidences of poverty resulting from the rising costs of living in towns and cities. Meaning that many households are unable to afford the daily food they need to live healthy.
Urban agriculture can be a carrying vehicle of development change for communities and can be a sustainable solution to provide the urban poor with food safety in times of crisis, improve food security and dietary diversity
Urban farming plays a crucial role in food security, human health and overall household livelihoods. Urban farming technology is increasingly being promoted in Uganda owing to shortage of farm land and intensive farming requirements. Urban farming is important for food production which doubles as an important source of balanced diet and additional incomes at households.
Urban farming has come up as an alternative to produce enough dietary food which improves the livelihoods of the people and increase incomes. This method of growing food crops requires small space, pocket friendly, low labour intensive and ensures food security. Therefore, all citizens should be encouraged to practice it in their home.
Benefits of Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture provide several social and environmental benefits including; developing local food system, contributing to food security, promoting economic development, dietary diversity, urban- greening, increase incomes for vulnerable groups and household resilience, strengthening social integration and improving urban biodiversity and environmental healthy.
