In: UA Magazine 8 - Wastewater Reuse in Urban Agriculture
The study presented here on urban agriculture is part of a broader research project on livelihood activities of smallholder and landless households who practice agriculture in urban, periurban and rural areas along the Musi river in Andhra Pradesh state, India. Wastewater is a major source of livelihood for households practicing agriculture along this river in the urban areas of Hyderabad city. The study reveals that in addition to the farmers, a chain of other economic beneficiaries both direct and indirect, of urban agriculture exist. Gender, age, caste and class determine what types of wastewater-dependent activities they are involved in. Due to certain State laws, urban agriculture is not a secure source of income for these families. There is an urgent need for the local government to recognize the importance of wastewater and support urban agriculture. This will not only secure the livelihoods of these households but also help maintain the micro environment of the city.