Urban and periurban horticulture in Africa and Asia: characterisation of the systems and issues of sustainability

Randy Thaman

In: UA Magazine No. 13 - Trees and Cities - Growing Together

Pacific Island countries historically have been almost entirely dependent on subsistence and commercial agricultural, wildland and fisheries production in rural areas as the foundation for sustainable development. Today, however, these small-island states are among the most rapidly urbanising areas of the world.

Fernando Neira Orjuela

In: UA Magazine No. 12 - Gender and Urban Agriculture

This article is a synthesis of a doctoral thesis undertaken in San Luis Tlaxialtemalco, a town of the Xochimilco Delegation of the southern zone of Mexico City, with a population of 12,553. Agricultural micro-enterprises have developed around production in greenhouses. This has proved to be a valid strategy for the farming families to generate income, but it has also served to improve the decision-making power and freedom of movement of women, enhancing their autonomy.

Kanhaiya Sapkota

In: UA Magazine No. 12 - Gender and Urban Agriculture

Periurban agriculture has been practiced for a long time in Nepal. While rural agriculture is predominantly subsistence oriented, agriculture in and around the urban areas is more market oriented. In Nepal there is no policy regulating periurban agriculture. Manahara, the low-lying area of Bhaktapur district located in the Kathmandu Valley, is typical for the area. Although suitable for all-seasonal crops, the land is cultivated mainly under intensive horticulture. Located near the major market centres, it is the main source of perishable vegetables for the people in the city, and the farmer can easily access his or her inputs.