Assessing urban Agriculture in Kampala City and its implications on urban planning.

Abstract

As cities develop and densities increase, there is a reduction in the magnitude of urban green and land for urban agriculture. The urbanites often resort to the use of ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, places that are hard to build on, road reserves, and way leaves among others. The purpose of this study is to assess urban agriculture in Nakawa division in Kampala City. The study is guided by the following objectives; (a) To examine the practices and methods of urban agriculture in Nakawa Division, (b) To examine the urban planning challenges faced in regulating and managing urban agriculture in Nakawa Division, and (c) To propose strategies for fostering urban agriculture in Nakawa Division. Two parishes (Kyanja and Kiwatule) with the highest and most varied types of urban agriculture in Nakawa Division were chosen for more indepth case study exploration. The research utilized both primary and secondary data. The research data was collected through various data collections tools and methods including face to face interviews, questionnaires, direct observation, and document review - review of literature. Findings indicates that urban agriculture in Kampala Capital City is characterized by both subsistence and commercial farming applying intensive methods of production; using and reusing of natural resources and urban wastes. Urban agriculture also promotes food security, health, livelihood, and employment opportunities of the individual households. Urban agriculture in Kampala City is carried out in both on-plot and off-plot method of urban agriculture. Although city authorities have issued ordinances and initiatives to promote urban agriculture in the city, these strategies and initiatives have had minimal effect. Nonetheless, through zoning and bylaws, urban planners can ably promote and incorporate urban agriculture in city plans and programs. As such, the research recommends strategies to foster urban agriculture promotion in the city. These include the promotion of inclusive land use zoning regulations and policies, incorporation of urban agriculture in education and skill-building curriculums, and promotion of modern urban farming models and technologies. These strategies can be adopted by both central and local governments to guide policy formulation and implementation respectively.