ECOSOLA - Ecosystem-Based Solutions for Resilient Urban Agriculture in Africa

ECOSOLA is a collaborative project between the University of Oldenburg, the Planungsgruppe Grün in Bremen, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

The aim of the project is to explore the current role and future potential of small-scale urban and sub-urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam and the Western Cape region. The project intends to strengthen urban and peri-urban agriculture in Tanzania and South Africa in the long term. At the same time, the food supply for urban dwellers will improved and the efficiency of important ecosystem functions in fast growing cities will be ensured. Together with local stakeholders, the project seeks to develop and test concrete solutions on the ground. Furthermore, the institutional framework conditions of urban agriculture will be analyzed so that recommendations can be given to local authorities.

Follow this link to get to the website of the project.

The rapidly advancing urbanization in many areas of sub-Saharan Africa poses problems for the affected societies. Planning authorities cannot keep pace with the rapid developments. The results are growing poverty and unemployment, insufficient food supply, inadequate infrastructure and informal settlements. The first generation of settlers in newly emerging urban districts has a small-scale farming background and can establish agriculture as an important source of income in the urban areas. Urban agriculture has the potential to counteract poverty and food shortages in the cities. Despite these promising opportunities, small-scale farmers in urban and peri-urban areas of Africa face numerous challenges. These include uncertain or unclear land use rights, the lack of political acceptance, and the pollution of soil, water and air, inadequate water supply.