URBAN agriculture encompasses various forms, including community, school, rooftop gardens, commercial urban farms, and hydroponic or aquaponic systems. These initiatives promote sustainable cities by enhancing local food security, fostering economic opportunities through small-scale farming, and strengthening social cohesion via shared spaces for collaboration and learning.
However, evidence from several African countries indicates that few young people are engaging in agriculture, whether in urban, peri-urban, or rural areas. Studies from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria show that individuals aged 15 to 34 have little interest in agriculture as an educational pathway or career, perceiving it as physically demanding, low-paying, and lacking prestige. Systemic barriers, including limited access to land, capital, and skills, further hinder their involvement. In South Africa, 24% of young people engage in farming, a higher rate than in…
