Urban agriculture is a growing trend that includes community gardens, rooftop farms, and innovative systems like hydroponics. It plays a vital role in building sustainable cities. These farming initiatives boost local food supply, create jobs, and bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
Despite these benefits, many young people in Africa are hesitant to pursue careers in agriculture. Studies from countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria reveal that youth aged 15 to 34 view farming as hard work, low-paying, and not prestigious. Limited access to land, capital, and skills further discourages them.
South Africa stands out with about 24% of its youth engaged in farming, which is higher than many other sub-Saharan countries. However, this number could be even greater if young people understood the rewards of a career in agriculture and received proper support.
In a recent study, I focused on youth-led urban farming in Khayelitsha, a vibrant community near Cape Town where most residents are low-income earners. The young farmers I spoke with are using community gardens to grow not only food but also social ties and economic opportunities.
These gardens serve as a powerful tool to address urban challenges. They create spaces for learning and collaboration, educating the community on important issues like nutrition and sustainability. It’s crucial for policymakers to recognize the value of these initiatives and support their efforts.
Khayelitsha is home to about 400,000 residents, many of whom face economic struggles. In my research, I interviewed members from two youth-led gardens. One was founded in early 2020 to tackle unemployment and food insecurity, while the other has been active since 2014, inspired by a love for gardening among friends.
Both groups focus on food justice, aiming to make healthy food accessible to all. One garden manages around 30 beds, producing vegetables like carrots, spinach, and lettuce. They’ve donated 30% of their harvest to local community centers while selling the rest to support their activities, collaborating with local restaurants and schools.
The other garden is located on land belonging to an early childhood development center and similarly focuses on feeding the community and advocating for food justice.
These gardens equip members with vital skills, from sustainable farming techniques to marketing. This practical experience fosters responsibility and prepares them for future careers. One founder described how learning these skills motivated him to seek help from his community rather than waiting for external support.
Building social connections has been crucial. Strong networks help these young farmers connect with local organizations and mobilize resources, such as land for growing. They host workshops to educate the public about healthy living and sustainable practices, creating safe community spaces in the process.
Collaboration plays a big role in their success. The second garden partners with global groups like the Slow Food Youth Network, tapping into a wealth of sustainable farming knowledge.
My research emphasizes the need for more support for youth-driven urban agriculture. With proper policy and financial backing, these initiatives can grow. This would not only increase the food supply in communities but also create jobs and empower many young people.
Governments could prioritize access to land for urban farming, especially in underserved areas. By making space for these projects in urban planning, cities can encourage youth initiatives. Educational programs highlighting the value of sustainable agriculture would also be beneficial.
Continued collaboration with national and international food networks can further strengthen these initiatives, helping to build a robust future for youth in agriculture.
