Institutional responses to decentralization, urban poverty, food shortages and urban agriculture – South Africa and Zambia

Ma Chaba and Ma Phillipina is two of six elders who started this garden next to the Phillipi Municipal building, Cape Town. They receive training and ongoing support from Abalimi, and regularly supply the Harvest of Hope box scheme with fresh organic veggies. Photo by konsciousimages. Larger image here.

Determining the features of urban agriculture, the current poverty response policies that are in place in the Southern African countries of South Africa and Zambia

By Nel, E.; Hampwaye, G.; Thornton, A.; Rogerson, C.M and Marais, L.
Global Development Network (GDN) Working Paper Series
2009, Africa

Urban agriculture (UA) has not always received adequate recognition in respect of institutional acceptance. In addition, institutional acceptance has often not been followed by proactive policy approaches. At the same time, decentralization in both South Africa and Zambia has resulted in a larger degree of local decision-making powers. This report evaluates said responses from eight case studies (four from Zambia and South Africa each) against the existing literature and policy frameworks.

The case studies reveal that the institutional response of decentralised government systems is mixed and that, while there has largely been institutional acceptance, proactive responses do however remain limited. In cases where institutional responses have been available, basic evidence from M&E nevertheless remains weak. Amongst the most important lessons are the role of supportive policy frameworks, the importance of access to land, the legal status of urban agriculture in Zambia, the role of extension services, partnerships, NGOs and support to women. Market access to markets, technical support and the financial constraints of local authorities to support UA also receive mention.

The complete paper can be read here. On the web page, click ‘Read This Document’ and then ‘Download Full Text’.