Urban Agriculture Experts Advocate Climate-Smart Approaches for Food Security at ACAT 2023

The inaugural edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) was held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 30, 2023, to November 4, 2023, organized by the non-profit Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). The event brought together agricultural researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world to address the pressing issue of agricultural productivity in Africa.

One of the key topics discussed during the conference was the significant role of urban agriculture in enhancing food security. According to Margaret Gill, an emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, urban agriculture can provide fresh, nutritious food to city residents.

To make urban agriculture environmentally friendly, experts recommended practices such as cultivating drought-tolerant plants to reduce irrigation water consumption, a valuable resource in urban areas. They highlighted the critical role of urban agriculture in ensuring food security, dietary diversity, community well-being, and ecological benefits in the face of advancing climate change.

Henry Gordon-Smith, founder and CEO of advisory services and technology firm Agritecture, noted that access to land and unfavorable climate conditions are challenges for urban farming. He introduced hydroponics as a modern agricultural technology that boosts productivity and conserves water, potentially saving up to 90% of water consumed compared to traditional agriculture.

Renalda Bernard Mlay, founder of agricultural company Renie Fresh in Arusha, Tanzania, emphasized that urban agriculture requires efforts to mitigate pollution, address climate change, and efficiently manage water and energy.

Sylvia Horemans, a member of the board of trustees of AATF and CEO of agricultural company Kamano Seed, Zambia, pointed out that urban and peri-urban agriculture is a fundamental strategy for enhancing a city’s food supply. As the majority of the world’s population resides in urban areas, with a significant percentage of food production destined for cities, this form of agriculture plays a vital role in the face of increasing urbanization.

Horemans cited the United Nations’ estimate that by 2050, approximately 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, with significant growth expected in small cities and towns in Africa and Asia. This rapid urbanization places immense pressure on food supply chains, especially when compounded by factors such as climate change and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stable food production, simplified supply chains, and adaptable distribution tools are highlighted as essential for addressing the rising challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and diet-related non-communicable diseases.