Urban agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation: the case of Buffalo City, South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Urban agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation: the case of Buffalo City, South Africa
Author:	Phiri, Christopher
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	23
Issue:	1
Pages:	111-138
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	urban agriculture urban poverty poverty reduction townships
Abstract:	In South Africa, many urban poor practise urban agriculture to alleviate their poverty. Within the context of the livelihoods framework, this paper explores the extent to which the urban poor in the townships of Mdantsane, Duncan Village and Potsdam (Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa) are benefiting from participation in urban agriculture. It outlines the dynamics of urban agriculture and the challenges encountered by the urban poor involved in urban agriculture in the former black townships. The paper also explores the manner in which South Africa's post-apartheid government as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are supporting efforts at alleviation of urban poverty through urban agriculture. The paper finds that both men and women participate in urban farming in Buffalo City, and are reaping the rewards of their endeavours. The paper recommends increased participation of the urban poor in agriculture and the creation of more space for the urban poor to practise urban farming in their struggle to alleviate poverty. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]