The vital role of youth in urban farming

Agriculture in major towns across the country is steadily taking shape, driven by initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability in food production.
Beyond providing a source of livelihoods to many families, it positions city dwellers to achieve food security.

Urban agriculture also contributes to the economic growth of urban centres, particularly through youth- led enterprises across the agricultural value chain, that include activities such as apiculture, aquaculture and horticulture.

Outline some of the pressing challenges that youths face today in their pursuit to invest in agriculture.

Globally, the youth population now exceeds one billion people aged between 15 and 24 years.

A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that young people in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South-Central Asia, and Southeast Asia rely heavily on agriculture as their primary source of income.

In the Kenyan context, however, young people face limited economic opportunities due to high rate of unemployment and inadequate access to jobs, land, skills and start-up capital.

A significant number lack practical agribusiness knowledge, modern farming equipment, and reliable market linkages opportunities, limiting their ability to engage meaningfully in agriculture.

These challenges, coupled with low exposure to mentorship and innovation, leave many of them vulnerable to poverty, idleness and negative social influences, often leading some into engagement of vices.

What are some of the game changing forms of Urban Farming?

Urban farming encompasses a wide range of practices. These include multi-storey gardens, which are popular among major towns usually used for cultivating vegetables and herbs.

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The vertical structures utilize limited space and resources, with crops arranged in stacked layers. Other forms of urban farming include sack mounds, hydroponics, hanging gardens, rooftop farming and community gardens.

Apart from diversifying food sources in cities, what are some of the practical advantages that a farmer is likely to encounter?

Urban farming offers numerous benefits. It allows for efficient use of space, leading to increased yields, improved soil structure and enhanced water retention capacity.

Weed and pest infestations are minimal, tillage is made easier and the structures used are durable, affordable and made from readily available materials.

The practice offers advantages across environmental, economic, social, and health dimensions. One of the most notable benefits is the reduction of food miles, which shortens supply chains and significantly lowers transportation-related emissions. This contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, lower pollution levels and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban agriculture also helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in soil and vegetation, improving air quality, and regulating urban temperatures through green spaces.

Water use is minimal, with farmers able to install sensor-based irrigation valves to regulate water application at the plant level.

Farm management is relatively easy, particularly in areas experiencing labour shortages, making urban farming attractive to young people. Soil fertility can also be easily maintained through controlled pest and disease management.

How is the practice a significant contributor in reducing Post-Harvest Losses?

Urban farming plays a key role in reducing post-harvest losses, especially among smallholder farmers. In urban areas, farmers can easily access improved storage facilities such as cold chains, appropriate packaging and modern monitoring and sensing technologies.

it enables the production of fresh yields in small spaces using minimal resources. This supports both subsistence and commercial production while minimizing input costs and farming operations, ultimately maximizing output and reducing losses.

Which avenues are you using to reach the Youths, Women and marginalized groups?

To reach youths, women, and marginalized groups venturing into agriculture, Greenhouse Bomba Farms engages in training and workshops through organizations such as the Shared Futures Project under the economic empowerment program implemented by Jamii Action Centre (JAC).

The farm also participates in annual agricultural shows where farmers showcase innovations in urban farming. Community engagements, including initiatives such as City Shamba Urban Farming Kenya, and the use of online platforms further help in sharing knowledge and innovations.

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For Education impact we also use Farmers Field Days that provide opportunities to learn and experience the advancement of technology on new ways of production.

These events are crucial for enhancing farmers' knowledge and skills, ultimately contributing to better agricultural outcomes.

How are you advocating for Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategies?

To promote sustainable, climate-smart agriculture, the farm employs Zai pits technology, a traditional method involving hollow depressions used for water harvesting.

This cultivation method, commonly used in West African countries, helps replenish soil nutrients and rehabilitate degraded land.

Farmers are also advised to use certified or clean seeds from approved breeders in line with established guidelines, ensuring healthy crops and improved yields at the end of each season.

Vital lessons learnt?

Urban farming has proven to be a reliable source of fresh, organically grown produce that promotes healthy living. Commercial urban farming offers a consistent income, as produce fetches competitive market prices.

Additionally, it provides an environmentally friendly and holistic approach to addressing climate change.

Despite these benefits, urban farmers continue to face challenges, particularly in scaling up operations and accessing adequate resources.

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