Innovation and knowledge exchange systems for sustainability: The case of urban agriculture in Maputo and Cape Town

“Zero Hunger” is one priority in the global commitment of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One priority is given to urban areas; cities are growing fast but economically highly unequal and access to... [ view full abstract ]

“Zero Hunger” is one priority in the global commitment of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One priority is given to urban areas; cities are growing fast but economically highly unequal and access to safe and healthy food remains challenging for the urban disadvantaged communities, especially in African cities. In Maputo and Cape Town, urban agriculture plays a crucial role, but cultivation methods are far to meet the requirements of being healthy or organic. There are some small initiatives, but still with no broad impact. The aim of this study is to investigate innovation and knowledge exchange systems to identify successful ways to disseminate organic cultivation methods in the cities of Cape Town and Maputo. For this purpose, the Innovation System Approach is applied, in which all stakeholders involved have been analyzed with regard to the innovation process itself, their roles, networks and applied knowledge exchange mechanisms. The study is using an action research approach and is based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the urban farmers and main stakeholders. Ways of Good Agricultural Practices, challenges and constraints of production and commercialization as well as the reasons and motivations for farmers to adopt those practices are analyzed. Results show, that Urban Agriculture can have a potential to contribute to income generation and nutrition security for the urban poor if adopted adequately. Further, farmers with market access and continuous on farm training are more willing to adapt new practices and if networks are in place. These assessment of innovation and knowledge exchange system allows us to identify drivers and barriers for successful dissemination comparing two case studies. Based on the determining factors, an upscaling strategy is being developed and results are transferred to policy makers and urban planners. Considering the vision of making Urban Agriculture more sustainable, this could contribute to urban nutrition security on the one hand, and on the other hand to a more sustainable city in terms of environmental friendly areas with sustainable benefits for the community.

Keywords: Urban Agriculture, Organic Cultivation, Innovation, Dissemination, Sothern Africa