Urban Agriculture as an authentic urban land use in Kenya: A case study of Komarock estate

Abstract

Urban Agriculture (UA) is one of the ways that residents in the urban areas employ as a means to complement their food supply. UA is a common phenomenon within and around the urban areas in Kenya and other countries. The problem addressed in this study is that the practice has not been recognized as an urban land use in Kenya. There is no specific policy governing the practice therefore it continues to expand without any regulation. This study investigates UA as an urban land use in Kenya. In this regard, the study established the various benefits and contribution UA has on the people who practice it, the society and the environment. It also looks at the possible measures that can be taken to achieve sustainable UA practices. The study also analysed two UA policies from South Africa and Zambia as best practices. The study was conducted in Infill B section of Komarock Estate where 80 households were sampled. In an attempt interrogate the policy framework guiding UA, 6 Government policy makers. The study found out that though a majority of the households practice UA, it has not yet been recognized as a legal urban land use in Kenya