ABSTRACT

Rapid urban growth due to unprecedented rural–urban migration is putting pressure on urban food systems. The general impression is that households engaged in urban agriculture experience improved nutritional status, higher health standards and provide towards income and employment. However, empirical research findings are limited and inconsistent. This study provides empirical knowledge on the urban agriculture–food security nexus. Data was gathered from a sample of 220 households comprising of those with small household (backyard) garden projects funded by the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, South Africa, and a control group. Propensity score matching was used to determine the contribution of urban agriculture to household food security. The findings indicated that households engaged in urban agriculture were benefiting from dietary diversity and the generation of income through the production of various food products. There was, however, no indication of a significant positive contribution of urban agriculture towards food security.

摘要

由于前所未有的城乡人口迁移，城市快速增长正在给城市粮食系统带来压力。总体印象是从事都市农业的家庭营养状况有所改善，健康标准有所提高，并提供收入和就业。然而，实证研究结果有限且不一致。本研究提供了关于都市农业与粮食安全关系的经验知识。数据来自 220 个家庭的样本，其中包括由南非西开普省农业部资助的小型家庭（后院）花园项目和一个对照组。倾向得分匹配用于确定都市农业对家庭粮食安全的贡献。调查结果表明，从事都市农业的家庭受益于饮食多样性和通过生产各种食品产生的收入。然而，没有迹象表明都市农业对粮食安全做出了重大的积极贡献。