Urban Agriculture: A Sustainability Assessment

This book concentrates on the examination of existing agricultural systems in the city of Mzuzu in Malawi. The book connects onsite investigations and a review of related works. It further looks at the contemporary agricultural practices and comments on their socioeconomic and biophysical negative impacts. It examines the dependence of farmers on a system that continuously drains the little money they have as well as continuously degrading the natural environment, decreasing productivity and affecting their food security and subsistence. The book also discusses the ecological importance of dambos and the services they provide. It also comments on how keeping their integrity intact and using sustainable agricultural practices are in the best interest of the farmers and those surrounding the dambos. The final chapter discusses the potential benefits and challenges of drip kit irrigation technology. However, the first chapter gives an overview of Malawi Agriculture Policies since independence to show the reader that the policies have tended to favour the estate sub-sector more than small-holder sub-sector both in rural and urban areas.

Autorentext

Golden Msilimba holds a PHD from the University of Free State, South Africa. He is a lecturer in Earth Sciences (Geomorphology, Hydrology and Water Resources Management) and Coordinator of the Water Resources Management and Development Programme at Mzuzu University, Malawi. His research interests include landslides and IWRM.