Urban Agriculture as a Catalyst for Food Security and Sustainability in Ghana's Rapidly Urbanizing Cities

Abstract

Urban agriculture is gaining global recognition as a strategic response to rising urban food insecurity, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic vulnerability. This study critically assesses the role of urban agriculture in enhancing food security and promoting sustainability within Ghanaian cities, where rapid urbanization continues to strain food systems and livelihoods. The paper employed a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles, empirical studies, and policy documents published between 2000 and 2024. The paper identifies and synthesizes evidence across key thematic areas: food availability and access, dietary diversity and nutrition, household income, resilience during crises, and environmental and economic sustainability. Findings reveal that urban agriculture makes a significant contribution to food security by improving access to fresh produce, enhancing household nutrition, and increasing income, particularly among women and informal workers. Urban agriculture bolsters environmental sustainability through waste recycling, urban greening, and climate resilience. However, challenges such as land tenure insecurity, unsafe irrigation practices, weak institutional support, and limited policy integration persist. The study concludes that urban agriculture is a viable tool for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 11, and 13) in Ghanaian cities. It recommends integrating urban agriculture into urban planning, securing land rights for farmers, improving irrigation safety, enhancing financial and technical support, and institutionalizing it through multi-sectoral collaboration. Urban agriculture should be recognized not as a transitional activity but as a permanent, strategic component of Ghana's urban development framework.