Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture

The rapid urbanization in all regions has resulted in an increased demand particularly for fresh fruit and vegetables. Horticulture, within and around cities, has been an expanding activity for many of the unskilled migrants, women and youth. Home gardening on small plots, roadsides, terraces and patios has been undertaken to feed the family and also to sell through street vendors. Small and medium-size market gardens have specialized in commercial production of vegetables, fruits and root crops for sale in cities. However, in most cases, city farming initiatives lack supervision and guidance and are expanding in a haphazard fashion, with farmers squatting on any available piece of land. Moreover, the uncontrolled use of agro-chemicals and doubtful water has, on many occasions, led to public health problems.

FAO assists Member Countries in expanding and diversifying urban and peri-urban production systems, while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and adequate decision-support mechanisms. The objective is to establish a comprehensive knowledge base on horticultural crops, including under-utilized and lesser known crops, and on horticulture based on year-round availability of fresh produce and intensive production technologies that enable efficient use of limited land and water resources.

• Stratégie de formation et d'insertion de jeunes dans le secteur agricole et rural (TCP)
  
• Edible Mushroom Cultivation (TCP)
  

SEE PROJECT EXAMPLE:

• Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms in Y Province (TCP)
  

• Crop and Grassland Service
  
• Agriculture 21
  
• Food and Nutrition
  
• Agricultural Support Systems Division
  
• Gender and Food Security
  
• Rural Youth
  
• TeleFood Special Fund (TSF):
  TSF Normative Frameworks and Project Examples