Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is gaining traction as a solution to the challenges of rapid urbanisation. This was the focus of the 13th PiLAF Brown Bag Series, where Trent Dilka, a Fulbright researcher at the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF), presented his preliminary findings on “Situational Analysis of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria.” Held on Thursday, 12th December 2024, this event provided valuable insights into the potential and challenges of UPA in one of Nigeria’s rapidly urbanising cities, Oyo State.
Who is Trent Dilka?
Trent holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University, graduating in 2021. Since joining PiLAF in April 2024, he has been exploring the dynamics of UPA in Ibadan, blending qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to deliver robust findings.
The Promise of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture
As cities like Ibadan expand rapidly, they encounter a host of challenges, including food insecurity, unemployment, and environmental degradation. Trent emphasised the transformative role of UPA in addressing these issues. Defined as all crop production and animal-rearing activities within urban and peri-urban areas, UPA spans activities such as backyard poultry farming, vegetable gardening in soil bags, aquaculture, and multi-acre farms.
His research revealed that about 59% of his respondents engage in UPA for various reasons:
- Increasing food availability
- Finding personal fulfilment or joy
- Generating additional income
- Gifting produce to others
- Improving mental and physical health
Notably, Trent observed the cultural significance of gifting food as a unique aspect of UPA in Nigeria, reflecting the deep-rooted values of generosity and community.
Challenges Facing Urban Agriculture
Despite its benefits, UPA practitioners face significant hurdles, including:
- Limited access to credit or funds
- Theft and pilfering
- Inadequate access to land
- Pest and predator issues
- Adverse weather conditions
These challenges underline the need for policy interventions to support urban farmers and mitigate these barriers.
A Holistic Analysis
Trent’s research included a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) factors, providing a comprehensive and holistic understanding of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. This comprehensive approach provided a deeper understanding of UPA in Ibadan and its potential as a tool for sustainable urban development.
The Road Ahead
The insights from this research will culminate in a published report, offering actionable policy recommendations to support and scale UPA initiatives in Ibadan and beyond. These findings hold promise for improving food systems, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the resilience of urban environments.
Conclusion
The presentation resonated strongly with attendees, who commended Trent’s structured methodology and his skill in situating the findings within the unique socio-cultural context of Nigeria. Reflecting on his journey, Trent shared that the research has been profoundly enlightening, both professionally and personally, as it has deepened his understanding of urban agriculture while helping him adapt to life in Nigeria.