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The Place of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) in National FOOD Security Programmes

Year of publication 2011

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Category Technical book

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is an important component of FAO’s Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS). UPA is a spontaneous response to the increased demand for food linked to urban population expansion, which is more pronounced in developing countries as a result of high birth rates and immigration from rural areas. The rate of population growth is linked to the fast expansion of urban slum areas, with high levels of unemployment, food insecurity and malnutrition. Such rapid urba nization engendering the harsh reality of urban poverty requires adapted strategies to ensure adequate access to food for all in a context of escalating levels of urban food insecurity together with its adverse health and social consequences. During the last 15 years, FAO has gained considerable experience in a wide range of countries in several continents in the application of UPA technologies under the SPFS. This paper was compiled to capitalize on the lessons learned and to illustrate how UPA has become a key component of the SPFS, targeting improved food security and diet diversification of the urban poor. The paper recalls the current reality of the urbanization process and addresses the opportunities and constraints of UPA as a means to improving access to fresh and high quality food products for the urban poor thereby contributing to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 1. A review is made of selected FAO field interventions and sample success stories. On the basis of the experience gained to date, a framework for the formulation of a UPA support strategy is proposed based on key issues to be addressed by central and local government authorities.

Language English

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