Routledge Food Production in Urban Areas: A Study of Urban Agriculture in Accra, Ghana (Routledge Revivals)

Published in 1999, this book explores the emergence of contemporary urban agriculture as well as official attitudes toward this practice. Using three theoretical models, the author tells us who is more likely to be involved in urban agriculture. In line with this, he explains why, contrary to expectations, in Ghana there are more males than females involved in urban agriculture. The author also addresses issues such as the influence of social inequality and the effects of social networks on urban agriculture. Furthermore, he identifies the problems urban cultivators encounter as city farmers and how they cope with such problems. Finally, the author predicts the future trend in urban agriculture. This thought-provoking book will be of interest not only to public policy makers and planners, but also to students and teachers of African studies, urban studies, and sociology. Review ’All those who seek a deeper understanding of the practices, motives, problems and policy implications of urban agriculture - a growing part of the informal sector in sub-Saharan Africa - will find this book illuminating. The lessons to be learned from this study of food production in Accra apply to a host of other cities in the developing world, and thus the book has broader relevance and value for all urban analysts, development planners and policy makers concerned with alleviating poverty.’ Professor D.B. Freeman, York University, Canada 'This book fills a significant gap in studies on Accra and urban agriculture in West Africa generally...Obosu-Mensah has opened up a little-researched area of Ghanaian studies. Both specialists and non-specialists will find the book very illuminating and well worth reading.' African Studies Review