Food Production in Urban Areas : A Study of Urban Agriculture in Accra, Ghana

Published in 1999, a thought-provoking study of an important coping mechanism adopted by many urban dwellers, this volume uses theoretical models to study among other things, the characteristics of urban farmers, the official attitude toward urban agriculture, and the influence of social inequality on this practice.

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.