Urban Farmers Handbook

In 2008, more than half of the global population, 3.3 billion lived in cities, making our kind, for the first time, Homo urbanus – an urban species. By 2030, 5 billion people will live in cities. Urbanization has its challenges, especially in the developing world. Hunger and malnutrition are marching on our cities. A recent study showed that 44 percent of households in Nairobi were under nourished. In May 2012, the Ministry of Special Programs, distributed 4,800 bags of rice and soya and another 400 tins of cooking oil to poor households Nairobi, where it was estimated that 65% were food insecure. But urbanism also presents a unique opportunity and the developing world is seizing it. In Kenya, the government and residents of Nairobi have passed a law that promotes and regulates agriculture. For the first time in the 115 years since Nairobi was founded as a railway beachhead, agriculture is now recognized as a legitimate land use, just like residential use. This handbook is really about creating an excitement among urban residents on the possibility of providing sufficient food for their families and their community. Examples from other cities, such as Havana and Vancouver are inspiring and demonstrate that urban farmers can nourish cities and make decent living. This handbook draws from and celebrates the courage and obstinate persistence of Francis Wachira, one of Kenya’s most successful urban farmers. Francis a pioneer, leader, a mentor and role model embodies the spirit and promise of a new dawn of urbanization, one that recognizes the vital role of food urban farmers. We all can and must learn from Francis’ leadership.https://ecommons.aku.edu/books/1061/thumbnail.jp