Assessment of Challenges and the Economic Impact of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

Table of Contents

1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background study

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Significance of study

1.4 Main Objective

1.5 Specific Objectives

1.6 Justification

1.7 Scope of work

2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA)

2.2 Historical development and current trends in the world

2.2.1 Current trends of UPA in the United States of America

2.2.2 Current trends of UPA in Europe

2.2.3 Current Trends of UPA In China/Asia

2.2.4 Current Trends of UPA In Ghana/Africa

2.3 Benefits and Challenges of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

2.4 Economic Impact of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

3. CHAPTER THREE: STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Overview of the study area (KNUST Campus)

3.1.1 Crop Farming

3.1.2 Animal Agriculture: Commercial and Non-Commercial Ventures

3.1.3 Farmer’s Profile: Unskilled Labourers And Migrant Workers

3.1.4 Urban Agriculture : the Brunei area (crop farms & fishpond)

3.1.5 Peri-urban agriculture: the Ayiduase rabbit farm

3.1.6 Conclusion

3.2 Data Collection

3.2.1 Data Analysis:

3.3 Expected Outputs:

3.4 Limitations:

4. CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Farm 1

4.2 Farm 2

4.3 Farm 3

4.4 Farm 4

4.5 Farm 5

4.6 Farm 6

4.7 Interpretation of results

4.8 Discussion on the economic impact

4.8.1 Unit allocations to each impact

4.9 Implications for policy and practice

5. CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary of key findings

5.2 Recommendations for future research

5.3 Closing remarks

Research Objectives & Key Themes

The primary aim of this research is to investigate the challenges and economic ramifications of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) within the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus. The study seeks to identify operational hurdles while analyzing the economic impact of these activities on both the university community and the local economy.

• Analysis of UPA challenges including soil quality, water management, and zoning.
• Evaluation of the economic impact of various farm types (crops, livestock, aquaculture).
• Assessment of the sustainability and resilience of urban farming practices.
• Documentation of the socio-economic profile of local farmers.
• Development of recommendations for campus administrators and stakeholders.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: Explains the background, significance, and problem statement of studying urban agriculture within the KNUST environment.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: Provides a comprehensive overview of the global and local trends in UPA, highlighting historical development and contemporary benefits.

CHAPTER THREE: STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY: Details the specific agricultural landscape of KNUST and the mixed-method approach used for site visits, interviews, and data collection.

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Presents a detailed empirical analysis of six select farms, discussing their specific challenges, economic impacts, and comparative performance.

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION: Summarizes the key findings and provides actionable recommendations for future policy and research in UPA.

Keywords

Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA), KNUST, Sustainable Development, Food Security, Economic Impact, Crop Farming, Livestock, Aquaculture, Irrigation Systems, Soil Management, Market Access, Small-scale Farming, Agrochemicals, Climate Resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

This work examines the challenges and economic impact of practicing Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) specifically within the campus environment of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

What are the primary themes discussed?

Key themes include the operational challenges like water access and soil quality, the economic contribution of urban farms through employment and income, and the role of sustainable practices in urban development.

What specific research goal does this study achieve?

The primary goal is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding how UPA initiatives function and contribute to the economic well-being of the KNUST community.

What scientific methodology was utilized?

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from recorded interviews with farmers and site observations with quantitative analysis of agricultural yields and input costs.

What does the main content cover?

The main content describes the characteristics of various farm types on campus, interprets the challenges such as market access and climate factors, and discusses the economic impact on the local farmers.

Which keywords characterize this report?

Essential keywords include UPA,KNUST, sustainable development, food security, economic impact, and farm management practices.

How are the "Masters" and "boys" systems in the farms classified?

These terms represent a hierarchical labor structure prevalent in Ghanaian agriculture, where "Masters" hold institutional seniority and technical knowledge, while "boys" act as hired labor or apprentices.

Why is the proximity to the stream important for farms 2, 3, and 4?

Access to this water source significantly boosts productivity and reduces vulnerability to rainfall fluctuations, giving these farms a comparative economic advantage over others.

What is the role of the Brunei Hostel Fishpond?

It serves as an example of an institutionalized commercial venture that provides employment and demonstrates the potential of aquaculture in urban settings.