Sustaining livelihoods under a changing climate : the case of urban agriculture in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

The deterioration of national and local economies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), many in the urban areas are increasingly resorting to a wide range of informal sector activities to alleviate food insecurity and generate household income. of greta importance urban agriculture (UA), which is used both as a source of basic foodstuffs and income generation to enable access to a wide range of goods and services. These may include health care, education, clothing, food and housing. Despite its significance and contribution to the urban household food basket, UA in many SSA cities has not been integrated into urban development and planning policy. In addition to the absence of a supportive local government policy, over the last two decades UA has come under increasing pressure from extreme weather related events such as droughts and flooding. Drawing upon recent field-based research in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, the paper examines the relationships between UA and extreme weather conditions, and the impact on the livelihoodoptions of urban poor. The research has relevance in the context of evolving strategies for achieving sustainable urban livelihoods, poverty reduction and food security not only in sub-Saharan Africa , but other developing countries as well.