A New Crop of Farmers Fight Stereotypes and Food Insecurity in Asian and African Metropoles

Overview

• Author: Anmol Irfan
• Illustration: Maryna Natkhir
• Big cities in South Africa, Pakistan, and Indonesia see a rise in independent urban farming.
• Aimed at challenging stereotypes and addressing food insecurity with sustainable methods.

Sustainable Urban Farming in Cape Town

• Over 3,000 micro farmers in Cape Town grow and sell organic produce.
• Supported by Abalimi Bezhakaya, promoting sustainable urban farming.
• Founded in 1982 during apartheid to empower economically vulnerable communities.
• Focus on unemployed women and marginalized groups.

Global South and Sustainable Farming

• Rise of sustainable urban farming in Indonesia and Pakistan.
• Addresses systemic inequalities and colonial legacies.
• Challenges include limited land and resources.

Food Production and Economic Disparities

• Rob Small: Co-founder of Abalimi Bezhakaya
• States food availability isn't the problem, but access and affordability are.
• Advocates for returning control of food to local communities.

Scaling Challenges and Stereotypes

• Pakistan: Faces economic disparities and stereotypes about farming.
• Indonesia: Efforts like Rad Farm face production limits while maintaining sustainability.
• Rwanda: Education initiatives to change perceptions of agriculture.

Case Studies

• Mini Hectares in Lahore, Pakistan by Asad Mamdot
  • Started as a backyard project, focusing on leafy greens and microgreens.
  • Sustainable practices: using less water and renewable energy.
• Rad Farm in South Tangerang City, Indonesia
  • Challenges in meeting demand while sticking to sustainable practices.
  • Emphasizes the importance of awareness and new agricultural techniques.

Need for Systemic Change

• Collaboration is key across different initiatives and regions.
• Elie Mugisha: Promotes agricultural education in Rwanda.
• Rob Small: Notes significant positive changes in the last few decades.
• Urges systemic change from governments to support sustainable farming.

Conclusion

• Urban farming initiatives are pivotal in empowering communities and challenging stereotypes.
• Despite challenges, there's potential for significant impact with the right support and education.

About the Author

• Anmol Irfan: Muslim-Pakistani freelance journalist focusing on marginalized narratives.

Related Topics

• Discussions on sustainable energy and deep sea mining in the Global South.