In the face of rapid urbanization and the pressing challenges of climate change, innovative approaches to design are essential for creating sustainable urban environments. Amos Alao, President of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) and Secretary-General of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Africa Region (IFLA Africa), offers a compelling perspective on the importance of Afro-centric design principles. He emphasizes the need to develop solutions that resonate with local cultures and landscapes while addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigeria’s urban areas. This vision serves as a guiding framework for exploring the transformative potential of urban farming—an initiative that not only enhances food security but also contributes to the resilience of our cities in a changing climate.
In Nigeria, urbanization has become synonymous with the struggle for adequate housing, but as cities expand, the issue of food scarcity is emerging as a pressing concern. The rapid urban growth, coupled with insecurity in rural areas, has led to a decline in food production and availability. It’s time for real estate developers to rethink their strategies and embrace a new narrative that prioritizes urban farming alongside residential development.
A Changing Landscape
For decades, urban estates in Nigeria have been designed with a focus on housing—glossy, modern homes often built on plots that remain vacant due to various economic challenges. Instead of leaving these spaces abandoned or underutilized, developers should consider transforming them into productive farmlands at a cost and with parameters.
Recalling the 1970s and 80s, many households had backyard gardens filled with vegetables, maize, groundnuts, and other staple foods. This practice not only provided fresh produce but also fostered a sense of community and self-sufficiency. In today’s context, urban farming can revive this tradition, contributing to food security in urban areas while maximizing land use.
The Benefits of Urban Farming
Integrating urban farming into estate development offers numerous benefits:
1. Food Security: Urban farming can help mitigate food scarcity by providing fresh produce directly within city limits, reducing dependence on rural farms.
2. Community Resilience: By fostering a culture of gardening and farming, communities can become more self-reliant, encouraging collaboration among residents and enhancing social cohesion.
3. Environmental Impact: Urban farms can improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and promote biodiversity, making cities more sustainable.
4. Economic Opportunities: Developing urban agriculture can create jobs in farming, distribution, and retail, supporting local economies.
5. Educational Initiatives: Urban farms can serve as educational spaces where residents, especially children, learn about agriculture, nutrition, climate change adaparation/mitigation and sustainability.
Collaborating for Change
To effectively implement this shift, estate developers must collaborate with relevant institutions. A partnership with the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors (NIESV), the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS), and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) could establish a think tank dedicated to promoting urban farming within estate layouts.
This collaboration could develop guidelines for integrating urban agriculture into urban planning. Landscape architecture can play a pivotal role in this transition, offering innovative solutions to design functional and aesthetically pleasing urban farms. By utilizing principles of sustainable design, landscape architects can create productive green spaces that enhance the urban landscape while addressing the food crisis.
A New Paradigm
The current paradigm of housing development must evolve. As estate developers face increasing economic variables that make luxurious housing projects challenging to complete, the focus should shift towards creating sustainable communities that prioritize food production and also help to mitigate impacts of climate change.
Urban farming presents a viable solution, offering a dual benefit: addressing the urgent need for food while maximizing land use in urban settings. By embracing this approach, developers can not only respond to the pressing issues of food scarcity but also foster vibrant, resilient communities.
In conclusion, the integration of urban farming within estate development is not just an innovative idea; it is a necessity in the face of Nigeria’s growing urban challenges. By reimagining how we utilize our land, we can build a future that nourishes both the body and the community, bridging the gap between housing and food security through thoughtful landscape architecture practices.
