literature essay
RESEARCH 5
Proposal and Outline
Research project outline: Effects of urbanization on farming activities
Literature Review
Over the years, urbanization has posed a danger to the sustainability of agriculture especially in rural areas. A majority of the population especially the youth are disconnected regarding agriculture. Currently supermarkets, farm markets and grocery stores are the main food sources for urban dwellers, sometimes lacking in fresh produce. In developed countries like United States, there have been emerging trends in land use due to rural to urban migration(Winfield,1973).Cross culturally, numerous Sub-Saharan countries have witnessed rapid urbanization ( Hove et al., 2013). “Sustainability of agriculture is challenged by increasing sprawl in urban agglomerations” (Guastella & Pareglio, 2014, pg.291).Matushke (2009) argues, “more food will be demanded by a population of net food buyers; and food demand will have to be met by rural and peri-urban areas and /or by food imports” (pg.5). Eventually, food insecurity will be higher in urban than in rural areas (Szabo, 2015).Furthermore, urbanization triggers high demand for agricultural products due to rise in urban populations and diet changes (Satterthwaite et al., 2010).On a positive note, urbanization provides farmers with new market for more valuable crops (Wu, n.d).In support of this view, urban dwellers are increasingly demanding a wide range of superior quality animal produce and processed foods (Regmi, 2014). In terms of finding a solution, Stewart et al. (2013) explains that urban agriculture has been suggested to minimize food security issues among urban populations. The Thematic Group (2013) advise that, “Healthier diets and less food loss and waste must be integral components of future sustainable food systems” (pg.14).
Purpose
This topic is important as it is relevant to the ever changing trends of the agricultural industry. The world’s populations and the environment play a key role in agriculture which assures food security. This research topic therefore contributes by illuminating on urban population movements and how they impact farming activities and food access.
Research topic contribution
This research project is relevant in further expanding knowledge in understanding the relevant trends of farming on smaller and larger scales. It will further cement understanding of how urbanization is an important variable to agricultural sustainability. It will also highlight credible literature of research done in this topic regarding agriculture.
References
Guastello, G., & Paraglio, S. (2014). Urban Systems, Urbanization Dynamics and Land Use in Italy: Evidence from a Spatial Analysis. Current Urban Studies, 2, pp.291-297.
Hove, M., Ngwerume, E.T., &Muchemwa, C. (2013). The Urban Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Threat to Human Security and Sustainable Development Stability. International Journal of Security and Development, 2(1), Part 7
Matushke, I. (2009).Rapid Urbanization and food security: Using food density maps to identify future food security hot spots. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_uload/esag/docs/RapidUrbanizationFoodSecurity.pdf
Regmi, A. (2014). The push-pull effects of urbanization on agriculture. Retrieved from http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/the-push-pull-effects-of-urbanization-on-agriculture/
Stewart,R.,Korth,M.,Langer,L.,Rafferty,S.,Silva,N.R.,& Van Rooyen,C.(2013). What are the impacts of urban agriculture programs on food security in low and middle-income countries? Environmental Evidence, 2(7)
Satterthwaite, D., McGranahan, G., & Tacoli, C. (2010). Urbanization and its implications for food and farming. Philosophical Transactions, 365(1), pp.2809-2820
Szabo, S. (2015). Urbanization and Food Insecurity Risks: Assessing the Role of Human Development. Oxford Development Studies, 44(1), pp. 28-48
The Thematic Group. (2013).Technical Report for the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Food systems. Retrieved from http://unsdsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/130919-TG07-Agriculture-Report-WEB.pdf
Wu, J. (n.d). Choices Magazine. Land Use Changes: Economic, Social, and Environmental Impacts. Retrieved from http://www.choicesmagazine.org/magazine/article.php?article=49
Winfield, G.F. (1973). The Impact of Urbanization on Agricultural Processes. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 405(1), pp.65-74
