Governing Urban Food Systems in Secondary Cities: Contestations and Struggles from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

Food is a critical basic human need affecting different urban life facets. Its contribution to urban health cannot be understated, especially considering food quality. Food access is also a measure of poverty levels, and this is a critical indicator that relates to sustainable development goal (SDG) 1. Overall, the availability of food in cities is vital and links to SDG 11, which focuses on the livability of human settlements. However, planners seem to pay little attention to food systems in cities, despite their importance. The chapter examines how urban governance in secondary cities relates to food systems. Using Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, as a case study, we analyze how urban governance in this secondary city impacts food systems. This analysis focused on the interrogation of the governance of food production systems, which include urban agriculture within and on the edges of Chitungwiza. This interrogation is especially important considering how residential development in Chitungwiza has been encroaching into the communal lands on the periphery of the city. These areas, such as Seke, have been vibrant hubs of horticultural production. A qualitative approach guides this chapter, where mapping, surveys, and interviews have been triangulated with secondary data sources to enhance our findings.