From Margins to Mainstream: Integrating Urban Agriculture into Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Urban Planning in Ghana
摘要
Rapid urbanization and climate change worsen food insecurity and environmental stress in many cities of the Global South. In Ghana, a dual land tenure system complicates planning and access to land, especially in periurban areas. Urban agriculture (UA), often regarded as a climate adaptation measure, remains informal mainly and is rarely included in national strategies. This chapter introduces strategies for integrating UA into Ghana’s spatial planning as a climate-resilient approach to improving food security. A review based on pieces of legislation, policy analysis, and data from research across seven Ghanaian cities illustrates the links between climate adaptation, food system resilience, and urban planning. The chapter demonstrates that urban agriculture is a proven method, contributing to improved diets, increased incomes, and enhanced resilience to climate shocks; however, it remains undersupported as a vital strategy for climate adaptation and resilience. Land use and zoning policies are crucial for integrating food security and climate strategies; however, poor governance and institutional pluralism hinder their practical implementation, thereby hampering integration into climate resilience and urban planning. By aligning urban agriculture with spatial planning, these strategies aim to protect farmland, reduce urban food insecurity, and strengthen climate adaptation efforts. The chapter offers a replicable strategy for other cities in the Global South facing similar governance and environmental challenges. Additionally, it contributes to the discourse on sustainable urbanism and presents a strategic approach for incorporating food systems into climate-resilient urban development.