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Paper short abstract:

This study adopts qualitative approach, drawing on stakeholder interviews to critically analyze the resilience potential of urban agriculture (UA), adaptation strategies of urban growers, and the extent to which UA has been integrated into national policies as a resilience strategy.

Paper long abstract:

The world is urbanizing rapidly with attendant consequences continuously threatening development progress, particularly in the developing world. Weak planning and management tools position many African cities at the mercy of adverse climatic impacts intertwined with heightened poverty and inequalities. Amid all this, however, people continue to find hope and adapt to the complex changing dynamics in urban environments. The current polycrisis demands effective, yet less expensive strategies with strong potential to build resilience, especially among the poor. Urban agriculture (UA) has emerged as a potent strategy capable of building climate and economic resilience, particularly among the poor and marginalized groups. However, little is known about the resilience potential of UA in African cities. It is also not clear how urban growers adapt to the increasing pressures associated with rapid urbanization. Additionally, we do not understand the extent to which UA is championed in strategic national policies as a resilience strategy. These are pertinent questions that need to be interrogated. This paper aims to contribute empirical evidence to address these questions using Accra, Ghana, as a case study. The study will adopt qualitative approach, drawing on stakeholder interviews to critically analyze the resilience potential of UA, adaptation strategies of urban growers, and the extent to which UA has been integrated into national policies as a resilience strategy. Understanding these issues holds significant promise in developing tailored and evidence-based solutions to address current challenges characterizing African cities. The analysis will provide a framework that can be adapted to other African countries.