According to the 2012 United Nations assessment, emerging nations are primarily responsible for the global acceleration of urbanization. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be 2.5 billion more people living in cities worldwide, with about 90% of the growth coming from Asia and Africa. A lot of developing nations are experiencing land-intensive urbanization, and to meet the demand for land for urban use, many of them rezone neighboring rural villages to urban areas.
Ethiopia has a fast-rising population and an increasingly urbanized landscape. Food demand rises as the country’s cities expand. As a result, urban agriculture may help supply this need while also creating jobs and delivering other social and environmental advantages.
Urban agriculture is becoming more popular in Ethiopia as a means of addressing food insecurity and economic issues in urban areas. Many city dwellers are resorting to small-scale farming to augment their income and have access to fresh products. Initiatives like rooftop gardening, communal gardens, and small-scale animal husbandry are gaining traction in Addis Ababa, the capital city.
Ethiopia’s government has acknowledged the importance of urban agriculture and has created regulations to assist and regulate the sector. Furthermore, non-governmental groups and community-based projects are aiming to promote urban agricultural methods and give training and resources to urban farmers.
Urban agriculture has difficulties due to space constraints, water scarcity, land ownership concerns, and fertilizer shortages, despite the fact that it offers cities the chance to produce sustainable food, create jobs, and improve nutrition. What matters most in this case is whether or not urban agriculture requires fertilizers.
Haramaya University (HU) College of Agriculture and Environment, School of Natural Resource and Environmental Science Lecture and Researcher Teferi Tadesse said that despite limited space, urban agriculture requires fertilizers that are simple to manufacture. The country has a lot of potential for preparing natural/organic fertilizer in this regard.
Cities, particularly Addis Ababa, have a high potential for natural fertilizer preparation. Many organic materials are accessible in cities that might be utilized to make natural fertilizers. Wasted materials in the city include onion, vegetable, and fruit peels, meals, and other leftovers that may be utilized as natural fertilizers. However, he noted that communities have not taken advantage of this potential to conserve the environment and generate jobs by preparing natural/organic fertilizers.
Considering both the disadvantages and the benefits, he believes that the government in collaboration with stakeholders should implement broader awareness creation tasks, as well as the application of natural fertilizers, by providing various forms of training, hands-on demonstrations, field trips, and other activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners. This is done to recognize the ecological relevance of natural or organic fertilizers.
As stated by Teferi, there might not be as much crop waste and animal dung available in cities as there is in rural regions. However, leftover food, vegetable and fruit peels, and other waste materials are found in every household. As a result, the government and interested parties must motivate and instruct city dwellers in the production of organic fertilizer as well as proper garbage disposal techniques.
This, in turn, is critical not only for improving the quality and safety of the soil, increasing water retention capacity, and so on, but also for making the city clean and appealing. As a result, the land is being saved from depletion, and its fertility and production are increasing.
Indeed, natural and organic fertilizers, such as compost and other nutrient-rich materials, may considerably help Ethiopian urban agriculture. The value of utilizing such fertilizers in urban agriculture stems from their capacity to boost soil fertility, promote sustainable agricultural techniques, and minimize dependency on chemical inputs.
In urban areas where space for farming is limited, the use of natural and organic fertilizers can help maximize productivity in small-scale farming operations. Composting organic waste from households, markets, and restaurants can provide a valuable source of nutrients for urban farms. This not only helps reduce the amount of waste going to landfills but also creates a sustainable source of fertilizer for urban agriculture.
Moreover, organic and natural fertilizers improve soil structure and encourage good microbial activity, which both improve the general health of the soil. Thus, there is less chance of soil erosion and degradation and more support for the establishment of wholesome, nutrient-dense crops.
Natural and organic fertilizers, in addition to their agronomic benefits, are consistent with the principles of sustainable agriculture, supporting environmental stewardship and lowering the ecological impact of urban farming. Urban farmers can reduce possible environmental and human health risks by avoiding synthetic pesticides.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stresses the need to enhance composting practices in urban farming efforts. According to him “there are great benefits we can derive if we enhance our composting practices, particularly in our urban farming efforts. Composting improves soil properties, enables strong plant system, and increases plant growth and health.”
Promoting and using natural fertilizers benefits plant growth, soil health, disease prevention, and insect control. Because they contain 16 nutrients that plants require for development. As a result, the nation offers tremendous potential for natural fertilizer preparation.
Ethiopia has an abundance of resources for producing natural fertilizer. As a result, the government should take advantage of this chance to avoid or reduce imported fertilizers since natural fertilizer is crucial for sustainable agriculture because it enhances soil health, preserves the environment, and supports the production of healthier meals. Natural fertilizers are also a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to boost soil fertility while conserving foreign exchange.
Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating food in urban environments. It can take numerous forms, including rooftop gardens, community gardens, and small-scale farms. Several advantages may be obtained from urban agriculture, including Increased food security: Urban agriculture may assist in guaranteeing that people in cities have access to fresh, healthful food. Job creation: Urban agriculture may provide jobs in food production, processing, and marketing. Improved environmental quality: Urban agriculture can assist in enhancing air quality, minimizing stormwater runoff, and preserving water. Increased social cohesiveness: Urban agriculture can serve to foster community and social cohesion.
In general, the promotion and use of natural and organic fertilizers in urban agriculture in Ethiopia can contribute to better food security, reduced environmental impact, and increased resilience in urban areas. As a result, government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups must assist urban farmers in gaining access to expertise and resources relevant to the production and use of natural and organic fertilizers to optimize the benefits of urban agriculture. Urban agriculture in Ethiopia is a rising movement with the potential to contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability in urban settings.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2024
