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Exploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study

Author

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  • Akuto Akpedze Konou

    (Communauté d’Études pour l’Aménagement du Territoire (CEAT), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou

    (Centre d’Excellence Régional sur les Villes Durables en Afrique (CERViDA—DOUNEDON), University of Lomé, Lomé 01 BP 1515, Togo)

  • Victoria M. Mwakalinga

    (School of Spatial Planning and Social Sciences, Ardhi University, Observation Hill Plot No. 3, Block L University Road, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35176, Tanzania)

  • Baraka Jean-Claude Munyaka

    (Communauté d’Études pour l’Aménagement du Territoire (CEAT), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda

    (Communauté d’Études pour l’Aménagement du Territoire (CEAT), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Jérôme Chenal

    (Communauté d’Études pour l’Aménagement du Territoire (CEAT), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
    Center of Urban Systems (CUS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (CUS/UM6P), Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco)

Abstract

African urban agriculture (UA) has garnered attention for its contributions to food security and socio-economic improvement. However, its impact on the psychological well-being of farmers has received minimal focus. This study explores the psychosocial effects of UA by surveying 733 farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé. Utilizing the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) and bespoke questionnaires, our research evaluates the emotional benefits of urban farming. Findings from regression analyses and spatial assessments conducted using Python and QGIS 3.32.2-Lima indicate significant variations in UA-related happiness across different city zones, with peripheral farmers experiencing greater satisfaction than their urban counterparts. Notably, female farmers reported higher levels of happiness, underscoring UA’s potential to empower women. This study advocates for the integration of UA into urban planning frameworks to foster psychologically beneficial urban environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Akuto Akpedze Konou & Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou & Victoria M. Mwakalinga & Baraka Jean-Claude Munyaka & Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda & Jérôme Chenal, 2024. "Exploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:6747-:d:1451410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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