Urban agriculture (UA) involves the production of food crops and often the raising of livestock within and around urban areas on either private property or common land. It is a common practice in towns and cities in both the Global North and the Global South. In many African urban areas UA plays an important role in ensuring food security, generating household income and providing employment. Whilst some authors suggest that the role of UA has been overstated and that statistical evidence is unreliable, there is no doubt that in places that have experienced severe economic shocks with associated job loss and food and economic insecurity, UA often plays a significant role. The paper draws upon evidence from a detailed field-based study in the Zambian Copperbelt, and reveals that UA in three large towns is widely practised and plays an important role in livelihood sustainability for people of all social classes. Urban farmers face particular challenges such as access to water and land which could possibly be alleviated through policy interventions by local governments. More specifically, urban authorities could assist with the provision of land and clean water, as well as providing extension support and better access to markets for UA produce.

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