scholarly journals Where Do I Allocate My Urban Allotment Gardens? Development of a Site Selection Tool for Three Cities in Benin

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 318
Author(s):  
B. G. J. S. Sonneveld ◽  
M. D. Houessou ◽  
G. J. M. van den Boom ◽  
A. Aoudji
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Site Suitability ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Allotment Gardens

In the context of rapid urbanization, poorer residents in cities across low- and middle-income countries increasingly experience food and nutrition deficiencies. The United Nations has highlighted urban agriculture (UA) as a viable solution to food insecurity, by empowering the urban poor to produce their own fresh foods and make some profit from surplus production. Despite its potential role in reducing poverty and food insecurity, there appears to be little political will to support urban agriculture. This is seen in unclear political mandates that are sustained by information gaps on selection criteria for UA sites. The research reported here addresses this issue in the form of a decision-making support tool that assesses the suitability of cadastral units and informal plots for allotment gardens in urban and peri-urban areas. The tool was developed and tested for three rapidly expanding cities in Benin, a low-income country in West Africa, based on an ordered logit model that relates a set of 300 expert assessments on site suitability to georeferenced information on biophysical and socio-economic characteristics. Soil, land use, groundwater depth, vicinity to market and women’s safety were significant factors in the assessment. Scaled up across all cadastral units and informal sites, the tool generated detailed baseline maps on site suitability and availability of areas. Its capacity to support policymakers in selecting appropriate sites comes to the fore by reporting changes in site suitability under scenarios of improved soil fertility and enhanced safety for women.

scholarly journals What Constraints the Expansion of Urban Agriculture in Benin?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5774
Author(s):  
Mawuna Donald Houessou ◽  
Mirte van de Louw ◽  
Ben G. J. S. Sonneveld
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Urban Gardens ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
Depth Interviews

Propelled by rapid urbanization, city administrations in low- and middle-income countries face a raft of challenges to secure food and nutrition for its poor urban dwellers. Urban agriculture (UA) seems a viable intervention to address urban food insecurity, however, experience has shown that urban gardens do not expand at the expected rate. Tackling this issue requires a deeper understanding of the main constraints that block UA expansion. Benin is not an exception; the country witnesses a breathtaking growth of its main cities that is in synchronization with a mounting food insecurity. Our research aims, therefore, to identify the main constraints for the expansion of UA in Benin, and adopt a three-pronged approach combined with a systematic literature review, a survey held among experienced urban gardeners, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. Altogether, the synthesis shows a predominance of five main constraints: lack of land and tenure insecurity, insufficient government support, restricted market access, limited access to productive factors, and inequality issues. Specifically, while the review showed that most barriers are linked and could be tackled together, the survey indicated a political unwillingness which in our in-depth interviews is explained by the unperceived benefits of investing in UA and the lack of enforcement of urban development plans. We suggest that Beninese authorities and academics move in synchronization where the former coordinates the planning of urban gardens and the latter provides evidence to trigger public and private investments in UA. The findings could be the basis for further research on UA in West Africa and the wider continent.

Urbanization and Its Impact on Urban Poor Housing Policies Based on Some Experiences of Third World Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-55
Author(s):  
بلال ردمان علي الذبحاني ◽  
محمد أحمد سلام المذحجي
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Third World ◽  
Housing Policies ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Third World ◽  
The Impact

Many third world countries have experienced a process of rapid urbanization. The rapid rural–urban migration and the lack of proactive planning have resulted in the expansion of slums and squatter settlements inhabited by low-income and the poor, excessive house rents and poor or total absence of infrastructural facilities. The problem more recently exacerbated in most cities of the third world as a result of the failure of governments to respond adequately to the urban development challenges by adopting adequate housing policies to the urban poor. This paper focuses on the study of urbanization and the impact of poverty and deprived urban living conditions on urban areas. It aims to find out the correlation between the poor urban areas and the housing policies, pinpoints the most successful housing policies to be taken to provide an adequate environment, and proposes basic guidelines for housing policies of the poor in the countries of the third world. Keywords:  Urban poor, Urbanization, Housing policies, Third world countries.

scholarly journals Towards eco-social housing in Vietnam: challenges and opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 193 ◽  
pp. 01001
Author(s):  
Van Thuong Le ◽  
Tuan Tran ◽  
Truc Truong
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government

Since Doi Moi (Reform) policy in 1986, Vietnam has experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. Urbanization has resulted in increasingly high housing demand in the urban areas but this has largely unmet, especially housing for low-income people. Development of social housing for low-income and under-privileged people in cities has been seen as an urgent and important task of the government to pursue stable social and economic development. Low-income people are most vulnerable to environmental impacts and in need of energy-efficient houses to reduce their cost of living. Eco-social housing is seen as a solution to protect the natural environment as well as to boost local economy, improve living conditions particularly for low income people. Through preliminary assessments of three social buildings at three distinct regions of Vietnam, this paper found that despite many challenges, eco-social housing is a solution to Vietnam's needs in providing houses with adequate living conditions to low-income people while protecting the environment and achieving sustainable eco-social development in the long run.

Strategies used to establish palliative care in rural low- and middle-income countries: an integrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1110-1129
Author(s):  
Atsede Aregay ◽  
Margaret O’Connor ◽  
Jill Stow ◽  
Nicola Ayers ◽  
Susan Lee
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Globally, 40 million people need palliative care; about 69% are people over 60 years of age. The highest proportion (78%) of adults are from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where palliative care still developing and is primarily limited to urban areas. This integrative review describes strategies used by LMICs to establish palliative care in rural areas. A rigorous integrative review methodology was utilized using four electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Embase classic+Embase and CINAHL). The search terms were: ‘palliative care’, ‘hospice care’, ‘end of life care’, ‘home-based care’, ‘volunteer’, ‘rural’, ‘regional’, ‘remote’ and ‘developing countries’ identified by the United Nations (UN) as ‘Africa’, ‘Sub-Saharan Africa’, ‘low-income’ and ‘middle- income countries’. Thirty papers published in English from 1990 to 2019 were included. Papers were appraised for quality and extracted data subjected to analysis using a public health model (policy, drug availability, education and implementation) as a framework to describe strategies for establishing palliative care in rural areas. The methodological quality of the reviewed papers was low, with 7 of the 30 being simple programme descriptions. Despite the inclusion of palliative care in national health policy in some countries, implementation in the community was often reliant on advocacy and financial support from non-government organizations. Networking to coordinate care and medication availability near-patient homes were essential features of implementation. Training, role play, education and mentorship were strategies used to support health providers and volunteers. Home- and community-based palliative care services for rural LMICs communities may best be delivered using a networked service among health professionals, community volunteers, religious leaders and technology.

scholarly journals PACK Child: the development of a practical guide to extend the scope of integrated primary care for children and young adolescents

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e000957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Picken ◽  
Juliet Hannington ◽  
Lara Fairall ◽  
Tanya Doherty ◽  
Eric Bateman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Childhood Mortality ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Support Tool

Pioneering strategies like WHO’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) have resulted in substantial progress in addressing infant and child mortality. However, large inequalities exist in access to and the quality of care provided in different regions of the world. In many low-income and middle-income countries, childhood mortality remains a major concern, and the needs of children present a large burden upon primary care services. The capacity of services and quality of care offered require greater support to address these needs and extend integrated curative and preventive care, specifically, for the well child, the child with a long-term health need and the child older than 5 years, not currently included in IMCI. In response to these needs, we have developed an innovative method, based on experience with a similar approach in adults, that expands the scope and reach of integrated management and training programmes for paediatric primary care. This paper describes the development and key features of the PACK Child clinical decision support tool for the care of children up to 13 years, and lessons learnt during its development.

scholarly journals Accessibility of summer meals and the food insecurity of low-income households with children

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2079-2089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P Miller
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
California Health Interview Survey ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Geographic Accessibility ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low Income Households

AbstractObjectiveAlmost no previous research has examined the impact of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program and related Seamless Summer Option, which provide meals and snacks to low-income children over the summer. The present study investigated whether geographic accessibility of summer meals programme sites (a proxy for programme participation) was associated with food insecurity for low-income households.DesignThe study used data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) and administrative data on summer meals sites in California. Geocoding was used to calculate driving time between CHIS households and nearby summer meals sites. Geographic accessibility was measured using a gravity model, which accounted for the spatially distributed supply of and demand for summer meals. Food insecurity and very low food security were measured using a standard six-item measure from the USDA.SubjectsLow-income families with children (n5394).SettingA representative surveillance study of non-institutionalized households in California.ResultsGeographic accessibility was not associated with food insecurity. However, geographic accessibility was associated with a significantly lower probability of very low food security in the full sample and among households with younger children and those living in less urban areas.ConclusionsThe USDA’s summer meals programme may be effective at reducing the most severe form of food insecurity for low-income households with children. Expanding the number of summer meals sites, the number of meals served at sites and sites’ hours of operation may be effective strategies to promote nutritional health over the summer months.

scholarly journals Neonatal mortality and leading causes of deaths: a descriptive study in China, 2014–2018

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042654
Author(s):  
Yuxi Liu ◽  
Leni Kang ◽  
Chunhua He ◽  
Lei Miao ◽  
Xiaoqiong Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

ObjectiveThe present study estimated the national and urban–rural levels and causes of neonatal deaths in China annually between 2014 and 2018 to provide data support for the further end of preventable neonatal deaths for China and other low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsThe study was based on data from the National Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System. All neonates of surveillance districts (gestational week: ≥28 weeks) who died after delivery have been involved in the study. The mortality rate and the leading causes of death for neonates were analysed.ResultsThe neonatal mortality rate (NMR) of China has steadily decreased from 5.9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2014 to 3.9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018. The NMR in 2018 of urban and rural areas was 2.2 deaths per 1000 live births and 4.7 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. The leading preventable causes of neonatal deaths are the same in the urban and rural areas were same, which were preterm birth, intrapartum complications and pneumonia. Mortality rates of these three causes fell significantly between 2014 and 2018 but contributed to a higher proportion of deaths in rural areas than urban areas. The proportion of preventable deaths accounted for 74.6% in 2018.ConclusionsThe NMR of China has decreased steadily from 2014 to 2018. However, the inequality between urban and rural areas still exists. The goal of government interventions should be to reduce the health inequality of neonates and further take targeted measures to eliminate preventable neonatal death.

Are low-to-middle-income households experiencing food insecurity in Victoria, Australia? An examination of the Victorian Population Health Survey, 2006–2009

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Kleve ◽  
Zoe E. Davidson ◽  
Emma Gearon ◽  
Sue Booth ◽  
Claire Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Income Levels ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Using Data

Food insecurity affects health and wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between food insecurity across income levels. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and frequency of food insecurity in low-to-middle-income Victorian households over time and identify factors associated with food insecurity in these households. Prevalence and frequency of food insecurity was analysed across household income levels using data from the cross-sectional 2006–09 Victorian Population Health Surveys (VPHS). Respondents were categorised as food insecure, if in the last 12 months they had run out of food and were unable to afford to buy more. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe factors associated with food insecurity in low-to-middle-income households (A$40000–$80000 in 2008). Between 4.9 and 5.5% for total survey populations and 3.9–4.8% in low-to-middle-income respondents were food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with limited help from friends, home ownership status, inability to raise money in an emergency and cost of some foods. Food insecurity exists in households beyond those on a very low income. Understanding the extent and implications of household food insecurity across all income groups in Australia will inform effective and appropriate public health responses.

scholarly journals Rethinking inclusive city development amid COVID-19: the Indonesia context

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
Giska Raissa ◽  
Filia Christy ◽  
Sandhy Sihotang ◽  
Karen Wijaya
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
City Development ◽  
Indonesian Population ◽  
The World ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Future Challenges

Currently, cities all over the world are experiencing pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including cities in Indonesia. Studies show that the number of poor has been increasing since the spread of COVID-19, mostly in urban areas. Recent news indicates that the pandemic has the potential to add millions of new urban poor due to the threat of future layoffs faced by low-income people. The current condition in Indonesia’s urban areas indicates exclusion of the urban poor, which underlines the need for inclusive city development. Indeed, this crisis exposes the exclusion of vulnerable people, reveals deep inequalities in society and exacerbates the existing inequality among the Indonesian population. Because of the ongoing disruptions that arise in urban areas, the COVID-19 pandemic offers the opportunity to rethink the importance of inclusive city development so that they may become thriving cities for all. Besides, this study also argues that only inclusive cities can grow and thrive under all circumstances and future challenges. This paper discusses how to transform challenges amid COVID-19 to opportunities that can promote inclusive city development.   Abstrak. Saat ini, kota-kota di seluruh dunia sedang mengalami tekanan akibat pandemi COVID-19, termasuk kota-kota di Indonesia. Studi menunjukkan bahwa jumlah penduduk miskin terus meningkat sejak penyebaran COVID-19 yang umumnya terjadi di wilayah perkotaan. Berita terbaru menunjukkan bahwa pandemi berpotensi menambah jutaan orang miskin baru di perkotaan akibat ancaman PHK di masa depan yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat berpenghasilan rendah. Kondisi perkotaan di Indonesia saat ini menunjukkan eksklusi dari kaum miskin kota, yang menggarisbawahi perlunya pembangunan kota yang inklusif. Memang, krisis ini mengekspos pengucilan orang-orang yang rentan, mengungkapkan ketidaksetaraan yang dalam di masyarakat dan memperburuk ketimpangan yang ada di antara penduduk Indonesia. Karena gangguan yang terus menerus muncul di perkotaan, pandemi COVID-19 menawarkan kesempatan untuk memikirkan kembali pentingnya pembangunan kota yang inklusif sehingga dapat menjadi kota yang berkembang untuk semua. Selain itu, studi ini juga berkesimpulan bahwa hanya kota inklusif yang dapat tumbuh dan berkembang dalam segala situasi dan tantangan di masa depan. Makalah ini membahas bagaimana mengubah tantangan di tengah COVID-19 menjadi peluang yang dapat mendorong pembangunan kota yang inklusif.   Kata kunci. kota inklusif, pengembangan kota, COVID-19, Indonesia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document