Productive landscape: Turning vacant and underutilised spaces into urban agriculture, for social, economic and environmental benefits in the Two Rivers Urban Park (TRUP) site, Cape Town

• Main Author: Mnyazi, Nosiphe
• Other Authors: Katchener, Tania
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2018
• Subjects: City and Regional Planning
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/28021

In our fast changing times, where political, religious economic structure are failing to meet the need for equitable and caring world. New radical approaches are called for. The challenges before us are unprecedented both within our country and globally. The challenges of our time include the fast changing climate conditions, persisting poverty and inequality. Due to the raising urban poverty and environmental uncertainties, the planning profession globally, has begun to engage with sustainable urban food system and policies. In the past urban agriculture was view as a rural activity hence it was not planned for in cities. Urban agriculture has been largely advocated as the primary strategy for poverty alleviation, improving food security and for economic opportunities. The city of Cape Town UA policy views Urban Agriculture as an economic opportunity and a livelihood strategy. However, the benefits of UA are more than economic opportunities. In the literature reviewed, urban agriculture has many benefits associated with health and social wellbeing and social cohesion, For this reason, a case study of the Two Rivers Urban Park, present opportunities of turning vacant and disused spaces into urban farming.