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Implications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Nolwazi Z. Khumalo

    (Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
    Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, P. Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa)

  • Melusi Sibanda

    (Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, P. Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa)

  • Lelethu Mdoda

    (Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

Abstract

Climate change presents a significant threat to humanity. It affects agriculture, food supply, and economic development. Urban agriculture (UA) is an alternate climate-smart approach to enhancing food and income security. The climate-smart agriculture (CSA) concept promises to lessen the effects of climate change. Nuanced research is critical to warrant food and income security. This review paper synthesises evidence through a systematic literature search to analyse the implications of CSA practices and climate adaptation strategies for food and income prospects. We also employed bibliometric analysis to show emerging trends and identify knowledge gaps in the ongoing topical discourse. The review elucidates insights into how CSA practices boost urban food production, accessibility, and dietary diversity, ultimately enhancing urban farmers’ food security. The economic benefits of CSA and climate adaptation strategies highlight that UA is vital for improving urban farmers’ income. Despite the opportunities created by UA, the review recognises the critical challenges and trade-offs that call for transforming UA to safeguard food and income security in the face of increasing climate change. The review calls for an all-round UA transformation encompassing urban community-based efforts, capacity building, and policy support mechanisms aimed at advancing climate-resilient UA and ensuring food and income security in an ever-changing environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Nolwazi Z. Khumalo & Melusi Sibanda & Lelethu Mdoda, 2024. "Implications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:1882-:d:1345538
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joyce M. Thamaga-Chitja & Nthabeleng Tamako & Temitope O. Ojo, 2025. "Implications of Land Ownership Heterogeneity on Household Food Security: A Case Study of Urban Farming in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Efstratios Loizou & Konstantinos Spinthiropoulos & Stavros Kalogiannidis & Fotios Chatzitheodoridis & Dimitrios Kalfas & George Tzilantonis, 2025. "Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security in Greece Through Agricultural Biodiversity," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-24, April.

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