Irrigated urban vegetable production in Ghana

2014

English

Over the last 10 years, the International Water Management Institute’s research in Ghana has had a major thrust in urban agriculture in general and (wastewater) irrigated vegetable farming in particular. The first edition of this book was published in 2006 under the title Irrigated Urban Vegetable Production in Ghana: Characteristics, Benefits and Risks – demand was high and it eventually ran out of print but the research resulted in many new studies that have improved our knowledge of the subject. This second edition has been completely revised and updated, with new chapters and about 90 more pages to give a comprehensive overview of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming in and around Ghana’s major cities. The book highlights not only the important contribution of urban vegetable production for farmers and society, but also possible risks and risk perceptions related to the use of polluted water sources. More importantly, the second edition transits from descriptive situational analysis towards definitive action. The book contains health risk assessments and outlines options for risk mitigation which were studied in Ghana in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Students and lecturers from more than ten universities contributed to this second edition which also includes a DVD that illustrates challenges to and opportunities for urban farming in Ghana and practical options for health risk reduction where polluted water is used for irrigation. IWMI is a member of the International Network of Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF Foundation). The Foundation is proud to be associated with this exciting and excellent work being carried out in Ghana for more than a decade. The book is a valuable resource for students, extension officers, academia and policy makers.

Drechsel, P.; Keraita, B.