Urban agroecology hubs are building resilience by “doing more with less”

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Tumuhe, Denis Katusiime, David Ssekamatte, Ronald Byaruhanga This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7871810/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Rapid urbanisation in Uganda is intensifying pressure on food systems, ecosystems, and employment opportunities. Urban agroecology has emerged as a promising response, yet both practice and policy support remain fragmented. This qualitative bi-case study examines how two agroecology hubs in the Kampala metropolitan area implement urban agroecology, engage communities, and navigate systemic constraints to strengthen climate resilience. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth and small group interviews with organisational leaders and staff, site observations, and photographic documentation. Using a pre-determined framework based on Resilience Theory, the data were analysed across four themes: agroecology innovations, climate resilience, community engagement, and implementation challenges. Findings show that both cases exemplify small-space, ecology-first design and circular resource use. They function as demonstration and training hubs engaging women, youth, schools, and farmer groups. However, operations face constraints including insecure or limited land, costly or unreliable water, weak policy support, low consumer awareness, and thin input supply chains. Despite these, urban agroecology in Kampala proves viable and socially empowering. The study underscores the need to integrate agroecology zones into municipal planning, ensure access to land and affordable water, and strengthen local input systems such as biofertilizers and biopesticides. Scaling grassroots agroecology hubs into city-wide learning platforms and supporting territorial markets will deepen community engagement. Coordinated governance, enabling policies, and sustained investment in grassroots innovation are essential to mainstream urban agroecology in rapidly urbanizing contexts. urban agroecology climate resilience permaculture Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction As urbanization accelerates across Africa, cities are facing growing challenges related to food insecurity, environmental degradation and unemployment, particularly among young people and women. In context, urban agroecology has emerged as a transformative approach to fostering sustainable food systems, enhancing community wellbeing, and restoring ecological integrity in constrained urban spaces (Peano et al., 2020 ; Rudolph & Muchesa, 2024 ).However, despite its potential, the practice of urban agroecology remains under-recognised in scholarly literature, weakly supported by policy, and unevenly implemented in practice. The concept continues to suffer from definitional inconsistencies, and the absence of standardized frame works for evaluation limiting recognition of its benefits and hindering the identification of implementation drivers (Dumont et al., 2021 ). Existing studies largely focused on the benefits and challenges of ‘urban agriculture’ rather than ‘urban agroecology’ as a distinct paradigm. For example, evidence suggests that urban agriculture could provide 15–20% of the global food supply when applying agroecological principles, but social, economic, and political barriers constrain scaling-up efforts (Altieri et al., 2025 ). Urban agriculture is limited by educational outreach, weak institutional linkages, and the absence of structured learning platforms, which curtail their transformative potential (Kay et al., 2022 ). To overcome these challenges, there is a need for local-level stakeholder dialogues and the creation of an enabling environment that supports community-driven processes and sustainable urban farming practices (Bisaga et al., 2019 ). In this context, this paper positions urban agroecology as a transformative approach capable of addressing these systemic barriers in the urban food system and advancing socially inclusive, ecologically sound, and resilient urban futures. The success of urban agroecology initiatives requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including municipalities, academia, NGOs, and the private sector (Bisaga et al., 2019 ). Urban agroecology actors have demonstrated that agroecological innovations can thrive in resource-constrained environments. Urban agroecologists recognize the potential of innovative technologies but perceive a lack of public sector support (Benjamin et al., 2024 ). Existing studies related to urban agroecology underscore the need for integrated policies and institutional support to scale agroecology and strengthen its role in sustainable urban food systems (Cheng et al., 2022 ; López-García & Carrascosa-García, 2024 ; Rudolph, Muchesa and Kroll, 2020; Rudolph and Muchesa, 2024 ; Peano et al., 2020 ). There is a lack of documentation and analysis on how urban agroecology initiatives operate in various contexts, how they address climate and livelihood challenges, and how community empowerment is fostered through participatory models. Most researchers have focused on urban agriculture giving less attention to urban agroecology (Siegner et al., 2020 ; Villarino et al., 2021 ). Moreso, agroecology research has often focused on rural smallholders, giving little attention to urban agroecology systems. Montoya & Moreno (2025) demonstrate this bias through their qualitative mapping of 12 agroecological experiences in San Luis Potosí which highlight that academic analysis of agroecology has primarily concentrated on rural territories while overlooking the growing pressures in urban areas. This study seeks to address these knowledge and policy gaps by critically examining the practices, challenges, and opportunities of urban agroecology in Uganda through case studies of JERO Farm and AFIRD. Drawing on focus group discussions, site observations, interviews, and institutional documents, the research examines how the two hubs are incorporating agroecology principles into urban contexts and identifies the systemic changes necessary to support and scale these efforts. This paper is anchored on Resilience Theory (Folke et al., 2010 ), which originates from ecology and systems thinking but has since expanded into social sciences to explain how coupled social–ecological systems adapt, absorb shocks, and transform in the face of disturbances such as climate change, economic crises, or policy shifts. At its core, the theory focuses on the capacity of systems to persist, adapt, and transform without collapsing into less desirable states. Within this theoretical framing, urban agroecology innovations are understood as adaptive practices climate resilience reflects system robustness community engagement represents social resilience; and implementation challenges highlight system vulnerabilities and opportunities for transformation. Guided by this framework the study addresses the following research questions: What urban agroecology innovations are being implemented in the Kampala metropolitan area? How do these innovations contribute to building climate resilience? In what ways are institutions engaging with the community on urban agroecology? What are the challenges in urban agroecology and how might these be addressed? The paper is structured as follows: the next section presents the theoretical framework; followed by a discussion of the methodological approach and case studies of JERO Farm and AFIRD; we then present the key findings and analysis through theoretical lenses of resilience and agroecological urbanism, and concludes with summary of the findings and policy and practical recommendations for advancing inclusive and climate-resilient urban food systems. Theoretical Framework This study conceptualizes urban agroecology in Kampala as a coupled social–ecological system (SES) whose resilience emerges from the dynamic interplay between persistence, adaptability, and transformability (Folke et al. 2010). Resilience thinking extends beyond ecological robustness to include the social capacities that allow systems to reorganize and innovate in response to shocks such as climate change, land scarcity, or policy shifts. In this framing, urban agroecology hubs such as JERO Farm and AFIRD are not isolated technical projects but adaptive infrastructures that enhance the system’s capacity to absorb disturbance, learn, and evolve without collapsing into less desirable states (Folke et al. 2010; Walker et al. 2004). Their small-space, circular farming designs; through recycling, composting, and water harvesting, represent concrete manifestations of adaptability within urban food systems. However, resilience cannot be understood solely as an ecological or managerial property; it is also a political condition shaped by power, access, and social justice (Cote and Nightingale 2012; Robbins, Benjaminsen, and Svarstad 2019). This study therefore integrates resilience thinking with agroecological urbanism, a perspective that redefines the city as both a political territory and an ecological metabolism (Tornaghi and Dehaene 2021). Agroecological urbanism foregrounds the social relations of land, labor, and knowledge that co-produce urban spaces. It critiques technocratic forms of “urban greening” that aestheticize nature while excluding communities from decision-making and resource access. Within Kampala’s context, this perspective urges a shift from ornamental greening toward multifunctional, edible, and medicinal landscapes embedded in neighbourhood economies. To situate these practices within broader governance frameworks, the paper draws on the concept of Agroecology-based Local Agri-food Systems (ALAS) (López-García and González de Molina 2021), which connects site-level agroecological practices to territorial governance. ALAS emphasizes re-territorializing food flows, co-governance among multiple actors (farmers, consumers, schools, and municipalities), and metabolic repair through circular resource use. The HLPE (2019) 13 Principles of Agroecology ; such as diversity, circularity, co-creation of knowledge, and responsible governance; offer operational criteria for examining how agroecology hubs are institutionalized in city-region food systems (HLPE 2019). Within this framework, JERO Farm and AFIRD function as learning-policy interfaces that bridge grassroots experimentation and municipal planning. The process of embedding urban agroecology in city systems can be understood through scaling pathways: scaling out (horizontal diffusion of practices through networks), scaling up (integration into policies and budgets), and scaling deep (transformation of values and cultural norms) (Nicol 2020). These three modes are interdependent; innovations that scale out without institutional anchoring often remain fragile “bright spots,” while scaling up without value change risks bureaucratic co-optation (Monkes and Easdale 2023). Accordingly, we analyze JERO Farm and AFIRD as relational nodes that operate across all three pathways; replicating practices, engaging policy processes, and transforming community relations. Synthesizing these strands, urban agroecology is conceived as both a resilience strategy and a transformative urban project. It diversifies ecological and livelihood portfolios (adaptability), repairs urban metabolisms through circular resource use (persistence), and catalyzes participatory governance for equitable food systems (transformability). Rooting resilience in urban agroecology therefore demands coupling practice (ecological design), policy (institutional support), and polity (collective agency). This triadic framing allows us to interrogate how JERO Farm and AFIRD reconfigure socio-ecological feedback and governance structures, and how such processes can advance socially just, climate-resilient urban futures in Kampala. Methodology This study adopted a qualitative case study design to investigate the practices, innovations, and challenges associated with urban agroecology in the Kampala metropolitan area of Uganda. The focus was on two key agroecology hubs: JERO Farm in Entebbe and the Agency for Integrated Rural Development (AFIRD) in Nkoowe, both in Wakiso District. A qualitative approach was chosen because it enables rich, in-depth exploration of complex social and ecological practices, particularly where context and lived experience are essential to understanding (Yardley et al., 2019 ). JERO Farm is an urban demonstration site that applies agroecological principles while also engaging community members through training and farm-based learning. AFIRD, on the other hand, is a development organization that supports peri-urban and urban agroecological practices through farmer mobilisation, women and youth-focused training, and innovation in value addition. The two sites were selected from the 25 Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) members visited by the researcher in 2024. The sites were purposively selected for their active roles in urban agroecology and their contrasting institutional models: one farm-based and the other NGO-led (AFIRD Uganda, 2022 ; JERO Farm, 2025 ). Data collection Data were collected from multiple sources using multiple qualitative to ensure triangulation and credibility (Haywood & Lawlor, 2018 ; Rouse & Harrison, 2015 ). These included focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers, in-depth interviews (IDI) with organizational staff members and leaders of farmer groups, field observations, photographic documentation, and informal communications. Two FGDs were conducted: one with AFIRD staff members, and another with staff members and farmers affiliated with the JERO farm (Table 1 ). These discussions explored how urban agroecology is practiced, motivations of participation, and key structural challenges. In addition, in-depth interview examined leadership strategies, innovation, youth engagement, market linkages, and bio-input production. Site visits provided direct observation of farming techniques, composting systems, household water innovations, and community engagement practices while field notes and photographs supported subsequent analysis. An online small group interview with representatives from both organisations further highlighted systemic constraints shaping urban agroecology. Using multiple data sources and perspectives strengthened the validity of the findings and grounded them in practitioners lived realities. Table 1 Study participants Method JERO AFIRD IDI 1 (male) 2 (1 male, 1 female) FGD 1 (4 male, 1 female) 1 (3 male, 2 male) SGI 1 (male) 2 (1 male, 1 female) WhatsApp Chat - 1 (male) Informal communication Via WhatsApp supplemented formal data collection. An AFIRD staff member provided a written description of urban agroecology innovations at the AFRID center, which was incorporated verbatim into findings. All FGDs and IDIs were audio-recorded and stored on local and cloud drives. Transcripts were prepared by trained research assistants, and their accuracy was verified through independent review, during which audio files were cross-checked against the txt to ensure completeness and reliability. Data Analysis Data analysis was guided by a case study analysis approach, which involved systematic organisation, coding, and comparison of findings within and across the two cases. A pre-determined coding framework; guided by the study research questions and Resilience Theory (Folke et al., 2010 ), focused on four themes: (i) urban agroecology innovations, (ii) building resilience to climate change, (iii) community engagement, and (iv) challenges of urban agroecology. Within-case analysis produced a detailed narrative of each institution’s activities, practices, strategies and outcomes. Cross-case comparison then identified key similarities and differences across the two cases. Illustrative quotations were retained to capture participants’ perspectives In the study three commissioned photographs from JERO Farm and AFIRD (Fig. 2 –4) were analyzed using a structured visual analysis approach (Shaari, 2013 ). It began with a quick scan, then a neutral, pre-iconographic description of visible elements and formal qualities, followed by contextual analysis (who, when, where, why, for whom) to reveal intent and possible bias (Box 1,2&3). iconography and iconological interpretations were then developed to uncover deeper narratives. Finally, a cross-image comparison was conducted s to test typicality and refine interpretations (Illustration 1). Illustration 1: Steps in image analysis Ethical research procedures were strictly adhered to throughout the study. All methods were carried out in accordance with the Uganda National Guidelines for Research Involving Humans as Research Participants (July 2014), as issued by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST, 2014 ). Verbal and written consent was obtained from all participants, who were informed about the study purpose and voluntary nature of their involvement. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained where applicable. Although the study focused on two urban agroecology hubs, the use of multiple data sources and triangulation strengthened its reliability, credibility and trustworthiness. Additionally, peer debriefing and collaborative discussions among co-authors via Zoom were conducted to refine interpretations and minimize researcher bias. Member checking was incorporated by sharing preliminary findings with key participants s for validation and clarification. Direct quotations were retained to preserve participants voices, and an audit trail of coding decisions, analytic memos, and methodological steps was maintained to ensure transparency and replicability. Findings JERO Farm and AFIRD both champion urban agroecology in Uganda, but their approaches reflect different priorities, technologies, and engagement models. While they share a commitment to resilience, innovation, and community well-being, their methods highlight diverse pathways through which urban agroecology can be adapted to urban and peri-urban contexts. Together, the experiences of JERO Farm and AFIRD illustrate the adaptability of urban agroecology to different urban contexts. While JERO Farm thrives on creativity, low-cost practices, and grassroots engagement, AFIRD invests in structured, technically advanced systems with a strong link to policy and institutional frameworks. Their complementary approaches reveal the breadth of opportunities for scaling agroecology in ways that address climate resilience, food security, and community empowerment across Uganda. The data presents a comparative analysis of JERO Farm and AFIRD, highlighting key differences in how each institution approaches urban agroecology. While both are committed to building climate resilience, fostering innovation, and engaging communities, their strategies, technologies, and institutional models differ significantly. These distinctions provide valuable insights into the diverse pathways through which urban agroecology can be adapted and scaled within different urban and peri-urban contexts in Uganda. After analysing the data from the JERO farm and AFIRD study participants, the research team identified the following four themes (Table 2 ). Table 2 Major themes of the study Theme Description 1) Urban agroecology innovations Creative and sustainable practices that maximize food production and ecological health within space-constrained urban and peri-urban areas. These agroecological innovations turn waste and limited land into productive, resource-efficient systems that support food security, income generation, and ecological sustainability 2) Urban agroecology for climate resilience Involves applying ecological farming practices to help urban communities adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts. The urban agroecology innovations mentioned in theme 1 above equips farmers and households to cope with droughts, heat, and rising costs while enhancing ecological resilience 3) Urban agroecology for community engagement highlights the participatory and empowering dimension of ecological farming in the urban community. Agroecology hubs transform agroecology into a tool for empowerment and advocacy, linking ecological stewardship with livelihoods, education, and collective resilience. Community engagement ensures knowledge sharing, replication, and grassroots ownership of agroecological practices 4) Urban agroecology challenges Urban agroecology faces systemic and structural challenges that hinder scaling and sustainability. These constraints show that while urban agroecology holds transformative potential, its success depends on enabling policies, stronger municipal collaboration, affordable input systems, consumer awareness, and secure spaces for agroecological zones within urban planning frameworks Theme 1: Urban agroecology innovations From the focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and site visits to JERO farm in Entebbe and AFIRD in Nkoowe, Wakiso district, we noted that urban agroecology represents a growing frontier in sustainable agriculture, especially in space-constrained settings near cities. JERO Farm and its affiliated groups demonstrate innovative approaches to maximising output on small spaces by utilising eco-friendly techniques and materials. JERO Farm and its affiliated farmers utilize recycled and unconventional materials to maximize growing space in urban areas (Fig. 2 ). An elder son of the JERO farm team leader, Richard Mugisha, who also works at the farm, told me that: The farm uses materials such as bottles, polythene, and tyres to plant some of their crops. While walking through the JERO farm centre, the researcher observed that the materials mentioned in the above quote were used for vertical gardening, mobile gardens, aquaponics, and rooftops and containers for cultivating vegetables and herbs. See the photos (Figs. 2 and 3) that the researcher obtained, which show some of these technologies in use. The JERO Farm team leader, Mr Mugisha, told me that: They are innovating mobile gardens where you find that initially a water bottle contained water [valued] at 12,000 UGX, but with a garden, it will cost 25,000 UGX, and people will pay for that. Mugisha’s son adds that JERO Farm is a micro-urban farm and serves as a demonstration center for these innovative methods. In his words. “Jero Farm is an urban and organic farm lying on half an acre in Entebbe... It majorly grows herbs, fruits, vegetables... also practices many healthy agricultural practices, i.e. mulching, intercropping, organic manure application, terracing, etc.” Showcasing a strategy for maximisation and optimal utilisation of space, JERO Farm integrates dozens of different crop types, which can be seen year-round, even on the small parcel of land that it occupies. For example, nearly 40 different types of plants grow in the recycled materials mentioned above in the farm’s herb garden, which clearly demonstrates how colourful design, utilisation of space and organic growing techniques can be combined. Another example is terracing, which enables the optimised usage of the farm’s steep terrain, providing ample space for carefully managed beds, growing sacks, companion planting, and more. Mango and passion fruits grow above beds of kale and marigolds, while tomatoes grow in sacks near the beds of the local nakati, which alongside green onions occupy the space between the banana trees. The maximisation of space continues however, as the farm also integrates animal husbandry, raising 5 different types of animals. Thus, in the space of the half acre, alongside the plants, the compound houses cows, chickens, goats, fish and even the innovative Black Soldier Flies (BSF). These animals are raised inside the context of the rest of the farm. For example, leftover food scraps are used to feed the BSF, whose larvae and pupae are exceptional at breaking down organic waste. The larvae and the materials they subsequently produce are then harvested as protein supplements for chickens and fish. The chicken droppings, alongside those of the cows and the goats, are used in the process of biogas production, which is later used in the farm kitchen. The leftovers of the gas production process, called Bioslurry, is later dried and used as composting materials to enrich the soil quality and provide nutrition for the plants on the farm. These techniques show the integrative, cost saving, and environmentally friendly approach that JERO Farm demonstrates, suitable for small spaces. Farmers learn-by-doing, observing practical models of farming on compact land parcels. These demonstrations encourage other urban farmers to replicate such sustainable designs. The son, a seemingly young man, also me that JERO Farm engages in value addition and organic product development, integrating farming with entrepreneurship: It [JERO farm] has finished products like tea with over fourteen spices and is in preparation for opening an organic tea café. Such ventures represent innovative models of agro-tourism and small-scale urban agribusiness, showcasing how urban agroecology can be economically viable while also educating consumers on healthy, eco-conscious lifestyles. Although the café's tea was said to be “organic,” there was no clear assurance regarding formal organic certification, reflecting broader challenges in navigating the complex and often costly certification processes required to meet organic standards. Innovation in urban agroecology is proving essential for climate adaptation, food system resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in Uganda. JERO Farm and affiliated initiatives serve as critical incubators of such models. While promising, these innovations need enhanced visibility, institutional support, and replicability mechanisms to scale their benefits to more urban communities. At the AFIRD centre, urban agroecology technologies include 1) intensive gardening, 2) waste recycling and 3) seed multiplication. Intensive gardening techniques include veranda gardening, vertical gardening, tyre gardening, and compound gardening. Crops include vegetables, herbs and spices, ornamentals, and trees. There is also livestock integration, including the rearing of small livestock, such as rabbits, for both food and meat, as well as providing materials for soil enhancements (like organic and bio-fertilizers) and pest repellents. Below is an excerpt from my interview with Faizo, a Program Manager at AFIRD. Charles [Interviewer]: Tell me the three most critical urban technologies you’re implementing Faizo [respondent]: I am going to sum up about four. We are demonstrating how a farmer on probably 60 x 100 ft land space can have more food and better incomes. One main technique is intensive gardening. We do a lot of garden designs at a low cost. We have Vera gardens there, vertical, those that go to higher spaces. We have tyre gardens; we have sack gardens. All those technologies that farmers can adopt at a low cost. We have a variety of veggies, spices and herbs. These are grown in different spaces, but also in different varieties or species. Our compound is full of gardens, full of many plants that serve various functions. Another technique we are demonstrating is livestock integrations. We consider small livestock – we are rearing rabbits mainly for food/meat, and wastes (urine and droppings) to enrich plant nutrients in the soil. The second aspect of urban agroecology at AFIRD is waste recycling. This aspect includes using earthworms to transform biodegradable waste into castings (humus), This one is special in such a way that, since we are in an urban area, there is a lot of waste accumulation. With the help of earthworms, we can process the waste into organic fertilizers, but again, we solve the waste problem from our neighbours. In our interview, Faizo added that: We also make phosphite fertilizer from bones collected around city abattoirs- this is another way of reducing waste from urban areas. The third aspect is seed multiplication. The AFIRD centre maintains a seed bank for over 40 bean varieties and produces seedlings for a diversity of local fruits, herbs, vegetables, and trees that farmers can purchase. Faizo mentioned that Faizo: We also do multiplication of seeds, bean seeds, but also tree seedlings. During an FGD meeting at AFIRD, it was confirmed that urban agroecology strongly emphasizes innovation and indigenous knowledge as key components of sustainable urban farming. The AFIRD centre is creatively incorporating traditional techniques into modern contexts by planting vegetables in sacks and old tyres, intercropping herbs with vegetables, and making organic pesticides from readily available natural ingredients such as neem, garlic, and pepper (Fig. 1 ). These methods are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and they also foster youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Fig 3: Agro-technologies at the AFIRD Centre, Nkoowe, Wakiso district. AFIRD serves as a practical hub for demonstrating sustainable technologies that advance agroecological farming and urban food production. Its initiatives span backyard gardening systems, aquaponics, waste management, renewable energy, water harvesting, and organic seed multiplication, all aimed at enhancing soil health, resource efficiency, and community resilience. During a WhatsApp exchange, a staff member at AFIRD, Denis, told the researcher that: “Here [...] at AFIRD, we promote a range of sustainable technologies to support agroecological farming and urban food production. In our centre, backyard gardening is a key focus, with methods such as vertical gardens, raised beds, sack gardens, bucket gardens, tyre gardens, and marginal gardens used to demonstrate how vegetables, herbs, and spices can be cultivated in confined urban spaces. Aquaponics integrate fish and plant farming into a closed-loop system where water is recycled from fish tanks through plant media and a filtration tank, then pumped back into the fish tanks. He added that: Our waste management technologies include vermicomposting, where worms break down biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost and vermi-tea, as well as greywater recycling through kitchen waste gardens to irrigate plants using water free from soap chemicals. The center also promotes renewable energy by using solar dryers to preserve farm produce, extending shelf life and enabling value addition. The production of organic fertilizers and pesticides is emphasized to improve soil health and ensure the production of healthy food. We demonstrate water harvesting technologies through surface runoff collection using Mandala and sunken bed gardens, as well as rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, the center is involved in organic seed and seedling multiplication, contributing to resilient, self-sustaining farming systems.” AFIRD is implementing a range of innovative urban agroecology practices, many of which are designed to be replicable and scalable within urban contexts, such as Kampala. For example, the organization integrates agroforestry into their office campus design, with Justine, another AFIRD staff member and Manager for Advocacy and lobbying Program highlighting that “even small-scale agroforestry integration is possible with proper understanding and implementation.” Waste management innovations, such as vermiculture, water harvesting, and composting, are being implemented at the AFIRD centre, helping to create closed-loop systems. JERO Farm and AFIRD demonstrate complementary approaches to using urban agroecology as a strategy for building resilience to climate change. Both institutions harness agroecological principles to mitigate the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity, and food insecurity in urban and peri-urban settings. JERO Farm emphasizes water harvesting and reuse through storage tanks and promotes organic composting as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers, reducing input costs and environmental degradation. Similarly, AFIRD integrates composting, household waste recycling, and local seed use into its training programs, positioning agroecology as a low-input, high-resilience alternative to conventional farming. These approaches not only improve soil health and water efficiency but also equip urban communities to adapt to climate-induced stresses. In terms of innovation, JERO Farm and AFIRD are notable for their creative and practical urban agroecology models. JERO Farm utilizes vertical gardening, rooftop containers, and mobile gardens made from repurposed materials like bottles and tires. Integrating livestock into the farm operations, JERO Farm showcases how all these aspects can jointly be managed, benefiting each other and improving the final products. It also ventures into value-added products, such as herbal teas, linking farming to agribusiness. AFIRD, on the other hand, promotes the use of sack gardens, aquaponics, herbal pesticides, and vermicomposting. Both institutions exemplify innovation in resource-constrained environments by turning waste into productive assets and maximizing limited space, making agroecology adaptable to urban realities. JERO Farm focuses on integrated urban farming, while AFIRD emphasizes innovative urban farming to advance sustainability and food preservation. Theme 2: Urban agroecology for climate resilience Urban agroecological farming is uniquely challenged by limited water availability, especially in the face of increasing climate variability. As a result, water conservation emerged as a key pillar of resilience among participants in the JERO Farm discussions. Affiliate farmers and workers at the farm consistently emphasised the need for innovative and practical water management techniques to sustain urban agroecological systems. Beyond individual efforts, participants during an FGD advocated for community-based water solutions, such as the construction of large underground water reservoirs. These systems, they noted, could store ample rainwater during the wet season and serve multiple households or farming plots. However, implementing such systems would require collective action and land-sharing agreements among neighbours due to the space required. One farmer during an FGD said that: Water reservoirs... huge underground tanks during the rainy season... may require cooperation with neighbours since they may require a huge piece of land. Additionally, participants suggested using drip irrigation systems to maximise water efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure targeted watering of crops. These innovations reflect a growing awareness among urban farmers of the need to integrate innovative water practices into climate-resilient agriculture. Together, these approaches demonstrate how urban agroecology can evolve through innovative, low-cost water solutions, particularly when supported by collective effort and technical expertise. JERO farm is already demonstrating drip irrigation and linking it to hydroponics (Fig. 3). In the AFIRD meeting, urban agroecological systems were identified as climate-resilient and less resource-intensive than conventional farming. Using compost, household waste, and local seeds makes these systems affordable and accessible. One FGD participant said that: People use home kitchen waste to make compost, manure... and don't depend on expensive fertilisers. The JERO farm director confirmed the use of irrigation at the farm and said that: Jero is actively making use of drip irrigation systems already This makes agroecology highly suitable for urban dwellers who need low-input and sustainable farming options in the face of rising living costs and climate variability. These urban agroecology innovations at AFIRD are potentially contributing to climate resilience through both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Agroforestry, for instance, plays a vital role in “natural cooling systems,” reducing the urban heat island effect and reliance on artificial cooling, according to Justine, a staff member at AFIRD. See her quote below. Justine: “When you look at AFIRD, there is an innovation around the agroforestry component. We don’t use ACs [Air Conditioners]. Instead, we rely on natural cooling systems, which are made possible by the agroforestry practices established on the ground. Research shows that when someone has planted even one or two trees in a compound, it contributes to greening the city and towns, while also freshening the environment”. Justine adds that: “Research shows that a single mature tree can provide a cooling effect equivalent to several air conditioners, depending on the size and species of the tree and its placement. People or visitors even testify to this that when you move from a hot environment outside and enter through AFIRD’s gate, you immediately start to feel the coolness. This effect is simply due to the presence of just a few trees. Agroforestry not only creates this natural cooling system but also contributes to climate resilience. So apart from vegetables, herbs, spices and other simple innovations, intentional agroforestry integration is critical. It is now evident that this practice can be adopted even on small pieces of land. It is just a matter of understanding how to integrate it whether it is 1, 2,3…30 trees, each makes a difference”. Speaking to Faizo, he revealed that building climate resilience at AFIRD encompasses both climate mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation is achieved through maintaining dense vegetation in the centre, including trees, as well as supplying seedlings to farmers to plant on their farms for both cooling and carbon sequestration. Faizo said that AFIRD promotes biofertilizers, which he believes help build the soil's architecture, thus conserving soil moisture during dry spells. See our interview below. Charles [interviewer]: Do you see a connection between your technologies and building climate resilience? Faizo [Respondent]: “Our tech looks at two aspects – mitigation. By vermicomposting [at the centre], we are not only reducing emissions from waste but also building carbon sinks with the the humus that farmers use. We are increasing adaptation through increasing access to low-cost organic and biofertilizers. We multiply seedlings to promote tree planting. We also conduct awareness creation and capacity building on climate change action”. In building resilience to climate change, JERO Farm emphasizes small-scale water harvesting and organic composting. It encourages rooftop and backyard gardens as accessible, low-input, climate-resilient options. AFIRD, by contrast, focuses on more technical interventions such as waste utilization, efficient watering systems, drip irrigation, and black soldier fly (BSF) innovations. It also promotes permaculture-based systems that recycle kitchen waste, integrate greywater, and use locally adaptable seeds, forming a structured, resource-light model suited to peri-urban settings. Theme 3: Urban agroecology and community engagement Community engagement is a central pillar of agroecological transformation, especially within the urban and peri-urban farming context of Uganda. Through initiatives led by JERO Farm and its network partners, such as AFIRD, farmers are not only adopting agroecological farm practices but also building resilient, informed communities. This theme focuses on group discussions and institutional reflections to examine how farmers are engaged, empowered, and educated through agroecology, as well as how youth-targeted interventions are fostering generational change in urban settings. JERO Farm’s model of engaging residents through free, practical training sessions has emerged as a cornerstone of community empowerment efforts. Community members are introduced to agroecological principles and then supported through follow-up visits and mentorship. The team leader at JERO farm told me that: We allowed coming and learning free of charge… We help them establish kitchen gardens. Farmers are taught how to use composting, intercropping, and pest-repellent plants while also being exposed to low-cost, space-saving innovations. These training activities empower participants not only with knowledge but also with the confidence to implement changes in their own homes and neighbourhoods. In a meeting with farmers affiliated with JERO Farm, it was noted that: Farmers ought to implement what they’re taught and trigger JERO Farm to make follow-up visits. JERO Farm has taken deliberate steps to engage schools and young people as a long-term investment in agroecology. Partnering with organisations like Rural Community in Development (RUCID), JERO Farm delivers educational programs to students, emphasising the production of healthy food, environmental conservation, and practical agricultural skills. The JERO team leader, Richard said: We are hired by an organization to cover about nine schools... telling them about how they can grow without these chemicals. He added that The biggest gospel should now go to the young generation... encourage them, embrace them, and give them awareness that this is how things are done. He also added that: I went to one of the biggest schools... and she was in senior two. She thought food came from the store market. To counteract this challenge, practical demonstrations, kitchen gardens, and farm visits are employed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practices. JERO Farm actively engages with women by involving them in implementing sustainable agricultural techniques. JERO Farm’s efforts underscore the importance of women’s leadership in driving both food security and economic transformation at the grassroots level. The JERO Farm Director said that: JERO Farm also actively engages with the women of the community. Led by the co-manager of JERO, the 33 participants of “Women of Hope”, a locally led empowerment group that supports women and their families in the community, often collaborate with JERO in implementing agricultural techniques to improve their family’s nutrition and income. JERO Farm facilitates surrounding communities to adopt urban agroecology. During an IDI with the Executive Director, he mentioned that JERO Farm is both a demonstration site and a social enterprise. “JERO is an organic demonstration farm that seeks to address issues of malnutrition in the community. Showcasing reasonable, effective, relevant and proven organic solutions, JERO demonstrates how they can all be implemented by the surrounding community. JERO also serves as a social enterprise, evidence of how proper farming techniques can be used to support families and communities and become profitable.” The AFIRD centre engages the community through working with schools, prisons, farmer groups, markets, and the youth. Faizo revealed this during an interview with IDI. Charles: How do you engage with the community? Faizo: Our community is quite broad. We work with schools, prisons, and farmers. We create awareness around agroecology practices, climate change, and gender equality. building /training in agroecology and urban farming. We organize Open days for people to come and see the urban farming technologies we are doing. Regarding markets, Faizo revealed that AFIRD is building agroecological enterprises both at the centre and in the community, focusing on bio-input production. Bio-inputs include biofertilizers and bio-pesticides. AFIRD produces organic fertilizers and pesticides to support urban agroecology farmers, sourcing raw materials from local communities. It works directly with farmers on field trials and participatory research to improve biofertilizers, strengthen production, and promote sustainable farming practices. Faizo said that: Faizo: Also producing agroecology inputs, e.g., organic fertilizers and pesticides to support urban agroecology farmers. There can’t be agroecology urban farmers with such inputs. Recently, we have been working with …. an online application – i knowFarm App. Through that app, we can market our products and gather information on our buyers. We are marketing products, but also sharing information on agroecology practices through that App. We are working in collaboration with PALM Corps an NGO in ARUA owning iknowFarm app. We enrich the app with information on markets and agroecology practices on coffee, banana, nakati and rabbits. But also, we get support from the community in terms content development and feedback. AFIRD supports youths in producing and selling homemade pesticides. As one FGD participant, Faizo, noted, “Some of the youths are now making their pesticides... using garlic and onions, and they are selling them too.” Such practices not only reduce chemical dependency but also stimulate innovation-driven microenterprises, providing livelihood opportunities and strengthening local agroecological systems. AFIRD views urban agroecology as a pathway to engage unemployed youth and empower women through entrepreneurial gardening, training, and product development (e.g., soap, herbal remedies). A staff member at AFIRD said during a meeting that: Women groups we train… do herbal soap, Vaseline, organic pesticides and teas—using herbs they grow in sack gardens. This aligns with larger national goals of reducing youth unemployment while also addressing nutrition, health, and ecological degradation. The AFIRD Center has emerged as a key replicable model in the community, with Justine noting that “some centers have been created by farmers and schools, with up to 30 green spaces established.” AFIRD utilizes schools and community gardens as demonstration sites to educate and involve the public in sustainable agriculture. According to Justine, AFIRD is deeply engaged with communities through a decentralized model that empowers local actors. She described how “a network of facilitators learns innovations and transforms their landscapes by establishing their Agroecology learning model centers,” enabling knowledge transfer and replication. This community-based strategy has enabled the creation of numerous green spaces across various urban settings. Schools are also a significant focus for community engagement. “We need to present gardening as something educational and beneficial,” Justine noted, emphasizing the importance of involving parents and teachers’ associations (PTAs), students, and even church leaders to foster lasting commitment. These efforts have led to the establishment of multiple community and school-based centers. See our conversation below. Charles: How is the AFIRD center engaging with community? Justine: From what I know because AFIRD engages the community through women and youth groups, through and individuals through AFIRD’s business arm the Permaculture Resource Center. we have created a network of champions or facilitators of agroecology. and these people have gone out and multiplied the knowledge and practices within their households and communities. Charles: Okay. Justine: Yeah, because through exposures to AFIRD offices and the Centre, farmers and generally the entire visitors learn one, two and more innovations on the ground and then they always go and replicate them. Some farmers have even gone ahead to transform their homes into centers. For example, we visited one farmer in Mukono who has replicated AFIRD’s work. And there is also this old lady called Katabaire Joy just near AFIRD in Mende sub county. She has now created a ‘Joy Center,’ as she named it, and she is currently building accommodations for participants. So that’s how we have created champions of in urban Agroecology through the Center. Charles: Oh, really. Okay. You call them champions? Justine: Ah, not really! They are always referred to as Trainer of Trainees or Group Based Facilitators from different farmer groups and schools that AFIRD work with. Ah! The schools go up to 30. AFIRD established a permaculture demonstration garden at the Mpigi District headquarters as a way of showcasing the potential of agroecology to both local government officials and the wider community. Though it occupies just a small green space, the garden is highly strategic; it demonstrates practical innovations such as vegetable, spice and herbs production, soil fertility management, and integrated farming approaches that can be applied at household and institutional levels. According to Justine from AFIRD, the garden technologies are already being replicated elsewhere, with Mpigi district local government officials regularly engaging with the demonstration site and acknowledging its value. The demonstration garden therefore serves a dual role: as an engagement and learning site where government officials, farmers, and visitors can observe agroecological practices and transfer these lessons to their communities, and as an advocacy tool for agroecology, since its location at the district headquarters directly influences decision-makers, reinforces the relevance of agroecology in local development planning, and strengthens institutional support for sustainable farming. In this way, AFIRD not only works with farmers on the ground but also strategically places innovations to inspire both policy-level change and grassroots replication. Community engagement is central to both JERO Farm and AFIRD. JERO offers free training to residents and provides mentorship, while also engaging schools through environmental education programs and youth and women-focused kitchen gardens. AFIRD works extensively with Youths and women’s groups, training them to grow herbs for soap, vaseline, and organic teas. In both cases, agroecology becomes a tool for empowerment by linking ecological stewardship with livelihood opportunities. Their work demonstrates that agroecology is not only a farming practice but also a participatory model of education, community development, and resilience-building. Community engagement strategies diverge. JERO Farm offers farm-based training and mentorship, cultivating strong partnerships with schools to deliver practical agroecology education at a fee. It places special emphasis on young people in school through demonstration learning. AFIRD, on the other hand, adopts structured no-charge group trainings that are project-based, linking urban agroecology to health, nutrition, and income generation. Its model is more formalized and targeted, aligning community work with broader development goals. Theme 4: Urban agroecology challenges Urban agroecology offers a pathway to sustainable food production, environmental regeneration, and climate adaptation. While models like JERO Farm showcase their transformative potential, practitioners face numerous systemic, structural, and social challenges. This report synthesises findings from farmer focus group discussions (FGDs) and organisational reflections to highlight key challenges and propose contextualised solutions. Participants from the AFIRD FGD emphasised that urban farming is becoming increasingly necessary for food production in space constrained and densely populated areas. Urban agroecology is portrayed as a survival response to food insecurity in cities: “In Uganda and especially Kampala, people are using containers, vertical farming, rooftop farming, balcony farming, because there is no land.” says a participant from the AFIRD FGD. This positions urban agroecology not just as a practice of ecological ethics but as a means of urban survival, particularly for the poor and landless. Limited land availability is a significant challenge for urban agroecology. Justine of AFIRD explained, “Land is a problem… land is inadequate,” underscoring the difficulty urban farmers face in finding and retaining productive space for farming. Without secure access to land, it becomes challenging to sustain long-term urban farming initiatives. Land tenure insecurity presents a significant hurdle, as urban farmers are losing production spaces at a high rate. According to Faizo, “Urban farmers are losing land at a very high rate. There is a lot to be done on land rights.” Securing land rights and formally integrating urban agriculture zones into city planning could help protect these spaces and ensure long-term production viability. Justine expressed her frustration of the Kampala city “greening” program and proposed the restructuring of the urban city design to incorporate principles of agroecology. She mentioned that: And also right from designing, because people are creating green spaces. KCCA [Kamapala Capital City Authority] is creating green spaces, but green spaces where we have some things that are not even beneficial, they are not even beneficial for them. They're after greening the city. But when you look at what is planted, … I think they are planted without the sense of say, okay agroecology …. Because to me I would expect to have green things, yes, but when they serve other purposes. Can you give me examples of the trees that you see evergreen [in Kampala city]? Yes. They are always evergreen. They're always “CHOGMS” [a type of tree planted in Kampala]. But can we have ... the prunus africana growing somewhere. Like the medicinal plants, our indigenous plants, trees growing. … need to be intentional, not just after green color, but it has to be speaking beyond green color. Another challenge is limited access to water. Justine narrates that water is critical for farming, but urban farmers cannot access affordable water. She suggests that development actors can establish sharable water facilities for urban agroecology farmers. She mentions during an SGI meeting that: But indeed, since this urban farming mostly depends on the water that we always bring. So, someone tells you I now spend like 1000 [UGX] to buy water for … everything they use at home now starting to think that they need to buy water for other plants that they don't value because some people are not valuing that. If possible, … we have some common water points, and even when it means to harvest this run-off water, if it can be done yeah, it can give opportunities for people to always get some water to take care of their gardens Market engagement remains one of the more complex challenges, but AFIRD is actively working on some solutions. Justine acknowledged that “prices often rise due to political factors and market dynamics,” making it difficult for both producers and consumers. To address this, AFIRD is exploring the establishment of bio-input shops and a market stall in front of its offices to make organic fertilizers and pesticides more accessible to urban farmers. AFIRD is also advocating for the creation of designated stalls in government-supported markets for agroecological products. “We have to consider both buyer and producer presence when setting up markets,” Justine stressed, underscoring the need for location and access to be carefully balanced. Another challenge in urban agroecology is the low awareness of agroecological products among consumers. As Faizo explained, “Many people are not aware of agroecology products, mainly the consumers.” This gap in knowledge extends to an understanding of what agroecology entails and the unique benefits of products grown using its principles. Increasing consumer education and awareness is therefore seen as essential, alongside measures for stronger consumer protection. Low consumer awareness undermines the growth of urban agroecology. As Justine put it, “People don’t know the value of these [agroecological] products… they just see [them as] vegetables,” indicating that many consumers are unaware of the health, environmental, and social benefits of agroecologically produced food. This lack of understanding reduces demand and market opportunities for farmers. Market competition further complicates matters, as agroecological products often compete directly with conventional produce in the same spaces. Justine noted that “They are put in the same markets, people don’t see the difference,” highlighting the challenge of differentiating agroecology products and securing premium prices in crowded marketplaces. Faizo confirmed what Justine said stressing that the challenge lies in the current market structure, which is unregulated and too broad, allowing agroecology and non-agroecology produce to be sold together without distinction. Faizo noted, “ The market is too broad; you just sell anything whether agroecology or not agroecology. ” Faizo adds that competition between conventionally grown produce and agroecologically grown frustrates producers. He says that: Yeah. Competition from these conventional … industrial produced foods. Someone and they labor to produce organically, … We are in town. You produce your small quantities, and you want to sell it at some, say, a higher price than …, but someone will tell you, I'm just near Nansana market, you're telling me this Sukuuma bundle is 1000 [UGX], yet I can get it at 500 [UGX]. To address this, he suggested creating better-organized markets, ideally owned and developed by farmers, that integrate within existing hubs such as Owino and Kalerwe markets to avoid alienating consumers. High input costs and limited access to essential farm inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and bio-pesticides are also barriers. Justine observed, “Some of these inputs are expensive… and not easy to get [in urban establishments],” making it difficult for farmers to maintain consistent, high-quality production without external support or community-based supply systems. Faizo adds during an SGI meeting that urban agroecology farmers are constrained by limited access to agroecological inputs like fertilizers, seed and pesticides. He attributed this to the low production capacity of these inputs in the urban setting. He said that: But also, the other challenge at production, at production level is the limited access to most of agroecology Inputs. Inputs. I would mean both knowledge, but also inputs in terms of, of, of fertilizers, in terms of, of seed, in terms of probably pesticides. Such things are still missing. And even we who are engaged in the processing them, the production is still small, still small probably because the levels of technologies we use are still low. And that keeps the production small. To address the shortage of agroecological fertilizers, Justine highlighted the importance of scaling up waste management practices and “involving KCCA in creating more composting and waste collection points.” Production-related constraints also hinder urban agroecology, with limited access to affordable agroecological inputs such as seeds, organic fertilizers, and water being a recurring barrier. Faizo emphasized that “not everyone is going to be able to make their own inputs… agroecology farmers need knowledge to make their inputs and save seeds.” Improving input supply systems, training farmers in bio-input production, and encouraging collective marketing to ensure consistent supply are seen as critical steps for strengthening production. The lack of consistent supply in markets and expensive stall rentals were identified as barriers during an interview with Justine. “ The cost of hiring stalls and transporting produce is too high ,” Justine pointed out. To address these issues, proposals are being developed to improve urban territorial markets and integrate agroecology into official city planning frameworks. Despite their successes, both institutions face significant challenges, including insecure land tenure, limited water infrastructure, and weak policy support. These constraints hinder the expansion and institutionalisation of urban agroecology. Participants from both sites call for more supportive urban planning frameworks, including designated agroecological zones, better access to land and water, and stronger municipal collaboration. Potential solutions include scaling up demonstration sites, integrating agroecology into school curricula, and offering incentives such as subsidies and tax exemptions to urban farmers. By addressing these barriers, models like JERO Farm and AFIRD can be scaled and replicated to catalyse broader urban sustainability and climate resilience across African cities. Discussion This study highlights that urban agroecology in Kampala operates as a locally adaptive and socially empowering strategy for building sustainable food systems. Through practices such as sack and rooftop farming, herbal-based enterprises, organic composting, and water harvesting, JERO Farm and AFIRD enhance food availability, diversify livelihoods, and foster ecological stewardship. Similar dynamics have been observed elsewhere: Rudolph et al. (2020) emphasize water harvesting and peri-urban farming as key components of climate adaptation in South Africa, while Peano et al. (2020) and Gómez-Villarino and Briz (2023) report that community-led innovations strengthen both environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Within the framework of resilience thinking, these practices express persistence through ecological continuity, adaptability through context-specific innovation, and transformability through the reconfiguration of urban space and food relations (Folke et al. 2010). This shows that urban agroecology is not a peripheral or survivalist response but a vital mechanism for embedding resilience and justice within urban systems. Innovation stands out as a defining feature of Kampala’s urban agroecology. JERO Farm demonstrates creative reuse of materials such as bottles, tyres, and containers to transform waste into productive growing spaces, while AFIRD employs vermicomposting, black soldier fly (BSF) farming, and aquaponics to create resource-efficient systems. These innovations enable small-scale producers to cultivate diverse crops, raise livestock, and integrate waste management within limited spaces, turning constraints into opportunities for regeneration. Comparable efforts, such as the MOBILELAND Project in Spain, have shown how recycled materials can transform underused city spaces into productive ecosystems (Suau 2015). Within the broader notion of agroecological urbanism, such creativity represents an ecological metabolism of the city, one that reuses, regenerates, and reconnects urban material flows (Tornaghi and Dehaene 2021). Through the lens of resilience theory, these innovations reflect adaptability, where local actors continually experiment and redesign systems in response to constraints. Kampala’s creative agroecological practices therefore demonstrate how circular design and low-cost innovation can act as entry points for sustainable urban transformation in resource-scarce settings. At the same time, urban agroecology in Kampala functions as an important mechanism for building climate resilience. Both JERO Farm and AFIRD employ techniques that conserve water, recycle nutrients, and reduce dependency on external inputs. JERO’s small-scale rainwater harvesting and organic composting systems reduce vulnerability to droughts and input price shocks, while AFIRD’s greywater recycling, drip irrigation, and seed diversification provide low-cost adaptations to climate variability. Studies elsewhere in Africa have identified similar strategies as vital for improving adaptive capacity and mitigating climate impacts in urban environments (Rudolph et al. 2020; Peroni et al. 2022). Within resilience thinking, these practices represent persistence through ecological continuity, adaptability through flexible design, and transformability through shifts in how urban communities relate to water, waste, and production systems (Folke et al. 2010). AFIRD’s emphasis on agroforestry for natural cooling further illustrates how agroecological design contributes to microclimate regulation and urban sustainability. These climate-responsive innovations reveal that urban agroecology can serve not only as a livelihood strategy but also as a form of ecological infrastructure for cities adapting to environmental uncertainty. Urban agroecology also operates as a platform for learning, participation, and community empowerment. JERO Farm’s open training sessions, mentorship of women’s groups, and partnerships with schools promote ecological literacy and a sense of community ownership. Similarly, AFIRD’s decentralized model of farmer facilitators, school-based gardens, and open demonstration days builds a wide network of actors capable of adapting and replicating agroecological practices. These approaches align with Nicol’s (2020) concept of “scaling deep,” where transformation takes root through shared values and social learning rather than mere replication. They also echo findings from Rudolph and Muchesa (2024), who argue that participatory education fosters collective resilience and long-term behavioral change. Within resilience theory, these community learning processes reinforce adaptive capacity by linking ecological understanding with social agency. In Kampala, this coupling of knowledge and empowerment shows that agroecology functions as both a livelihood and a civic pedagogy for ecological citizenship. The practices of both JERO Farm and AFIRD also exemplify the micro foundations of Agroecology-Based Local Agri-Food Systems (ALAS), where local innovation, resource circularity, and participatory governance converge to create territorialized food systems (López-García and González de Molina 2021). By closing nutrient loops, linking production with consumption, and fostering cooperative forms of governance, these initiatives strengthen city-region resilience. Similar findings in Latin America emphasize that enabling environments, comprising supportive policies, research institutions, and civic networks, are essential for transforming local agroecological initiatives into durable systems (James et al. 2023). In Kampala, this underscores the need to align grassroots practice with municipal planning, market development, and research partnerships, ensuring that urban agroecology is embedded within the broader food governance architecture. However, our study shows that the expansion and sustainability of urban agroecology in Kampala remain constrained by systemic and structural challenges. Farmers face insecure land tenure, limited access to affordable water, weak institutional coordination, and minimal market differentiation for agroecological products. These barriers mirror global patterns in which urban farming remains marginalized within formal urban planning frameworks (Peano et al. 2020; Sokolowski et al. 2024). From a political ecology perspective, such limitations reflect broader structural inequalities that privilege commercial real estate and conventional agribusiness over community-based initiatives (Robbins, Benjaminsen, and Svarstad 2019). Within resilience theory, these constraints represent rigidity traps, where governance and market systems inhibit adaptive transformation (Walker et al. 2004). Addressing these barriers requires deliberate institutional reform, formal recognition of agroecological zones, equitable access to land and water, and integration of agroecology into urban policy and development plans. Recognizing agroecology as legitimate urban infrastructure rather than informal activity will be key to sustaining its contribution to food security, climate resilience, and social inclusion. Nonetheless, these findings highlight the interconnected processes of scaling out, scaling up, and scaling deep that characterize transformative agroecology (Nicol 2020). Through peer networks and partnerships, both JERO Farm and AFIRD extend their innovations horizontally while simultaneously engaging with policymakers and development agencies to seek institutional recognition. Their emphasis on youth, women, and local leadership contributes to deeper social transformation by nurturing shared values of care, stewardship, and solidarity. Yet, as Monkes and Easdale (2023) caution, processes of institutionalization can risk diluting agroecology’s emancipatory potential if not grounded in participatory governance. Sustaining the movement’s transformative power requires preserving its autonomy and diversity while deepening collaboration between grassroots actors and formal institutions. Through this interplay, Kampala’s urban agroecology demonstrates that resilience and social justice are inseparable dimensions of sustainable urban transformation. It redefines not only how food is produced but also how cities can be governed through ecological values and collective imagination Conclusions and recommendations Urban agroecology in Uganda emerges as both an act of resilience and a blueprint for just urban futures. The cases of JERO Farm and AFIRD demonstrate that community-led agroecological practices can foster ecological stewardship, economic innovation, and social empowerment even in dense urban settings. These initiatives illustrate how localized practices, ranging from sack and rooftop gardens to herbal-based enterprises and organic composting, redefine the urban landscape as a site of adaptation, creativity, and solidarity. Yet realizing the full potential of urban agroecology requires deliberate policy support, institutional recognition, and sustained investment in grassroots knowledge systems. This conclusion aligns with a growing body of literature that situates urban agroecology at the center of efforts to build inclusive, climate-resilient African cities. Drawing on the study’s findings, four interrelated domains are identified to advance urban agroecology in Uganda and similar rapidly urbanizing contexts: research, theory, practice, and policy. In the domain of research, there is an urgent need to systematically document and analyze local innovations in urban agroecology. Comparative and longitudinal studies across African cities can reveal the conditions under which community-based initiatives achieve social and ecological resilience. Future research should also explore how gender, age, and class shape participation, leadership, and the distribution of benefits, ensuring that inclusivity remains a central feature of urban agroecology. Quantifying ecological and economic outcomes through long-term assessments of soil health, climate resilience, and income generation will generate the evidence base needed to inform municipal planning and investment. Such empirical work will strengthen the legitimacy of urban agroecology as both a research and policy priority within sustainability transitions. Theoretically, agroecology must continue to evolve beyond its rural origins to capture the distinct dynamics of urban life. Urban agroecology frameworks should account for density, land competition, waste reuse, and the informal settlements that characterize many African cities. Integrating resilience thinking, political ecology, and the Agroecology-Based Local Agri-Food Systems (ALAS) approach can illuminate how urban agroecology embodies persistence, adaptability, and transformability within social–ecological systems. Advancing theory in this way will not only improve understanding of how agroecology adapts to urban uncertainty but also reveal how it cultivates new forms of collective governance and socio-ecological citizenship. Practically, strengthening demonstration and learning sites such as JERO Farm is essential for scaling innovation and community engagement. These hubs can serve as centers of peer learning, youth mentorship, and innovation diffusion. Scaling up indigenous and low-cost technologies; such as sack gardens, tyre gardens, and local bio-input production should be supported through hands-on training, practical guides, and visual media. Embedding agroecology in schools, youth clubs, and vocational programs will help institutionalize ecological literacy and intergenerational knowledge exchange. Building small-scale input hubs for biofertilizers and biopesticides will enhance local self-reliance, while collective marketing through cooperatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) schemes can expand market reach and improve income stability. Through such locally grounded practices, urban agroecology can evolve from isolated innovation to an integral element of the urban economy and culture. From a policy perspective, mainstreaming agroecology within municipal and national planning frameworks is critical. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and related agencies should designate and protect urban agriculture zones, integrate agroecological practices into city greening and infrastructure policies, and ensure secure access to land and water. Incentives such as tax exemptions, micro-grants, or subsidies for water harvesting, composting, and bio-input production would encourage long-term commitment among urban farmers. Strengthening local markets through organic certification, product labeling, and public awareness campaigns can enhance consumer trust and promote agroecological products, especially those led by women and youth. Aligning agroecology with city-region planning and climate adaptation policies will ensure that it becomes a visible and enduring component of Uganda’s urban development strategy. Non-governmental organizations such as AFIRD have a pivotal role in facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms that connect farmers, schools, and urban authorities. By documenting and replicating successful models in permaculture, waste reuse, and small-scale agroforestry, NGOs can bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and institutional practice. Strengthening producer groups, improving supply chains, and piloting CSA models can enhance the resilience and inclusivity of local markets. NGOs can also invest in farmer-owned marketplaces and community-based production of organic inputs, ensuring reliable access to affordable resources. Expanding capacity-building programs for youth and women will further anchor agroecology within the social fabric of the city. Urban farmers themselves are key agents in realizing this vision. Adopting space-efficient cultivation methods such as vertical, sack, and tyre gardens, and integrating small livestock can increase productivity and resource efficiency. Engaging in collective marketing and knowledge-sharing networks can strengthen bargaining power and reduce post-harvest losses. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and maintaining ecological integrity, urban farmers can assert their role as central actors in shaping resilient and regenerative city food systems. Collectively, these recommendations highlight that the future of urban agroecology in Uganda depends on coordination across scales of action; linking research to practice, practice to policy, and policy to community agency. When these elements converge, urban agroecology can move beyond isolated experiments to become a transformative framework for reimagining cities as inclusive, adaptive, and life-sustaining systems. Beyond Uganda, the insights from this study contribute to the broader rethinking of urban sustainability in the Global South. They demonstrate that agroecology, when rooted in local knowledge and collective agency, can transform cities from sites of ecological stress into spaces of regeneration and social inclusion. The Kampala experience reveals how resilience, justice, and innovation can converge to reconfigure food, land, and governance relations in rapidly urbanizing contexts. As cities across Africa and the wider Global South grapple with food insecurity, inequality, and climate disruption, urban agroecology offers not only a strategy for adaptation but also a vision for transformative urban futures grounded in equity, ecological integrity, and community sovereignty. Urban agroecology hubs like AFIRD and JERO Farm have immense potential to build resilience by “doing more with less” Declarations Author Contributions: CT conceptualized the study, collected and analyzed the data, and led manuscript writing. DK and DS contributed to review and editing. RB supervised and provided institutional support. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval for the study was granted by the Uganda Christian University Research Ethics Committee (approval number UCUREC-2024-772) and registered with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (registration number A409ES). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection, including explicit permission from Faizo, Justine, and Richard to publish their names and affiliations without anonymization. No participants under the age of 16 were involved in the study, and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the approved ethical guidelines. Statements and Declarations: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial or personal relationships that could have influenced this work. Funding Declaration: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. Consent to Publish declaration: Not applicable. Consent to Participate declaration: Not applicable. Data availability statement: Data generated or analysed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. References Benjamin, E. O., Adegoke, A., & Buchenrieder, G. R. (2024). The Disenfranchisement of Practitioners and the Public Sector in Innovative Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Nigeria. Land, 13(7).https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070963 Bisaga, I., Parikh, P., & Loggia, C. (2019). Challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban farming in South African low-income settlements: A case study in Durban. Sustainability (Switzerland), 11(20).https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205660 Cheng, A., Azmi, N. S. N., Ng, Y. M., Lesueur, D., & Yusoff, S. (2022). 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Nicol, Paula. 2020. “Pathways to Scaling Agroecology in the City Region: Scaling Out, Scaling Up and Scaling Deep through Community-Led Trade.” Sustainability 12 (19): 7846. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12197846. Robbins, Paul, Tor A. Benjaminsen, and Hanne Svarstad. 2019. “Political Ecology.” In Encyclopedia of Ecology , 2nd ed., Vol. 4, 423–429. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Walker, Brian, C. S. Holling, Stephen R. Carpenter, and Ann Kinzig. 2004. “Resilience, Adaptability and Transformability in Social–Ecological Systems.” Ecology and Society 9 (2): 5. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-00650-090205. UNCST. (2014). National Guidelines for Research involving Humans as Research Participants (Issue July). https://uncst.go.ug/files/downloads/Human Subjects Protection Guidelines July 2014(1).pdf Boxes Boxes 1 to 3 are available in the supplementary files section. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":974325,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUrban agroecology technologies at JERO Farm, Entebbe, Uganda. The Fig is strong visual evidence of JERO Farm’s approach to urban agroecology—combining diversified planting with recycled materials, terracing, and careful pathing to manage water and space.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7871810/v1/0b98c25b46c286d159c1d4b4.png"},{"id":97894694,"identity":"b2ea3072-1bde-4b39-822c-452a29376a9b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 15:32:53","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":701239,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHydroponic system at JERO Farm\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7871810/v1/538741c1835716f7553306ef.png"},{"id":97700737,"identity":"beb49ca5-c55c-409e-88ee-fcc66d6475c8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 12:22:33","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":494648,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAgro-technologies at the AFIRD Centre, Nkoowe, Wakiso district.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7871810/v1/0296a5ca115b0e51647b9b72.png"},{"id":102963975,"identity":"9f341c53-6ea2-4c7d-8e60-c21eabb11d55","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-19 04:21:03","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3217875,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7871810/v1/6d87d334-54a0-413b-becd-58813fc23c98.pdf"},{"id":97700735,"identity":"adca5bc7-827c-4fbf-9619-541119d9a193","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 12:22:33","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":1989168,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Boxes.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7871810/v1/0491c2422320639df688beae.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Urban agroecology hubs are building resilience by “doing more with less”","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs urbanization accelerates across Africa, cities are facing growing challenges related to food insecurity, environmental degradation and unemployment, particularly among young people and women. In context, urban agroecology has emerged as a transformative approach to fostering sustainable food systems, enhancing community wellbeing, and restoring ecological integrity in constrained urban spaces (Peano et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Rudolph \u0026amp; Muchesa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).However, despite its potential, the practice of urban agroecology remains under-recognised in scholarly literature, weakly supported by policy, and unevenly implemented in practice. The concept continues to suffer from definitional inconsistencies, and the absence of standardized frame works for evaluation limiting recognition of its benefits and hindering the identification of implementation drivers (Dumont et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Existing studies largely focused on the benefits and challenges of \u0026lsquo;urban agriculture\u0026rsquo; rather than \u0026lsquo;urban agroecology\u0026rsquo; as a distinct paradigm. For example, evidence suggests that urban agriculture could provide 15\u0026ndash;20% of the global food supply when applying agroecological principles, but social, economic, and political barriers constrain scaling-up efforts (Altieri et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Urban agriculture is limited by educational outreach, weak institutional linkages, and the absence of structured learning platforms, which curtail their transformative potential (Kay et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). To overcome these challenges, there is a need for local-level stakeholder dialogues and the creation of an enabling environment that supports community-driven processes and sustainable urban farming practices (Bisaga et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). In this context, this paper positions \u003cem\u003eurban agroecology\u003c/em\u003e as a transformative approach capable of addressing these systemic barriers in the urban food system and advancing socially inclusive, ecologically sound, and resilient urban futures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe success of urban agroecology initiatives requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including municipalities, academia, NGOs, and the private sector (Bisaga et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Urban agroecology actors have demonstrated that agroecological innovations can thrive in resource-constrained environments. Urban agroecologists recognize the potential of innovative technologies but perceive a lack of public sector support (Benjamin et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Existing studies related to urban agroecology underscore the need for integrated policies and institutional support to scale agroecology and strengthen its role in sustainable urban food systems (Cheng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; L\u0026oacute;pez-Garc\u0026iacute;a \u0026amp; Carrascosa-Garc\u0026iacute;a, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Rudolph, Muchesa and Kroll, 2020; Rudolph and Muchesa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Peano et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). There is a lack of documentation and analysis on how urban agroecology initiatives operate in various contexts, how they address climate and livelihood challenges, and how community empowerment is fostered through participatory models. Most researchers have focused on urban agriculture giving less attention to urban agroecology (Siegner et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Villarino et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Moreso, agroecology research has often focused on rural smallholders, giving little attention to urban agroecology systems. Montoya \u0026amp; Moreno (2025) demonstrate this bias through their qualitative mapping of 12 agroecological experiences in San Luis Potos\u0026iacute; which highlight that academic analysis of agroecology has primarily concentrated on rural territories while overlooking the growing pressures in urban areas. This study seeks to address these knowledge and policy gaps by critically examining the practices, challenges, and opportunities of urban agroecology in Uganda through case studies of JERO Farm and AFIRD. Drawing on focus group discussions, site observations, interviews, and institutional documents, the research examines how the two hubs are incorporating agroecology principles into urban contexts and identifies the systemic changes necessary to support and scale these efforts. This paper is anchored on Resilience Theory (Folke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), which originates from ecology and systems thinking but has since expanded into social sciences to explain how coupled social\u0026ndash;ecological systems adapt, absorb shocks, and transform in the face of disturbances such as climate change, economic crises, or policy shifts. At its core, the theory focuses on the capacity of systems to persist, adapt, and transform without collapsing into less desirable states. Within this theoretical framing, urban agroecology innovations are understood as adaptive practices climate resilience reflects system robustness community engagement represents social resilience; and implementation challenges highlight system vulnerabilities and opportunities for transformation. Guided by this framework the study addresses the following research questions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat urban agroecology innovations are being implemented in the Kampala metropolitan area?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow do these innovations contribute to building climate resilience?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn what ways are institutions engaging with the community on urban agroecology?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat are the challenges in urban agroecology and how might these be addressed?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe paper is structured as follows: the next section presents the theoretical framework; followed by a discussion of the methodological approach and case studies of JERO Farm and AFIRD; we then present the key findings and analysis through theoretical lenses of resilience and agroecological urbanism, and concludes with summary of the findings and policy and practical recommendations for advancing inclusive and climate-resilient urban food systems.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Theoretical Framework","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study conceptualizes urban agroecology in Kampala as a \u003cem\u003ecoupled social–ecological system\u003c/em\u003e (SES) whose resilience emerges from the dynamic interplay between persistence, adaptability, and transformability (Folke et al. 2010). Resilience thinking extends beyond ecological robustness to include the social capacities that allow systems to reorganize and innovate in response to shocks such as climate change, land scarcity, or policy shifts. In this framing, urban agroecology hubs such as JERO Farm and AFIRD are not isolated technical projects but adaptive infrastructures that enhance the system’s capacity to absorb disturbance, learn, and evolve without collapsing into less desirable states (Folke et al. 2010; Walker et al. 2004). Their small-space, circular farming designs; through recycling, composting, and water harvesting, represent concrete manifestations of adaptability within urban food systems. However, resilience cannot be understood solely as an ecological or managerial property; it is also a \u003cem\u003epolitical condition\u003c/em\u003e shaped by power, access, and social justice (Cote and Nightingale 2012; Robbins, Benjaminsen, and Svarstad 2019). This study therefore integrates resilience thinking with agroecological urbanism, a perspective that redefines the city as both a \u003cem\u003epolitical territory\u003c/em\u003e and an \u003cem\u003eecological metabolism\u003c/em\u003e (Tornaghi and Dehaene 2021). Agroecological urbanism foregrounds the social relations of land, labor, and knowledge that co-produce urban spaces. It critiques technocratic forms of “urban greening” that aestheticize nature while excluding communities from decision-making and resource access. Within Kampala’s context, this perspective urges a shift from ornamental greening toward multifunctional, edible, and medicinal landscapes embedded in neighbourhood economies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo situate these practices within broader governance frameworks, the paper draws on the concept of Agroecology-based Local Agri-food Systems (ALAS) (López-García and González de Molina 2021), which connects site-level agroecological practices to territorial governance. ALAS emphasizes re-territorializing food flows, co-governance among multiple actors (farmers, consumers, schools, and municipalities), and metabolic repair through circular resource use. The HLPE (2019) \u003cem\u003e13 Principles of Agroecology\u003c/em\u003e; such as diversity, circularity, co-creation of knowledge, and responsible governance; offer operational criteria for examining how agroecology hubs are institutionalized in city-region food systems (HLPE 2019). Within this framework, JERO Farm and AFIRD function as learning-policy interfaces that bridge grassroots experimentation and municipal planning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process of embedding urban agroecology in city systems can be understood through scaling pathways: \u003cem\u003escaling out\u003c/em\u003e (horizontal diffusion of practices through networks), \u003cem\u003escaling up\u003c/em\u003e (integration into policies and budgets), and \u003cem\u003escaling deep\u003c/em\u003e (transformation of values and cultural norms) (Nicol 2020). These three modes are interdependent; innovations that scale out without institutional anchoring often remain fragile “bright spots,” while scaling up without value change risks bureaucratic co-optation (Monkes and Easdale 2023). Accordingly, we analyze JERO Farm and AFIRD as relational nodes that operate across all three pathways; replicating practices, engaging policy processes, and transforming community relations. Synthesizing these strands, urban agroecology is conceived as both a resilience strategy and a transformative urban project. It diversifies ecological and livelihood portfolios (adaptability), repairs urban metabolisms through circular resource use (persistence), and catalyzes participatory governance for equitable food systems (transformability). Rooting resilience in urban agroecology therefore demands coupling practice (ecological design), policy (institutional support), and polity (collective agency). This triadic framing allows us to interrogate how JERO Farm and AFIRD reconfigure socio-ecological feedback and governance structures, and how such processes can advance socially just, climate-resilient urban futures in Kampala.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study adopted a qualitative case study design to investigate the practices, innovations, and challenges associated with urban agroecology in the Kampala metropolitan area of Uganda. The focus was on two key agroecology hubs: JERO Farm in Entebbe and the Agency for Integrated Rural Development (AFIRD) in Nkoowe, both in Wakiso District. A qualitative approach was chosen because it enables rich, in-depth exploration of complex social and ecological practices, particularly where context and lived experience are essential to understanding (Yardley et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm is an urban demonstration site that applies agroecological principles while also engaging community members through training and farm-based learning. AFIRD, on the other hand, is a development organization that supports peri-urban and urban agroecological practices through farmer mobilisation, women and youth-focused training, and innovation in value addition. The two sites were selected from the 25 Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) members visited by the researcher in 2024. The sites were purposively selected for their active roles in urban agroecology and their contrasting institutional models: one farm-based and the other NGO-led (AFIRD Uganda, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; JERO Farm, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData were collected from multiple sources using multiple qualitative to ensure triangulation and credibility (Haywood \u0026amp; Lawlor, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Rouse \u0026amp; Harrison, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). These included focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers, in-depth interviews (IDI) with organizational staff members and leaders of farmer groups, field observations, photographic documentation, and informal communications. Two FGDs were conducted: one with AFIRD staff members, and another with staff members and farmers affiliated with the JERO farm (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). These discussions explored how urban agroecology is practiced, motivations of participation, and key structural challenges. In addition, in-depth interview examined leadership strategies, innovation, youth engagement, market linkages, and bio-input production. Site visits provided direct observation of farming techniques, composting systems, household water innovations, and community engagement practices while field notes and photographs supported subsequent analysis. An online small group interview with representatives from both organisations further highlighted systemic constraints shaping urban agroecology. Using multiple data sources and perspectives strengthened the validity of the findings and grounded them in practitioners lived realities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudy participants\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMethod\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJERO\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAFIRD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIDI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1 male, 1 female)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFGD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4 male, 1 female)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (3 male, 2 male)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSGI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1 male, 1 female)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhatsApp Chat\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformal communication Via WhatsApp supplemented formal data collection. An AFIRD staff member provided a written description of urban agroecology innovations at the AFRID center, which was incorporated verbatim into findings. All FGDs and IDIs were audio-recorded and stored on local and cloud drives. Transcripts were prepared by trained research assistants, and their accuracy was verified through independent review, during which audio files were cross-checked against the txt to ensure completeness and reliability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData analysis was guided by a case study analysis approach, which involved systematic organisation, coding, and comparison of findings within and across the two cases. A pre-determined coding framework; guided by the study research questions and Resilience Theory (Folke et al., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), focused on four themes: (i) urban agroecology innovations, (ii) building resilience to climate change, (iii) community engagement, and (iv) challenges of urban agroecology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin-case analysis produced a detailed narrative of each institution\u0026rsquo;s activities, practices, strategies and outcomes. Cross-case comparison then identified key similarities and differences across the two cases. Illustrative quotations were retained to capture participants\u0026rsquo; perspectives\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the study three commissioned photographs from JERO Farm and AFIRD (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;4) were analyzed using a structured visual analysis approach (Shaari, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). It began with a quick scan, then a neutral, pre-iconographic description of visible elements and formal qualities, followed by contextual analysis (who, when, where, why, for whom) to reveal intent and possible bias (Box 1,2\u0026amp;3). iconography and iconological interpretations were then developed to uncover deeper narratives. Finally, a cross-image comparison was conducted s to test typicality and refine interpretations (Illustration 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg 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\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIllustration 1: Steps in image analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical research procedures were strictly adhered to throughout the study. All methods were carried out in accordance with the Uganda National Guidelines for Research Involving Humans as Research Participants (July 2014), as issued by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Verbal and written consent was obtained from all participants, who were informed about the study purpose and voluntary nature of their involvement. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained where applicable. Although the study focused on two urban agroecology hubs, the use of multiple data sources and triangulation strengthened its reliability, credibility and trustworthiness. Additionally, peer debriefing and collaborative discussions among co-authors via Zoom were conducted to refine interpretations and minimize researcher bias. Member checking was incorporated by sharing preliminary findings with key participants s for validation and clarification. Direct quotations were retained to preserve participants voices, and an audit trail of coding decisions, analytic memos, and methodological steps was maintained to ensure transparency and replicability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFindings\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm and AFIRD both champion urban agroecology in Uganda, but their approaches reflect different priorities, technologies, and engagement models. While they share a commitment to resilience, innovation, and community well-being, their methods highlight diverse pathways through which urban agroecology can be adapted to urban and peri-urban contexts. Together, the experiences of JERO Farm and AFIRD illustrate the adaptability of urban agroecology to different urban contexts. While JERO Farm thrives on creativity, low-cost practices, and grassroots engagement, AFIRD invests in structured, technically advanced systems with a strong link to policy and institutional frameworks. Their complementary approaches reveal the breadth of opportunities for scaling agroecology in ways that address climate resilience, food security, and community empowerment across Uganda.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data presents a comparative analysis of JERO Farm and AFIRD, highlighting key differences in how each institution approaches urban agroecology. While both are committed to building climate resilience, fostering innovation, and engaging communities, their strategies, technologies, and institutional models differ significantly. These distinctions provide valuable insights into the diverse pathways through which urban agroecology can be adapted and scaled within different urban and peri-urban contexts in Uganda.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter analysing the data from the JERO farm and AFIRD study participants, the research team identified the following four themes (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMajor themes of the study\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTheme\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1) Urban agroecology innovations\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCreative and sustainable practices that maximize food production and ecological health within space-constrained urban and peri-urban areas. These agroecological innovations turn waste and limited land into productive, resource-efficient systems that support food security, income generation, and ecological sustainability\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2) Urban agroecology for climate resilience\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvolves applying ecological farming practices to help urban communities adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts. The urban agroecology innovations mentioned in theme 1 above equips farmers and households to cope with droughts, heat, and rising costs while enhancing ecological resilience\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3) Urban agroecology for community engagement\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ehighlights the participatory and empowering dimension of ecological farming in the urban community. Agroecology hubs transform agroecology into a tool for empowerment and advocacy, linking ecological stewardship with livelihoods, education, and collective resilience. Community engagement ensures knowledge sharing, replication, and grassroots ownership of agroecological practices\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4) Urban agroecology challenges\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUrban agroecology faces systemic and structural challenges that hinder scaling and sustainability. These constraints show that while urban agroecology holds transformative potential, its success depends on enabling policies, stronger municipal collaboration, affordable input systems, consumer awareness, and secure spaces for agroecological zones within urban planning frameworks\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTheme 1: Urban agroecology innovations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and site visits to JERO farm in Entebbe and AFIRD in Nkoowe, Wakiso district, we noted that urban agroecology represents a growing frontier in sustainable agriculture, especially in space-constrained settings near cities. JERO Farm and its affiliated groups demonstrate innovative approaches to maximising output on small spaces by utilising eco-friendly techniques and materials. JERO Farm and its affiliated farmers utilize recycled and unconventional materials to maximize growing space in urban areas (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). An elder son of the JERO farm team leader, Richard Mugisha, who also works at the farm, told me that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe farm uses materials such as bottles, polythene, and tyres to plant some of their crops.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile walking through the JERO farm centre, the researcher observed that the materials mentioned in the above quote were used for vertical gardening, mobile gardens, aquaponics, and rooftops and containers for cultivating vegetables and herbs. See the photos (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and 3) that the researcher obtained, which show some of these technologies in use. The JERO Farm team leader, Mr Mugisha, told me that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are innovating mobile gardens where you find that initially a water bottle contained water [valued] at 12,000 UGX, but with a garden, it will cost 25,000 UGX, and people will pay for that.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMugisha\u0026rsquo;s son adds that JERO Farm is a micro-urban farm and serves as a demonstration center for these innovative methods. In his words.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Jero Farm is an urban and organic farm lying on half an acre in Entebbe... It majorly grows herbs, fruits, vegetables... also practices many healthy agricultural practices, i.e. mulching, intercropping, organic manure application, terracing, etc.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShowcasing a strategy for maximisation and optimal utilisation of space, JERO Farm integrates dozens of different crop types, which can be seen year-round, even on the small parcel of land that it occupies. For example, nearly 40 different types of plants grow in the recycled materials mentioned above in the farm\u0026rsquo;s herb garden, which clearly demonstrates how colourful design, utilisation of space and organic growing techniques can be combined. Another example is terracing, which enables the optimised usage of the farm\u0026rsquo;s steep terrain, providing ample space for carefully managed beds, growing sacks, companion planting, and more. Mango and passion fruits grow above beds of kale and marigolds, while tomatoes grow in sacks near the beds of the local nakati, which alongside green onions occupy the space between the banana trees. The maximisation of space continues however, as the farm also integrates animal husbandry, raising 5 different types of animals. Thus, in the space of the half acre, alongside the plants, the compound houses cows, chickens, goats, fish and even the innovative Black Soldier Flies (BSF). These animals are raised inside the context of the rest of the farm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, leftover food scraps are used to feed the BSF, whose larvae and pupae are exceptional at breaking down organic waste. The larvae and the materials they subsequently produce are then harvested as protein supplements for chickens and fish. The chicken droppings, alongside those of the cows and the goats, are used in the process of biogas production, which is later used in the farm kitchen. The leftovers of the gas production process, called Bioslurry, is later dried and used as composting materials to enrich the soil quality and provide nutrition for the plants on the farm. These techniques show the integrative, cost saving, and environmentally friendly approach that JERO Farm demonstrates, suitable for small spaces.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarmers learn-by-doing, observing practical models of farming on compact land parcels. These demonstrations encourage other urban farmers to replicate such sustainable designs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe son, a seemingly young man, also me that JERO Farm engages in value addition and organic product development, integrating farming with entrepreneurship:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt [JERO farm] has finished products like tea with over fourteen spices and is in preparation for opening an organic tea caf\u0026eacute;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch ventures represent innovative models of agro-tourism and small-scale urban agribusiness, showcasing how urban agroecology can be economically viable while also educating consumers on healthy, eco-conscious lifestyles. Although the caf\u0026eacute;\u0026apos;s tea was said to be \u0026ldquo;organic,\u0026rdquo; there was no clear assurance regarding formal organic certification, reflecting broader challenges in navigating the complex and often costly certification processes required to meet organic standards.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInnovation in urban agroecology is proving essential for climate adaptation, food system resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in Uganda. JERO Farm and affiliated initiatives serve as critical incubators of such models. While promising, these innovations need enhanced visibility, institutional support, and replicability mechanisms to scale their benefits to more urban communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the AFIRD centre, urban agroecology technologies include 1) intensive gardening, 2) waste recycling and 3) seed multiplication. Intensive gardening techniques include veranda gardening, vertical gardening, tyre gardening, and compound gardening. Crops include vegetables, herbs and spices, ornamentals, and trees. There is also livestock integration, including the rearing of small livestock, such as rabbits, for both food and meat, as well as providing materials for soil enhancements (like organic and bio-fertilizers) and pest repellents. Below is an excerpt from my interview with Faizo, a Program Manager at AFIRD.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles [Interviewer]: Tell me the three most critical urban technologies you\u0026rsquo;re implementing\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaizo [respondent]: I am going to sum up about four. We are demonstrating how a farmer on probably 60 x 100 ft land space can have more food and better incomes. One main technique is intensive gardening. We do a lot of garden designs at a low cost. We have Vera gardens there, vertical, those that go to higher spaces. We have tyre gardens; we have sack gardens. All those technologies that farmers can adopt at a low cost. We have a variety of veggies, spices and herbs. These are grown in different spaces, but also in different varieties or species. Our compound is full of gardens, full of many plants that serve various functions. Another technique we are demonstrating is livestock integrations. We consider small livestock \u0026ndash; we are rearing rabbits mainly for food/meat, and wastes (urine and droppings) to enrich plant nutrients in the soil.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second aspect of urban agroecology at AFIRD is waste recycling. This aspect includes using earthworms to transform biodegradable waste into castings (humus), This one is special in such a way that, since we are in an urban area, there is a lot of waste accumulation. With the help of earthworms, we can process the waste into organic fertilizers, but again, we solve the waste problem from our neighbours. In our interview, Faizo added that: We also make phosphite fertilizer from bones collected around city abattoirs- this is another way of reducing waste from urban areas.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third aspect is seed multiplication. The AFIRD centre maintains a seed bank for over 40 bean varieties and produces seedlings for a diversity of local fruits, herbs, vegetables, and trees that farmers can purchase. Faizo mentioned that\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaizo: We also do multiplication of seeds, bean seeds, but also tree seedlings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring an FGD meeting at AFIRD, it was confirmed that urban agroecology strongly emphasizes innovation and indigenous knowledge as key components of sustainable urban farming. The AFIRD centre is creatively incorporating traditional techniques into modern contexts by planting vegetables in sacks and old tyres, intercropping herbs with vegetables, and making organic pesticides from readily available natural ingredients such as neem, garlic, and pepper (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). These methods are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and they also foster youth innovation and entrepreneurship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFig 3: Agro-technologies at the AFIRD Centre, Nkoowe, Wakiso district.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFIRD serves as a practical hub for demonstrating sustainable technologies that advance agroecological farming and urban food production. Its initiatives span backyard gardening systems, aquaponics, waste management, renewable energy, water harvesting, and organic seed multiplication, all aimed at enhancing soil health, resource efficiency, and community resilience. During a WhatsApp exchange, a staff member at AFIRD, Denis, told the researcher that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Here [...] at AFIRD, we promote a range of sustainable technologies to support agroecological farming and urban food production. In our centre, backyard gardening is a key focus, with methods such as vertical gardens, raised beds, sack gardens, bucket gardens, tyre gardens, and marginal gardens used to demonstrate how vegetables, herbs, and spices can be cultivated in confined urban spaces. Aquaponics integrate fish and plant farming into a closed-loop system where water is recycled from fish tanks through plant media and a filtration tank, then pumped back into the fish tanks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe added that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur waste management technologies include vermicomposting, where worms break down biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost and vermi-tea, as well as greywater recycling through kitchen waste gardens to irrigate plants using water free from soap chemicals. The center also promotes renewable energy by using solar dryers to preserve farm produce, extending shelf life and enabling value addition. The production of organic fertilizers and pesticides is emphasized to improve soil health and ensure the production of healthy food. We demonstrate water harvesting technologies through surface runoff collection using Mandala and sunken bed gardens, as well as rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, the center is involved in organic seed and seedling multiplication, contributing to resilient, self-sustaining farming systems.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFIRD is implementing a range of innovative urban agroecology practices, many of which are designed to be replicable and scalable within urban contexts, such as Kampala. For example, the organization integrates agroforestry into their office campus design, with Justine, another AFIRD staff member and Manager for Advocacy and lobbying Program highlighting that \u0026ldquo;even small-scale agroforestry integration is possible with proper understanding and implementation.\u0026rdquo; Waste management innovations, such as vermiculture, water harvesting, and composting, are being implemented at the AFIRD centre, helping to create closed-loop systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm and AFIRD demonstrate complementary approaches to using urban agroecology as a strategy for building resilience to climate change. Both institutions harness agroecological principles to mitigate the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity, and food insecurity in urban and peri-urban settings. JERO Farm emphasizes water harvesting and reuse through storage tanks and promotes organic composting as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers, reducing input costs and environmental degradation. Similarly, AFIRD integrates composting, household waste recycling, and local seed use into its training programs, positioning agroecology as a low-input, high-resilience alternative to conventional farming. These approaches not only improve soil health and water efficiency but also equip urban communities to adapt to climate-induced stresses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of innovation, JERO Farm and AFIRD are notable for their creative and practical urban agroecology models. JERO Farm utilizes vertical gardening, rooftop containers, and mobile gardens made from repurposed materials like bottles and tires. Integrating livestock into the farm operations, JERO Farm showcases how all these aspects can jointly be managed, benefiting each other and improving the final products. It also ventures into value-added products, such as herbal teas, linking farming to agribusiness. AFIRD, on the other hand, promotes the use of sack gardens, aquaponics, herbal pesticides, and vermicomposting. Both institutions exemplify innovation in resource-constrained environments by turning waste into productive assets and maximizing limited space, making agroecology adaptable to urban realities. JERO Farm focuses on integrated urban farming, while AFIRD emphasizes innovative urban farming to advance sustainability and food preservation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTheme 2: Urban agroecology for climate resilience\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban agroecological farming is uniquely challenged by limited water availability, especially in the face of increasing climate variability. As a result, water conservation emerged as a key pillar of resilience among participants in the JERO Farm discussions. Affiliate farmers and workers at the farm consistently emphasised the need for innovative and practical water management techniques to sustain urban agroecological systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond individual efforts, participants during an FGD advocated for community-based water solutions, such as the construction of large underground water reservoirs. These systems, they noted, could store ample rainwater during the wet season and serve multiple households or farming plots. However, implementing such systems would require collective action and land-sharing agreements among neighbours due to the space required. One farmer during an FGD said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater reservoirs... huge underground tanks during the rainy season... may require cooperation with neighbours since they may require a huge piece of land.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, participants suggested using drip irrigation systems to maximise water efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure targeted watering of crops. These innovations reflect a growing awareness among urban farmers of the need to integrate innovative water practices into climate-resilient agriculture. Together, these approaches demonstrate how urban agroecology can evolve through innovative, low-cost water solutions, particularly when supported by collective effort and technical expertise. JERO farm is already demonstrating drip irrigation and linking it to hydroponics (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the AFIRD meeting, urban agroecological systems were identified as climate-resilient and less resource-intensive than conventional farming. Using compost, household waste, and local seeds makes these systems affordable and accessible. One FGD participant said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople use home kitchen waste to make compost, manure... and don\u0026apos;t depend on expensive fertilisers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe JERO farm director confirmed the use of irrigation at the farm and said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJero is actively making use of drip irrigation systems already\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes agroecology highly suitable for urban dwellers who need low-input and sustainable farming options in the face of rising living costs and climate variability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese urban agroecology innovations at AFIRD are potentially contributing to climate resilience through both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Agroforestry, for instance, plays a vital role in \u0026ldquo;natural cooling systems,\u0026rdquo; reducing the urban heat island effect and reliance on artificial cooling, according to Justine, a staff member at AFIRD. See her quote below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustine: \u0026ldquo;When you look at AFIRD, there is an innovation around the agroforestry component. We don\u0026rsquo;t use ACs [Air Conditioners]. Instead, we rely on natural cooling systems, which are made possible by the agroforestry practices established on the ground. Research shows that when someone has planted even one or two trees in a compound, it contributes to greening the city and towns, while also freshening the environment\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustine adds that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Research shows that a single mature tree can provide a cooling effect equivalent to several air conditioners, depending on the size and species of the tree and its placement. People or visitors even testify to this that when you move from a hot environment outside and enter through AFIRD\u0026rsquo;s gate, you immediately start to feel the coolness. This effect is simply due to the presence of just a few trees. Agroforestry not only creates this natural cooling system but also contributes to climate resilience. So apart from vegetables, herbs, spices and other simple innovations, intentional agroforestry integration is critical. It is now evident that this practice can be adopted even on small pieces of land. It is just a matter of understanding how to integrate it whether it is 1, 2,3\u0026hellip;30 trees, each makes a difference\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking to Faizo, he revealed that building climate resilience at AFIRD encompasses both climate mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation is achieved through maintaining dense vegetation in the centre, including trees, as well as supplying seedlings to farmers to plant on their farms for both cooling and carbon sequestration. Faizo said that AFIRD promotes biofertilizers, which he believes help build the soil\u0026apos;s architecture, thus conserving soil moisture during dry spells. See our interview below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles [interviewer]: Do you see a connection between your technologies and building climate resilience?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaizo [Respondent]: \u0026ldquo;Our tech looks at two aspects \u0026ndash; mitigation. By vermicomposting [at the centre], we are not only reducing emissions from waste but also building carbon sinks with the the humus that farmers use. We are increasing adaptation through increasing access to low-cost organic and biofertilizers. We multiply seedlings to promote tree planting. We also conduct awareness creation and capacity building on climate change action\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn building resilience to climate change, JERO Farm emphasizes small-scale water harvesting and organic composting. It encourages rooftop and backyard gardens as accessible, low-input, climate-resilient options. AFIRD, by contrast, focuses on more technical interventions such as waste utilization, efficient watering systems, drip irrigation, and black soldier fly (BSF) innovations. It also promotes permaculture-based systems that recycle kitchen waste, integrate greywater, and use locally adaptable seeds, forming a structured, resource-light model suited to peri-urban settings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTheme 3: Urban agroecology and community engagement\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity engagement is a central pillar of agroecological transformation, especially within the urban and peri-urban farming context of Uganda. Through initiatives led by JERO Farm and its network partners, such as AFIRD, farmers are not only adopting agroecological farm practices but also building resilient, informed communities. This theme focuses on group discussions and institutional reflections to examine how farmers are engaged, empowered, and educated through agroecology, as well as how youth-targeted interventions are fostering generational change in urban settings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm\u0026rsquo;s model of engaging residents through free, practical training sessions has emerged as a cornerstone of community empowerment efforts. Community members are introduced to agroecological principles and then supported through follow-up visits and mentorship. The team leader at JERO farm told me that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe allowed coming and learning free of charge\u0026hellip; We help them establish kitchen gardens.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarmers are taught how to use composting, intercropping, and pest-repellent plants while also being exposed to low-cost, space-saving innovations. These training activities empower participants not only with knowledge but also with the confidence to implement changes in their own homes and neighbourhoods. In a meeting with farmers affiliated with JERO Farm, it was noted that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarmers ought to implement what they\u0026rsquo;re taught and trigger JERO Farm to make follow-up visits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm has taken deliberate steps to engage schools and young people as a long-term investment in agroecology. Partnering with organisations like Rural Community in Development (RUCID), JERO Farm delivers educational programs to students, emphasising the production of healthy food, environmental conservation, and practical agricultural skills. The JERO team leader, Richard said:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are hired by an organization to cover about nine schools... telling them about how they can grow without these chemicals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe added that\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest gospel should now go to the young generation... encourage them, embrace them, and give them awareness that this is how things are done.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also added that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI went to one of the biggest schools... and she was in senior two. She thought food came from the store market.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo counteract this challenge, practical demonstrations, kitchen gardens, and farm visits are employed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm actively engages with women by involving them in implementing sustainable agricultural techniques. JERO Farm\u0026rsquo;s efforts underscore the importance of women\u0026rsquo;s leadership in driving both food security and economic transformation at the grassroots level. The JERO Farm Director said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm also actively engages with the women of the community. Led by the co-manager of JERO, the 33 participants of \u0026ldquo;Women of Hope\u0026rdquo;, a locally led empowerment group that supports women and their families in the community, often collaborate with JERO in implementing agricultural techniques to improve their family\u0026rsquo;s nutrition and income.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJERO Farm facilitates surrounding communities to adopt urban agroecology. During an IDI with the Executive Director, he mentioned that JERO Farm is both a demonstration site and a social enterprise.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;JERO is an organic demonstration farm that seeks to address issues of malnutrition in the community. Showcasing reasonable, effective, relevant and proven organic solutions, JERO demonstrates how they can all be implemented by the surrounding community. JERO also serves as a social enterprise, evidence of how proper farming techniques can be used to support families and communities and become profitable.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AFIRD centre engages the community through working with schools, prisons, farmer groups, markets, and the youth. Faizo revealed this during an interview with IDI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles: How do you engage with the community?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaizo: Our community is quite broad. We work with schools, prisons, and farmers. We create awareness around agroecology practices, climate change, and gender equality. building /training in agroecology and urban farming. We organize Open days for people to come and see the urban farming technologies we are doing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding markets, Faizo revealed that AFIRD is building agroecological enterprises both at the centre and in the community, focusing on bio-input production. Bio-inputs include biofertilizers and bio-pesticides. AFIRD produces organic fertilizers and pesticides to support urban agroecology farmers, sourcing raw materials from local communities. It works directly with farmers on field trials and participatory research to improve biofertilizers, strengthen production, and promote sustainable farming practices. Faizo said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaizo: Also producing agroecology inputs, e.g., organic fertilizers and pesticides to support urban agroecology farmers. There can\u0026rsquo;t be agroecology urban farmers with such inputs. Recently, we have been working with \u0026hellip;. an online application \u0026ndash; i\u003cem\u003eknowFarm\u003c/em\u003e App. Through that app, we can market our products and gather information on our buyers. We are marketing products, but also sharing information on agroecology practices through that App. We are working in collaboration with PALM Corps an NGO in ARUA owning \u003cem\u003eiknowFarm\u003c/em\u003e app. We enrich the app with information on markets and agroecology practices on coffee, banana, nakati and rabbits. But also, we get support from the community in terms content development and feedback.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFIRD supports youths in producing and selling homemade pesticides. As one FGD participant, Faizo, noted, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Some of the youths are now making their pesticides... using garlic and onions, and they are selling them too.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Such practices not only reduce chemical dependency but also stimulate innovation-driven microenterprises, providing livelihood opportunities and strengthening local agroecological systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFIRD views urban agroecology as a pathway to engage unemployed youth and empower women through entrepreneurial gardening, training, and product development (e.g., soap, herbal remedies). A staff member at AFIRD said during a meeting that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWomen groups we train\u0026hellip; do herbal soap, Vaseline, organic pesticides and teas\u0026mdash;using herbs they grow in sack gardens.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis aligns with larger national goals of reducing youth unemployment while also addressing nutrition, health, and ecological degradation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AFIRD Center has emerged as a key replicable model in the community, with Justine noting that \u0026ldquo;some centers have been created by farmers and schools, with up to 30 green spaces established.\u0026rdquo; AFIRD utilizes schools and community gardens as demonstration sites to educate and involve the public in sustainable agriculture. According to Justine, AFIRD is deeply engaged with communities through a decentralized model that empowers local actors. She described how \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;a network of facilitators learns innovations and transforms their landscapes by establishing their Agroecology learning model centers,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e enabling knowledge transfer and replication. This community-based strategy has enabled the creation of numerous green spaces across various urban settings. Schools are also a significant focus for community engagement. \u0026ldquo;We need to present gardening as something educational and beneficial,\u0026rdquo; Justine noted, emphasizing the importance of involving parents and teachers\u0026rsquo; associations (PTAs), students, and even church leaders to foster lasting commitment. These efforts have led to the establishment of multiple community and school-based centers. See our conversation below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles: How is the AFIRD center engaging with community?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustine: From what I know because AFIRD engages the community through women and youth groups, through and individuals through AFIRD\u0026rsquo;s business arm the Permaculture Resource Center. we have created a network of champions or facilitators of agroecology. and these people have gone out and multiplied the knowledge and practices within their households and communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles: Okay.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustine: Yeah, because through exposures to AFIRD offices and the Centre, farmers and generally the entire visitors learn one, two and more innovations on the ground and then they always go and replicate them. Some farmers have even gone ahead to transform their homes into centers. For example, we visited one farmer in Mukono who has replicated AFIRD\u0026rsquo;s work. And there is also this old lady called Katabaire Joy just near AFIRD in Mende sub county. She has now created a \u0026lsquo;Joy Center,\u0026rsquo; as she named it, and she is currently building accommodations for participants. So that\u0026rsquo;s how we have created champions of in urban Agroecology through the Center.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles: Oh, really. Okay. You call them champions?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJustine: Ah, not really! They are always referred to as Trainer of Trainees or Group Based Facilitators from different farmer groups and schools that AFIRD work with. Ah! The schools go up to 30.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFIRD established a permaculture demonstration garden at the Mpigi District headquarters as a way of showcasing the potential of agroecology to both local government officials and the wider community. Though it occupies just a small green space, the garden is highly strategic; it demonstrates practical innovations such as vegetable, spice and herbs production, soil fertility management, and integrated farming approaches that can be applied at household and institutional levels.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Justine from AFIRD, the garden technologies are already being replicated elsewhere, with Mpigi district local government officials regularly engaging with the demonstration site and acknowledging its value. The demonstration garden therefore serves a dual role: as an engagement and learning site where government officials, farmers, and visitors can observe agroecological practices and transfer these lessons to their communities, and as an advocacy tool for agroecology, since its location at the district headquarters directly influences decision-makers, reinforces the relevance of agroecology in local development planning, and strengthens institutional support for sustainable farming. In this way, AFIRD not only works with farmers on the ground but also strategically places innovations to inspire both policy-level change and grassroots replication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity engagement is central to both JERO Farm and AFIRD. JERO offers free training to residents and provides mentorship, while also engaging schools through environmental education programs and youth and women-focused kitchen gardens. AFIRD works extensively with Youths and women\u0026rsquo;s groups, training them to grow herbs for soap, vaseline, and organic teas. In both cases, agroecology becomes a tool for empowerment by linking ecological stewardship with livelihood opportunities. Their work demonstrates that agroecology is not only a farming practice but also a participatory model of education, community development, and resilience-building. Community engagement strategies diverge. JERO Farm offers farm-based training and mentorship, cultivating strong partnerships with schools to deliver practical agroecology education at a fee. It places special emphasis on young people in school through demonstration learning. AFIRD, on the other hand, adopts structured no-charge group trainings that are project-based, linking urban agroecology to health, nutrition, and income generation. Its model is more formalized and targeted, aligning community work with broader development goals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTheme 4: Urban agroecology challenges\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban agroecology offers a pathway to sustainable food production, environmental regeneration, and climate adaptation. While models like JERO Farm showcase their transformative potential, practitioners face numerous systemic, structural, and social challenges. This report synthesises findings from farmer focus group discussions (FGDs) and organisational reflections to highlight key challenges and propose contextualised solutions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants from the AFIRD FGD emphasised that urban farming is becoming increasingly necessary for food production in space constrained and densely populated areas. Urban agroecology is portrayed as a survival response to food insecurity in cities:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;In Uganda and especially Kampala, people are using containers, vertical farming, rooftop farming, balcony farming, because there is no land.\u0026rdquo; says a participant from the AFIRD FGD.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis positions urban agroecology not just as a practice of ecological ethics but as a means of urban survival, particularly for the poor and landless.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited land availability is a significant challenge for urban agroecology. Justine of AFIRD explained, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Land is a problem\u0026hellip; land is inadequate,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e underscoring the difficulty urban farmers face in finding and retaining productive space for farming. Without secure access to land, it becomes challenging to sustain long-term urban farming initiatives. Land tenure insecurity presents a significant hurdle, as urban farmers are losing production spaces at a high rate. According to Faizo, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Urban farmers are losing land at a very high rate. There is a lot to be done on land rights.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Securing land rights and formally integrating urban agriculture zones into city planning could help protect these spaces and ensure long-term production viability. Justine expressed her frustration of the Kampala city \u0026ldquo;greening\u0026rdquo; program and proposed the restructuring of the urban city design to incorporate principles of agroecology. She mentioned that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd also right from designing, because people are creating green spaces. KCCA [Kamapala Capital City Authority] is creating green spaces, but green spaces where we have some things that are not even beneficial, they are not even beneficial for them. They\u0026apos;re after greening the city. But when you look at what is planted, \u0026hellip; I think they are planted without the sense of say, okay agroecology \u0026hellip;. Because to me I would expect to have green things, yes, but when they serve other purposes. Can you give me examples of the trees that you see evergreen [in Kampala city]? Yes. They are always evergreen. They\u0026apos;re always \u0026ldquo;CHOGMS\u0026rdquo; [a type of tree planted in Kampala]. But can we have ... the \u003cem\u003eprunus africana\u003c/em\u003e growing somewhere. Like the medicinal plants, our indigenous plants, trees growing. \u0026hellip; need to be intentional, not just after green color, but it has to be speaking beyond green color.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother challenge is limited access to water. Justine narrates that water is critical for farming, but urban farmers cannot access affordable water. She suggests that development actors can establish sharable water facilities for urban agroecology farmers. She mentions during an SGI meeting that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut indeed, since this urban farming mostly depends on the water that we always bring. So, someone tells you I now spend like 1000 [UGX] to buy water for \u0026hellip; everything they use at home now starting to think that they need to buy water for other plants that they don\u0026apos;t value because some people are not valuing that. If possible, \u0026hellip; we have some common water points, and even when it means to harvest this run-off water, if it can be done yeah, it can give opportunities for people to always get some water to take care of their gardens\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarket engagement remains one of the more complex challenges, but AFIRD is actively working on some solutions. Justine acknowledged that \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;prices often rise due to political factors and market dynamics,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e making it difficult for both producers and consumers. To address this, AFIRD is exploring the establishment of bio-input shops and a market stall in front of its offices to make organic fertilizers and pesticides more accessible to urban farmers. AFIRD is also advocating for the creation of designated stalls in government-supported markets for agroecological products. \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We have to consider both buyer and producer presence when setting up markets,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Justine stressed, underscoring the need for location and access to be carefully balanced.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother challenge in urban agroecology is the low awareness of agroecological products among consumers. As Faizo explained, \u0026ldquo;Many people are not aware of agroecology products, mainly the consumers.\u0026rdquo; This gap in knowledge extends to an understanding of what agroecology entails and the unique benefits of products grown using its principles. Increasing consumer education and awareness is therefore seen as essential, alongside measures for stronger consumer protection. Low consumer awareness undermines the growth of urban agroecology. As Justine put it, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;People don\u0026rsquo;t know the value of these [agroecological] products\u0026hellip; they just see [them as] vegetables,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e indicating that many consumers are unaware of the health, environmental, and social benefits of agroecologically produced food. This lack of understanding reduces demand and market opportunities for farmers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarket competition further complicates matters, as agroecological products often compete directly with conventional produce in the same spaces. Justine noted that \u0026ldquo;They are put in the same markets, people don\u0026rsquo;t see the difference,\u0026rdquo; highlighting the challenge of differentiating agroecology products and securing premium prices in crowded marketplaces. Faizo confirmed what Justine said stressing that the challenge lies in the current market structure, which is unregulated and too broad, allowing agroecology and non-agroecology produce to be sold together without distinction. Faizo noted, \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThe market is too broad; you just sell anything whether agroecology or not agroecology.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; Faizo adds that competition between conventionally grown produce and agroecologically grown frustrates producers. He says that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYeah. Competition from these conventional \u0026hellip; industrial produced foods. Someone and they labor to produce organically, \u0026hellip; We are in town. You produce your small quantities, and you want to sell it at some, say, a higher price than \u0026hellip;, but someone will tell you, I\u0026apos;m just near Nansana market, you\u0026apos;re telling me this Sukuuma bundle is 1000 [UGX], yet I can get it at 500 [UGX].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo address this, he suggested creating better-organized markets, ideally owned and developed by farmers, that integrate within existing hubs such as Owino and Kalerwe markets to avoid alienating consumers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh input costs and limited access to essential farm inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and bio-pesticides are also barriers. Justine observed, \u0026ldquo;Some of these inputs are expensive\u0026hellip; and not easy to get [in urban establishments],\u0026rdquo; making it difficult for farmers to maintain consistent, high-quality production without external support or community-based supply systems. Faizo adds during an SGI meeting that urban agroecology farmers are constrained by limited access to agroecological inputs like fertilizers, seed and pesticides. He attributed this to the low production capacity of these inputs in the urban setting. He said that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut also, the other challenge at production, at production level is the limited access to most of agroecology Inputs. Inputs. I would mean both knowledge, but also inputs in terms of, of, of fertilizers, in terms of, of seed, in terms of probably pesticides. Such things are still missing. And even we who are engaged in the processing them, the production is still small, still small probably because the levels of technologies we use are still low. And that keeps the production small.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo address the shortage of agroecological fertilizers, Justine highlighted the importance of scaling up waste management practices and \u0026ldquo;involving KCCA in creating more composting and waste collection points.\u0026rdquo; Production-related constraints also hinder urban agroecology, with limited access to affordable agroecological inputs such as seeds, organic fertilizers, and water being a recurring barrier. Faizo emphasized that \u0026ldquo;not everyone is going to be able to make their own inputs\u0026hellip; agroecology farmers need knowledge to make their inputs and save seeds.\u0026rdquo; Improving input supply systems, training farmers in bio-input production, and encouraging collective marketing to ensure consistent supply are seen as critical steps for strengthening production.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lack of consistent supply in markets and expensive stall rentals were identified as barriers during an interview with Justine. \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThe cost of hiring stalls and transporting produce is too high\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026rdquo; Justine pointed out. To address these issues, proposals are being developed to improve urban territorial markets and integrate agroecology into official city planning frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite their successes, both institutions face significant challenges, including insecure land tenure, limited water infrastructure, and weak policy support. These constraints hinder the expansion and institutionalisation of urban agroecology. Participants from both sites call for more supportive urban planning frameworks, including designated agroecological zones, better access to land and water, and stronger municipal collaboration. Potential solutions include scaling up demonstration sites, integrating agroecology into school curricula, and offering incentives such as subsidies and tax exemptions to urban farmers. By addressing these barriers, models like JERO Farm and AFIRD can be scaled and replicated to catalyse broader urban sustainability and climate resilience across African cities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights that urban agroecology in Kampala operates as a locally adaptive and socially empowering strategy for building sustainable food systems. Through practices such as sack and rooftop farming, herbal-based enterprises, organic composting, and water harvesting, JERO Farm and AFIRD enhance food availability, diversify livelihoods, and foster ecological stewardship. Similar dynamics have been observed elsewhere: Rudolph et al. (2020) emphasize water harvesting and peri-urban farming as key components of climate adaptation in South Africa, while Peano et al. (2020) and Gómez-Villarino and Briz (2023) report that community-led innovations strengthen both environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Within the framework of resilience thinking, these practices express persistence through ecological continuity, adaptability through context-specific innovation, and transformability through the reconfiguration of urban space and food relations (Folke et al. 2010). This shows that urban agroecology is not a peripheral or survivalist response but a vital mechanism for embedding resilience and justice within urban systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInnovation stands out as a defining feature of Kampala’s urban agroecology. JERO Farm demonstrates creative reuse of materials such as bottles, tyres, and containers to transform waste into productive growing spaces, while AFIRD employs vermicomposting, black soldier fly (BSF) farming, and aquaponics to create resource-efficient systems. These innovations enable small-scale producers to cultivate diverse crops, raise livestock, and integrate waste management within limited spaces, turning constraints into opportunities for regeneration. Comparable efforts, such as the MOBILELAND Project in Spain, have shown how recycled materials can transform underused city spaces into productive ecosystems (Suau 2015). Within the broader notion of agroecological urbanism, such creativity represents an ecological metabolism of the city, one that reuses, regenerates, and reconnects urban material flows (Tornaghi and Dehaene 2021). Through the lens of resilience theory, these innovations reflect adaptability, where local actors continually experiment and redesign systems in response to constraints. Kampala’s creative agroecological practices therefore demonstrate how circular design and low-cost innovation can act as entry points for sustainable urban transformation in resource-scarce settings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, urban agroecology in Kampala functions as an important mechanism for building climate resilience. Both JERO Farm and AFIRD employ techniques that conserve water, recycle nutrients, and reduce dependency on external inputs. JERO’s small-scale rainwater harvesting and organic composting systems reduce vulnerability to droughts and input price shocks, while AFIRD’s greywater recycling, drip irrigation, and seed diversification provide low-cost adaptations to climate variability. Studies elsewhere in Africa have identified similar strategies as vital for improving adaptive capacity and mitigating climate impacts in urban environments (Rudolph et al. 2020; Peroni et al. 2022). Within resilience thinking, these practices represent persistence through ecological continuity, adaptability through flexible design, and transformability through shifts in how urban communities relate to water, waste, and production systems (Folke et al. 2010). AFIRD’s emphasis on agroforestry for natural cooling further illustrates how agroecological design contributes to microclimate regulation and urban sustainability. These climate-responsive innovations reveal that urban agroecology can serve not only as a livelihood strategy but also as a form of ecological infrastructure for cities adapting to environmental uncertainty.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban agroecology also operates as a platform for learning, participation, and community empowerment. JERO Farm’s open training sessions, mentorship of women’s groups, and partnerships with schools promote ecological literacy and a sense of community ownership. Similarly, AFIRD’s decentralized model of farmer facilitators, school-based gardens, and open demonstration days builds a wide network of actors capable of adapting and replicating agroecological practices. These approaches align with Nicol’s (2020) concept of “scaling deep,” where transformation takes root through shared values and social learning rather than mere replication. They also echo findings from Rudolph and Muchesa (2024), who argue that participatory education fosters collective resilience and long-term behavioral change. Within resilience theory, these community learning processes reinforce adaptive capacity by linking ecological understanding with social agency. In Kampala, this coupling of knowledge and empowerment shows that agroecology functions as both a livelihood and a civic pedagogy for ecological citizenship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe practices of both JERO Farm and AFIRD also exemplify the micro foundations of Agroecology-Based Local Agri-Food Systems (ALAS), where local innovation, resource circularity, and participatory governance converge to create territorialized food systems (López-García and González de Molina 2021). By closing nutrient loops, linking production with consumption, and fostering cooperative forms of governance, these initiatives strengthen city-region resilience. Similar findings in Latin America emphasize that enabling environments, comprising supportive policies, research institutions, and civic networks, are essential for transforming local agroecological initiatives into durable systems (James et al. 2023). In Kampala, this underscores the need to align grassroots practice with municipal planning, market development, and research partnerships, ensuring that urban agroecology is embedded within the broader food governance architecture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, our study shows that the expansion and sustainability of urban agroecology in Kampala remain constrained by systemic and structural challenges. Farmers face insecure land tenure, limited access to affordable water, weak institutional coordination, and minimal market differentiation for agroecological products. These barriers mirror global patterns in which urban farming remains marginalized within formal urban planning frameworks (Peano et al. 2020; Sokolowski et al. 2024). From a political ecology perspective, such limitations reflect broader structural inequalities that privilege commercial real estate and conventional agribusiness over community-based initiatives (Robbins, Benjaminsen, and Svarstad 2019). Within resilience theory, these constraints represent rigidity traps, where governance and market systems inhibit adaptive transformation (Walker et al. 2004). Addressing these barriers requires deliberate institutional reform, formal recognition of agroecological zones, equitable access to land and water, and integration of agroecology into urban policy and development plans. Recognizing agroecology as legitimate urban infrastructure rather than informal activity will be key to sustaining its contribution to food security, climate resilience, and social inclusion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNonetheless, these findings highlight the interconnected processes of scaling out, scaling up, and scaling deep that characterize transformative agroecology (Nicol 2020). Through peer networks and partnerships, both JERO Farm and AFIRD extend their innovations horizontally while simultaneously engaging with policymakers and development agencies to seek institutional recognition. Their emphasis on youth, women, and local leadership contributes to deeper social transformation by nurturing shared values of care, stewardship, and solidarity. Yet, as Monkes and Easdale (2023) caution, processes of institutionalization can risk diluting agroecology’s emancipatory potential if not grounded in participatory governance. Sustaining the movement’s transformative power requires preserving its autonomy and diversity while deepening collaboration between grassroots actors and formal institutions. Through this interplay, Kampala’s urban agroecology demonstrates that resilience and social justice are inseparable dimensions of sustainable urban transformation. It redefines not only how food is produced but also how cities can be governed through ecological values and collective imagination\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions and recommendations ","content":"\u003cp\u003eUrban agroecology in Uganda emerges as both an act of resilience and a blueprint for just urban futures. The cases of JERO Farm and AFIRD demonstrate that community-led agroecological practices can foster ecological stewardship, economic innovation, and social empowerment even in dense urban settings. These initiatives illustrate how localized practices, ranging from sack and rooftop gardens to herbal-based enterprises and organic composting, redefine the urban landscape as a site of adaptation, creativity, and solidarity. Yet realizing the full potential of urban agroecology requires deliberate policy support, institutional recognition, and sustained investment in grassroots knowledge systems. This conclusion aligns with a growing body of literature that situates urban agroecology at the center of efforts to build inclusive, climate-resilient African cities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the study’s findings, four interrelated domains are identified to advance urban agroecology in Uganda and similar rapidly urbanizing contexts: research, theory, practice, and policy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the domain of research, there is an urgent need to systematically document and analyze local innovations in urban agroecology. Comparative and longitudinal studies across African cities can reveal the conditions under which community-based initiatives achieve social and ecological resilience. Future research should also explore how gender, age, and class shape participation, leadership, and the distribution of benefits, ensuring that inclusivity remains a central feature of urban agroecology. Quantifying ecological and economic outcomes through long-term assessments of soil health, climate resilience, and income generation will generate the evidence base needed to inform municipal planning and investment. Such empirical work will strengthen the legitimacy of urban agroecology as both a research and policy priority within sustainability transitions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheoretically, agroecology must continue to evolve beyond its rural origins to capture the distinct dynamics of urban life. Urban agroecology frameworks should account for density, land competition, waste reuse, and the informal settlements that characterize many African cities. Integrating resilience thinking, political ecology, and the Agroecology-Based Local Agri-Food Systems (ALAS) approach can illuminate how urban agroecology embodies persistence, adaptability, and transformability within social–ecological systems. Advancing theory in this way will not only improve understanding of how agroecology adapts to urban uncertainty but also reveal how it cultivates new forms of collective governance and socio-ecological citizenship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePractically, strengthening demonstration and learning sites such as JERO Farm is essential for scaling innovation and community engagement. These hubs can serve as centers of peer learning, youth mentorship, and innovation diffusion. Scaling up indigenous and low-cost technologies; such as sack gardens, tyre gardens, and local bio-input production should be supported through hands-on training, practical guides, and visual media. Embedding agroecology in schools, youth clubs, and vocational programs will help institutionalize ecological literacy and intergenerational knowledge exchange. Building small-scale input hubs for biofertilizers and biopesticides will enhance local self-reliance, while collective marketing through cooperatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) schemes can expand market reach and improve income stability. Through such locally grounded practices, urban agroecology can evolve from isolated innovation to an integral element of the urban economy and culture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a policy perspective, mainstreaming agroecology within municipal and national planning frameworks is critical. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and related agencies should designate and protect urban agriculture zones, integrate agroecological practices into city greening and infrastructure policies, and ensure secure access to land and water. Incentives such as tax exemptions, micro-grants, or subsidies for water harvesting, composting, and bio-input production would encourage long-term commitment among urban farmers. Strengthening local markets through organic certification, product labeling, and public awareness campaigns can enhance consumer trust and promote agroecological products, especially those led by women and youth. Aligning agroecology with city-region planning and climate adaptation policies will ensure that it becomes a visible and enduring component of Uganda’s urban development strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-governmental organizations such as AFIRD have a pivotal role in facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms that connect farmers, schools, and urban authorities. By documenting and replicating successful models in permaculture, waste reuse, and small-scale agroforestry, NGOs can bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and institutional practice. Strengthening producer groups, improving supply chains, and piloting CSA models can enhance the resilience and inclusivity of local markets. NGOs can also invest in farmer-owned marketplaces and community-based production of organic inputs, ensuring reliable access to affordable resources. Expanding capacity-building programs for youth and women will further anchor agroecology within the social fabric of the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban farmers themselves are key agents in realizing this vision. Adopting space-efficient cultivation methods such as vertical, sack, and tyre gardens, and integrating small livestock can increase productivity and resource efficiency. Engaging in collective marketing and knowledge-sharing networks can strengthen bargaining power and reduce post-harvest losses. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and maintaining ecological integrity, urban farmers can assert their role as central actors in shaping resilient and regenerative city food systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectively, these recommendations highlight that the future of urban agroecology in Uganda depends on coordination across scales of action; linking research to practice, practice to policy, and policy to community agency. When these elements converge, urban agroecology can move beyond isolated experiments to become a transformative framework for reimagining cities as inclusive, adaptive, and life-sustaining systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond Uganda, the insights from this study contribute to the broader rethinking of urban sustainability in the Global South. They demonstrate that agroecology, when rooted in local knowledge and collective agency, can transform cities from sites of ecological stress into spaces of regeneration and social inclusion. The Kampala experience reveals how resilience, justice, and innovation can converge to reconfigure food, land, and governance relations in rapidly urbanizing contexts. As cities across Africa and the wider Global South grapple with food insecurity, inequality, and climate disruption, urban agroecology offers not only a strategy for adaptation but also a vision for transformative urban futures grounded in equity, ecological integrity, and community sovereignty. Urban agroecology hubs like AFIRD and JERO Farm have immense potential to build resilience by “doing more with less”\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eCT conceptualized the study, collected and analyzed the data, and led manuscript writing. DK and DS contributed to review and editing. RB supervised and provided institutional support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical considerations:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eEthical approval for the study was granted by the Uganda Christian University Research Ethics Committee (approval number UCUREC-2024-772) and registered with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (registration number A409ES). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection, including explicit permission from Faizo, Justine, and Richard to publish their names and affiliations without anonymization. No participants under the age of 16 were involved in the study, and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the approved ethical guidelines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatements and Declarations:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare that they have no known competing financial or personal relationships that could have influenced this work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding Declaration:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of Interest Statement:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical trial number:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish declaration:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate declaration:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability statement:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eData generated or analysed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBenjamin, E. O., Adegoke, A., \u0026amp; Buchenrieder, G. R. (2024). The Disenfranchisement of Practitioners and the Public Sector in Innovative Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Nigeria. Land, 13(7).https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070963 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBisaga, I., Parikh, P., \u0026amp; Loggia, C. (2019). Challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban farming in South African low-income settlements: A case study in Durban. Sustainability (Switzerland), 11(20).https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205660\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheng, A., Azmi, N. S. N., Ng, Y. M., Lesueur, D., \u0026amp; Yusoff, S. (2022). Appraising Agroecological Urbanism: A Vision for the Future of Sustainable Cities. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020590 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eG\u0026oacute;mez-Villarino, M. T., \u0026amp; Briz, T. (2023). 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Carpenter, and Ann Kinzig. 2004. \u0026ldquo;Resilience, Adaptability and Transformability in Social\u0026ndash;Ecological Systems.\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003eEcology and Society\u003c/em\u003e 9 (2): 5. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-00650-090205.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUNCST. (2014). \u003cem\u003eNational Guidelines for Research involving Humans as Research Participants\u003c/em\u003e (Issue July). https://uncst.go.ug/files/downloads/Human Subjects Protection Guidelines July 2014(1).pdf\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Boxes","content":"\u003cp\u003eBoxes 1 to 3 are available in the supplementary files section.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"urban agroecology, climate resilience, permaculture","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7871810/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7871810/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRapid urbanisation in Uganda is intensifying pressure on food systems, ecosystems, and employment opportunities. Urban agroecology has emerged as a promising response, yet both practice and policy support remain fragmented. This qualitative bi-case study examines how two agroecology hubs in the Kampala metropolitan area implement urban agroecology, engage communities, and navigate systemic constraints to strengthen climate resilience. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth and small group interviews with organisational leaders and staff, site observations, and photographic documentation. Using a pre-determined framework based on Resilience Theory, the data were analysed across four themes: agroecology innovations, climate resilience, community engagement, and implementation challenges. Findings show that both cases exemplify small-space, ecology-first design and circular resource use. They function as demonstration and training hubs engaging women, youth, schools, and farmer groups. However, operations face constraints including insecure or limited land, costly or unreliable water, weak policy support, low consumer awareness, and thin input supply chains. Despite these, urban agroecology in Kampala proves viable and socially empowering. The study underscores the need to integrate agroecology zones into municipal planning, ensure access to land and affordable water, and strengthen local input systems such as biofertilizers and biopesticides. Scaling grassroots agroecology hubs into city-wide learning platforms and supporting territorial markets will deepen community engagement. Coordinated governance, enabling policies, and sustained investment in grassroots innovation are essential to mainstream urban agroecology in rapidly urbanizing contexts.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Urban agroecology hubs are building resilience by “doing more with less”","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-08 12:22:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7871810/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"d1642420-9aa7-4857-842f-ecea3e560613","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 8th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-18T08:26:53+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-08 12:22:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7871810","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7871810","identity":"rs-7871810","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}