Cities’ food synergies: vegetable production and consumption between Morogoro and Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The world’s population is fast increasing, leading to rising urbanization and food insecurity. As a result, food synergies between towns nearby are being pursued particular in the Global South in order to alleviate food problems. A study was conducted specifically on vegetable production and supply dynamics focusing one city (Dar es Salaam) and a nearby town Morogoro (200 km apart). A random sample was used to choose 30 purchasers (Dar es Salaam) and 30 vegetable growers (Morogoro). According to the findings, megacities such as Dar es Salaam rely on both neighboring and distant cities for food supplies, however, Morogoro was found to be the main supplier of vegetables in the city where also, Morogoro was more dependent to the high vegetable consumption level and purchasing power that assure the farmers a stable and reliable market in all seasons. In both cities, lack of adequate storage facilities to farmers and to buyers surfaced as a matter of concern. The report concludes that the two cities are extremely dependent on one another in terms of production and consumption. It is recommended that urban farmers be aided in changing traditional vegetable production and processing practices into modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices that will boost productivity and ensure food security in urban areas.