Spatial pattern and distribution of urban farms and climate change adaptation implications in urban Ghana

Abstract

Urban agriculture has gained increasing attention in recent years as a strategy for addressing food security, climate change, and sustainable development challenges in urban areas. However, the spatial pattern and distribution of urban farms and their consequential implications for climate change adaptation have received limited attention in both theory and practice. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach. Geospatial data was collected using the Global Positioning System. The average nearest neighbour (ANN) ratio analysis was done to determine the spatial distribution pattern of urban farms and was supplemented with 12 key informant interviews. The results showed that the rearing of animals—cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry—is clustered across the urban neighbourhood. Also, while keeping animals in open spaces distribution is dispersed, keeping animals in walls roofed with zinc and wooden structures roofed with zinc are clustered within the urban space. Interestingly, the distribution of urban farm sizes portrayed a clustered pattern across space. The results imply that the spatial pattern and distribution of urban farms are influenced by climate change adaptation measures, leading to potential shifts in agricultural practices, land use, and resource allocation within urban areas. Knowledge of the characteristics and distribution of urban farms is pertinent for policymakers and practitioners to focus attention on addressing climate change adaptation strategies and promoting sustainable development. Integration of urban agriculture into land use planning and zoning by the Town and Country Planning Department in Ghana is recommended.