Strengthening Urban Food Security in Africa: The Role of Urban Planning in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa

A recent study by Matooane et al. (2025) titled “The Role of Urban Planning in Strengthening Urban Food Security in Africa: Insights from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” published in Urban Forum by Springer Nature, reveals that urban planning significantly impacts food security in African cities by addressing challenges like urban agriculture, infrastructure deficits, food distribution networks, and spatial inequalities.

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The article finds that urban planning significantly impacts food security in African cities by addressing agriculture, infrastructure, and inequalities.– Matooane et al. 2025

This study examines how urban planning can enhance food security within African cities, specifically focusing on Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It explores the role of urban agriculture, food distribution networks, spatial inequalities in food access, and collaborative governance to address food insecurity, which is exacerbated by rapid urbanization, poverty, and climate change. The research provides a comparative analysis of these three countries, showing both the challenges and opportunities in urban planning for food systems. It emphasizes the importance of integrating food-sensitive planning into urban development, which includes zoning for urban agriculture, supporting food markets, and investing in infrastructure like transportation, water, and electricity to improve food access and distribution. Additionally, it highlights the need for participatory planning, where local communities and informal food market stakeholders are involved in decision-making.

How the Study was Conducted

The study employed a qualitative methodology based on a desktop review approach. This method involved systematically examining existing knowledge, policies, and literature related to urban planning and food security. The researchers focused on peer-reviewed academic articles, policy reports, government publications, and grey literature. They also consulted databases like Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, alongside reports from international organizations such as the United Nations, FAO, and the World Bank. The inclusion criteria emphasized studies within the African context, particularly those addressing urban planning practices and food security outcomes. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, which involved identifying key themes, patterns, and trends. Emerging themes included urban food production, food markets and access, infrastructure, and planning for food distribution and climate change. Additionally, the study employed a comparative case study method to highlight similarities and differences between the selected countries—Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This approach provided valuable insights into how diverse urban planning practices impact food security in varying socio-political contexts.

What the Authors Found

The study found that urban planning significantly impacts food security in African cities by addressing challenges like urban agriculture, infrastructure deficits, food distribution networks, and spatial inequalities. The authors posit that urban agriculture remains largely underutilized across Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa due to zoning restrictions, water shortages, and infrastructure challenges. Its formal recognition in planning policies can enhance food security, especially for marginalized communities. In addition, poor infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, exacerbates food spoilage and limits access in Zimbabwe and Lesotho. South Africa demonstrated better investments in agri-parks and cold storage facilities, though challenges persist.

Why is this important

Mitigating Hunger and Poverty: Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions across Africa, exacerbating malnutrition, poverty, and inequality. Addressing food security through urban planning can help create more equitable access to nutritious food and alleviate these challenges.

Resilience in the Face of Climate Change: Climate change is disrupting food systems worldwide, and African cities are particularly vulnerable. Urban planning can integrate climate-adaptive strategies, such as sustainable agriculture and resilient food distribution networks, to safeguard food security against environmental shocks.

Sustainable Urban Development: Rapid urban growth often leads to overcrowded informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure. Integrating food-sensitive approaches into urban planning ensures that cities grow sustainably, balancing housing, infrastructure, and food production.

Economic Empowerment: Urban food markets and agriculture provide livelihoods for many. By formally supporting these systems, cities can boost local economies, reduce unemployment, and empower marginalized communities.

Public Health and Well-being: Inequitable access to food often leads to reliance on processed and unhealthy options. Proper urban planning promotes access to fresh produce, improving diets and overall public health.

What the Authors Recommended

• The authors suggest that policymakers should integrate food security into urban development policies, zoning regulations, and land use plans as well as designate zones for urban agriculture, community gardens, and local food markets, protecting these areas from encroachment.
• The authors suggest that policymakers should prioritize investments in infrastructure that supports urban food systems, such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, and transport networks. Build facilities like agri-parks and food hubs to improve food storage, processing, and distribution efficiency.
• Establish community engagement platforms like participatory budgeting to involve marginalized groups in urban planning and provide secure trading spaces and legal protections for informal food vendors.
• Support urban and peri-urban agriculture to reduce reliance on external food sources and enhance resilience to climate change. Invest in flood-resistant roads, sustainable water-efficient irrigation, and renewable energy for food markets and storage.
• Formalize and support food markets by improving infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. Leverage digital technologies to connect producers and consumers, reduce transaction costs, and enhance market transparency.
• In addition, the authors advocate that policymakers should reform urban planning policies to include food security objectives at all levels as well as promote equitable land-use planning to reduce spatial inequalities in food access.

In conclusion, integrating food-sensitive urban planning is crucial for enhancing food security in African cities. By addressing key challenges such as urban agriculture, infrastructure deficits, and spatial inequalities, cities in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa can create more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems. Policymakers must prioritize investments in infrastructure, support urban agriculture, and foster participatory planning to ensure that all communities have access to nutritious food, especially in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization. With the right strategies, urban planning can play a transformative role in tackling food insecurity and promoting long-term urban sustainability across the continent.