Page 11 - Landscape-Issue136(2)

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

ROOTED IN THE CITY: EXPLORING THE BEAUTY

AND BENEFITS OF URBAN HORTICULTURE

Urban horticulture is a field focused on integrating production, processes and the

cultivation of horticultural plants — both food and ornamental — to enhance and
sustain urban environments. It involves two primary components: the study of
plants and their ecological roles within cities, and the examination of the dynamic
relationship between urban dwellers and plants.

outh Africa has approximately 67%
of its population residing in the
Surban areas with a projected increase
to 80% by 2050. Whilst urbanisation
is closely associated with economic
growth and development, it can have
enormous environmental implications
such as habitat destruction, air pollution
(green gas emission), deforestation, water
pollution (due to the run-off of chemicals
and other sediments), heat island effect
(high heat absorption due to surrounding
buildings) and loss of agricultural land
(land encroachment that leads to the
loss of fertile soil for agricultural activity).
Many of these also contribute towards
climate change (directly or indirectly).
Since 2021, over 828 million people in
the world have been faced with hunger stakeholders to rehabilitate degraded
due to urbanisation. Many people in rural areas such as illegal dumping sites, by
areas, neighbouring countries and poor planting indigenous trees and other
communities have opted to move to cities plants. This initiative aims to transform
and townships to try and find better living these neglected spaces into vibrant green
conditions. Adopting urban horticulture areas that serve both ecological and
systems can serve as one of the solutions to functional purposes.
food insecurity and unemployment, while
fostering the development of sustainable, These types of activities and interventions
green urban and township environments. can and will assist urban communities to
enjoy improved health and well-being,
Types of urban horticulture and make a positive contribution towards
systems reducing the impacts of climate change. n
In addition, water used in hydroponics
DIY or low-cost systems is re-circulated within the system,
• Container gardening: This system makes meaning it can be re-used multiple #BeWaterWise
use of a variety of containers, buckets, old times before replenishment is required;
tyres, raised beds, window boxes, kiddie water is delivered straight to the plant
pools, barrels, shoes, and watering cans. roots, reducing water loss due to evapo- FOR FURTHER
Container gardening offers a convenient transpiration. INFORMATION ON
solution for space limitations and by • Community gardens: These play a vital WATER WISE, PLEASE
confining plants to containers, it conserves role in enhancing local food security. By CONTACT US ON:
space, facilitates relocation and minimises pooling resources and efforts, community 0860 10 10 60.
the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. members cultivate crops together on
• Hydroponic: Cultivating crops shared land. This collective effort not only
hydroponically involves nourishing provides fresh produce for participating
plants with mineral nutrient solutions in families but also creates opportunities to
a soil-free, controlled environment. The sell surplus crops within the community,
advantages of hydroponic agriculture contributing to sustainability and self-
include the potential for higher yields of sufficiency. Participating members also
fruits and vegetables and increased water enjoy the added advantage of personal www.randwater.co.za
efficiency. This is due to the efficient use health benefits.
of space, as hydroponic systems allow • Adoption of land to improve plant
plants to grow densely in small spaces and biodiversity: An alternative approach
rooftop gardens, compared to the land involves collaboration between the
area required for traditional cultivation. community, government and various

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 135 2024 9