BY INDY MAEALASIA

URBAN agriculture could provide a practical solution to address poor dietary habits and the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in urban centres like Honiara, according to a researcher from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Speaking at the FALA seminar, Alex Makini presented his research titled “Building Health and Resilience: Improving Food Security and Reducing NCDs through Urban Agriculture.”

Mr Makini highlighted the challenges brought by urbanisation, such as reliance on processed foods, reduced physical activity, and the rising rates of NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

He proposed urban agriculture as a sustainable and impactful solution for urban families, emphasising the benefits of accessible fresh and nutritious food.

Makini also pointed out that initiatives like backyard gardening, locally known as supsup gaden, can significantly reduce dependence on processed food while improving overall health.

“It provides families in urban areas access to fresh and nutritious food and reduces reliance on processed options,” he added

Acknowledging space constraints faced by many urban households, Makini suggested vertical farming, an approach that involves growing vegetables upward rather than outward, using vertical spaces like walls, fences, or trellises to maximize space.

Makini also stressed the importance of policy support to ensure the success of urban agriculture.

“We need policies to advocate for agriculture, including incentives such as tax breaks for urban farmers, the allocation of open lands, and the integration of agriculture into city planning and health strategies,” he explained.

Additionally, he underscored the need for collaboration between the government, NGOs, local communities, and health institutions to create healthier and more resilient urban areas.

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