Cory Booker's picks on urban agriculture in Africa: Sustainable reads
Urban agriculture in Africa is emerging as a powerful response to food insecurity, unemployment, and environmental degradation. Cory Booker, a passionate advocate for sustainable urban development, has suggested some excellent reads that illuminate the transformative potential of urban farming in African cities. These books offer more than just an understanding of the obstacles encountered; they also celebrate the resilience, creativity, and innovation that are shaping Africa's urban agricultural revolution.
'The Vertical Farm'
In The Vertical Farm, Dr. Despommier champions urban skyscraper farming. Recently endorsed by Cory Booker, this concept is a solution to African cities' land scarcity and rapid urbanization. The book demonstrates how vertical farming can reduce water usage by 70%, eliminate agricultural runoff, and guarantee fresh produce year-round. This is crucial for Africa's urban food security and sustainability.
'Farming While Black'
Leah Penniman's Farming While Black is a revolutionary guide for African diaspora seeking to reclaim their agricultural birthright and cultivate a sustainable future. While the book is centered on North America, its lessons are globally relevant, including in Africa where urban agriculture holds potential for empowerment and community resilience. Booker highly recommends this book for its practical guidance on organic farming methods and its focus on social justice in agriculture.
'Eat Up: Food, Appetite and Eating What You Want'
Ruby Tandoh's Eat Up delves into the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability. It encourages readers to relish in sustainably sourced meals, a key aspect for urban Africans juggling traditional diets with contemporary living. Cory Booker highly recommends it for its celebration of global cuisines and teachings on how mindful eating contributes to sustainable food systems.
'The Urban Farmer'
Curtis Stone's The Urban Farmer is a game-changer for urban agriculture, focusing on high-intensity vegetable production in small city spaces. It provides a roadmap for maximizing crop yield in confined spaces, essential for African urban entrepreneurs lacking large land holdings. The book covers everything from crop planning to marketing, essentially a blueprint for urban farming profitability. It tackles hunger, malnutrition, unemployment, and even climate change.
