Agriculture and the ideals of urban modernity: the case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Summary

This article studies the policy dynamics of irrigated agriculture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, based on stakeholder interviews and a literature review. We found that irrigated urban agriculture receives a positive reception supported by a discourse that values productivity, but this is increasingly challenged by a discourse that focuses on health and modernity. Whereas authorities aim for modern farming models, most urban farmers contribute to the city’s economy and food system based on informal and insecure access to land and water. These two types of urban agriculture exemplify the tension between planning ideals and urban reality.