Creating Urban Agriculture in the Corridors of Freedom - Case of the Turffontein Node

Abstract

The concept of urban agriculture as a phenomenon is fast gaining momentum throughout the world. Although there has been great recognition of the social benefits associated with urban agricultural initiatives, such as poverty reduction, increasing food security and creating employment opportunities, this research focuses on the spatial design and planning of urban food gardens and how urban agriculture is manifesting in the City of Johannesburg. This research sought to establish how urban agriculture manifests in the City of Johannesburg with a focus on the Corridors of Freedom plans, which are being put forward by the City of Johannesburg, of which special attention has been given to the Turffontein Node in this report. Despite the spatial and physical orientation of the paper, the effects of aspects such as safety, security, education and management of space has been touched on and assists in the understanding of the nature of various spaces available for urban food gardens. Viewing urban agriculture as an ‘in-fill’ activity means that it is not seen as something that the city is responsible for implementing but instead is something that anyone can begin if they are able to identify the correct spaces available.