Assessing the viability of hydroponics for low-income farmers in South Africa's urban agriculture sector: an urban political ecology perspective

Abstract

Urban agriculture in densely populated areas is significantly constrained by space, leading to interest in vertical farming solutions like hydroponics. This study evaluates hydroponics’ viability in Cape Town's low-income urban areas as a useful supplement to most research, which focuses on cities in the Global North. Using surveys and interviews, the article assesses whether farmers believe hydroponics can address challenges, such as water scarcity and limited space. The findings highlight several perceived benefits, including improved yields, water conservation, and efficient land use allvaluable features in Cape Town's urban environment. Significant challenges remain, notably the high setup costs and limited government support. This study draws on urban political ecology to explore how broader systemic inequalities influence the adoption of hydroponics. Financial and institutional barriers are rooted in historically produced conditions of inequality, reflecting ongoing capitalist dynamics of urban development. While hydroponics has potential as a sustainable alternative, its high costs hinder broader applicability, particularly in low-income areas with unequal resource distribution. Therefore, hydroponics is not yet considered a viable large-scale alternative for addressing food security in such contexts. For hydroponics to meaningfully contribute to urban food security and sustainable agriculture in Cape Town's low-income communities, supporting actors must address systemic issues around financial feasibility and local expertise