Research Interests & Experience

Abstract:

Urban development has driven extensive modifications of the global landscape. This shift in land use changes ecological functioning, thereby affecting sustainable management agenda. Agricultural soils are important for providing food, fibre, and essential goods, but despite a growing population and increasing food demand, agricultural production is declining, leading to a food production shortfall. In this study, we assessed the effects of urbanization on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of urban arable soils of Ejisu Municipality (Ghana, West Africa), since the rapid expansion of urban areas is widespread in West Africa, and in many West African cities and towns, urban farming is pivotal to the food security of their population. Based on the Urban-Rural Index, soil samples were taken at distances of (100 m, 500 m, and 1000 m) away from the community centres (markets) of three communities in the municipality. We collected 27 undisturbed topsoil samples (0-10 cm) from the urban fields. The land-use factor (maize fields) was kept constant. Soil samples were assessed using soil quality indicators. Results show that soils close to the community centres (100 m) were more affected by urbanization, even though they were conducive for crop growth. Mean values at 100m for Bulk density, Soil pH, Organic matter, Available Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, and Total Bacteria Count for these soils were 1.25 g/cm3 , 6.14, 2.49%, 11.68 mg/kg, 0.115%, and 5.93 x106 cfu/g; compared to 1.28 g/cm3, 6.46, 2.10%, 14.01 mg/kg, 0.132%, and 1.09 x 107cfu/g for 1000 m away from the community respectively. We conclude that the general idea that urbanization enhances soil degradation can be differentiated, and that urban soils may adequately support ecosystem provision. These findings highlight the need for sustainable urban planning and management strategies that balance urbanization with agricultural productivity and soil health in African cities and towns