Urban Food Systems and Sustainable Transformation. Contrasts between Policy Strategies and Local Realities

The sustainable development of urban food systems, particularly in peripheral regions, is a significant challenge. They are confronted with a multitude of challenges, including the adverse effects of extreme poverty, particularly in relation to food insecurity and the intertwined economic and environmental issues. Nairobi is an illustrative case in point. The food system in Nairobi remains socially, politically, and economically fragmented (Owuor, 2017; TradeCareAfrica, 2022). Recent estimates indicate that between 36% and 60% of the population resides in informal settlements (Mwau et al. 2020), with approximately 2 million residents allocating over 50% of their monthly income to food expenses (Owuor 2019; Amendah et al. 2014).

Nevertheless, key policy papers such as the Nairobi Food System Strategy fail to adequately address potential sectors, including the informal economy and its benefits to sustainable development. Furthermore, it is asserted that for an effective strategy to be formulated, a more holistic approach must be considered, which also includes neighbouring systems such as housing, education and the labour market. This paper will demonstrate that the discrepancy between policy aspirations and their actual implementation, along with the circumstances encountered by individuals with constrained financial resources, presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.