Urban gardening, a threat to human health
Investigations conducted by e.tv Ghana have revealed that many farmers in Accra use contaminated water to irrigate their crops.
The practice which has been termed urban agriculture is one of the most important informal sector activities chosen by urban dwellers in Accra.
Urban agriculture is said to account for more than half of the food produced and consumed in Accra. According to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), urban agriculture alone employs about 1,000 people in exotic vegetables production.
Land insecurity is one major challenge for urban farmers since urban lands in most areas are not zoned for agricultural purposes. The farming in Accra is typically done along water bodies, drains, and in backyards.
Another major challenge facing urban farmers is access to safe water for irrigation. The problem has led them to resort to the use of water from drains.
One vegetable farmer, John Osabutey, who spoke to e.tv Ghana news, admitted that like many vegetable farmers in Accra, his major his major problem is accessing safe water for irrigation. He admits that he sometimes uses water from open drains to water his plants.
Further investigations conducted by e.tv Ghana news revealed that water from the heavily polluted Korle Lagoon is used to irrigate vegetables which are sold to consumers.
Markets such as Agbogbloshie are where many households get their fresh vegetables from, but people could unwillingly be putting their lives at risk.
The problem is so widespread that recently the deputy health minister, spoke about its dangers and city authorities have launched an awareness campaign to draw attention to the dangers of irrigating with contaminated water.
By: Naadi Bitlegma e.tv Ghana
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