Kariakoo Market Design: Smart Food Systems
Date
2023-06-30
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
As of 2020, Eastern Africa has faced a food insecurity crisis affecting millions of people due to factors such as economic instability, high food prices, and climate change. Tanzania, in particular, has a large population that depends on smallholder farming, which faces challenges due to stagnant production, climate change, and limited access to food by marginalized families. The recent fire that destroyed the Kariakoo Market, the largest and busiest market - and one of the biggest retail spaces for fresh produce - in Dar es Salaam, has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to urban agriculture that can ensure food security and sustainability.
This project reimagines the Kariakoo marketplace as an urban farming and distribution center that integrates hydroponics and circular food economy principles, using HARVEST, a plugin for urban food production simulations. The aim is to explore viable options for controlled environment agriculture in urban spaces in Tanzania, explore the practicality of climate-smart agriculture, and ensure food and nutrition security while reducing emissions and improving economic viability. The study builds on the growing trend of urban agricultural systems that have made a difference in how food systems are approached globally, including highly technical installations that are environmentally friendly and result in a high yield (Benis, and Ferrão).
This thought project aims to contribute to the creation of more resilient and sustainable food systems in Tanzania and potentially beyond. The imagined scenario presents an opportunity for urban agriculture initiatives to help bridge the gap and improve food security in the city. It is possible that there have been changes to these numbers since then, and more up-to-date information would require further research.
Description
Keywords
architecture, urban agriculture, hydroponics, food systems