This program promotes rooftop gardening as an effective way to address climate change. The project connects two fields of work – planning of urban climate change strategies, and urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry – that have not often been connected in most cities in developing countries. In light of increasing urbanization, there is growing evidence that this approach can alleviate poverty and reduce vulnerability to climate change.

Fast facts:

• 250 participating families;
• Rooftop farming can cover 50% of domestic vegetable consumption needs;
• 110 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission reductions per year.

The problem

Nepali cities are experiencing uncontrolled and rapid urbanization from an influx of migrant laborers. This has resulted in increased greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other air and water pollution, groundwater scarcity, waste management problems, and rapid conversion of agricultural land. This has made Kathmandu more vulnerable to disruptions in food supply. The city is now dependent on produce from either rural areas or imports from India and China, which has increased the local price of produce and made the city more vulnerable to food shortages. Furthermore, flooding and landslides due to natural disasters block highways and cause major damage; the frequency of such natural disasters is set to increase as climate change progresses.

The solution

Gardening on rooftops is an opportunity to grow food in inner-city areas that otherwise lack space for food production. Policies promoted within the initiative aim for protection and preservation of remaining peri-urban agricultural lands, and the exploration of rooftop gardening for food production, coupled with rainwater harvesting and the recycling of organic waste. The city of Kathmandu is providing technical and financial assistance by engaging social workers and giving training on rooftop gardening and monitoring projects.
 

Helping the planet

The project diverts waste from landfills, which is recycled to be used as compost. Productive green roofs have many ecological benefits, such as reducing rainwater runoff. They offset stored solar radiation (which causes concrete to stay hot in the sun), better insulating buildings and reducing heating and cooling requirements, which also reduces emissions. Green roofs also create microhabitat and help clean urban air, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality. The project also reduces the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Helping people

The activity allows low-income city-dwellers to produce their own vegetables as a source of food and additional income, decreasing their vulnerability to disturbances in food imports and jumps in food prices. It thus improves food security, while increasing the aesthetics of the city. Selling extra produce stimulates local markets and increases employment and income opportunities. Green roofs can also extend the lifetime of a roof by two or three times.

Scaling up

The rooftop garden model can be applied in other cities in Nepal and elsewhere where there are similar climatic and housing conditions. Being implemented with support from local stakeholders such as women’s cooperatives and a local user’s committee, the project is self-contained and as such replicable. An expansion is planned by 2015 to 500 more houses.