Contribution of peri-urban land use and agriculture to entropy and food of mega-cities: On sustainability, planning by control theory and recycling of organics.

In this article we propose an ecological economics orientation of peri-urban development, looking at land use planning, local food and entropy. Based on a mathematical model, we present an operational concept of minimizing negative externalities within a given population. The model applies control theory. The concept is introduced to facilitate closing cycles, conduct spatial planning and reduce costs to achieve the ecological target of improved entropy. To this end, we look at more soundly defined metropolitan areas. An emphasis is placed on optimally assuring space for urban agriculture and on enabling recycling in ever-growing cities. Our concept is grounded in the use of peri-urban agriculture and regional food provision as an integrated system, which is based on the recycling of organic matter. Firstly, we reference current unhealthy developFfigments and show how cycles were removed as growth occurred. Secondly, as market-oriented city expansions showed limited scope for peri-urban farming, we suggest entering into regional planning. Planning shall ensure a better use of space and can be based on organic matter recycling (composting, slurry, etc.). The article provides a theoretical background for the occurrence of modified land use (systems). These systems shall alleviate some external burdens of large and growing cities. The approach looks at ecological, economic and social aspects in parallel, to outline principles for more sustainable land use, including peri-urban land. Methodologically we offer land use modelling, looking at interactions of industry, residence, and farming. The functions of a city are integrated into a methodical approach of distance from centre to periphery.

Dietary Diversity of Women across Agricultural Seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda: Results from a Cohort Study.

Small-holder farm households in developing countries mainly depend on rain-fed agriculture activities, thus seasonality affects eating habits and contributes to micronutrient deficiencies. This study assessed women's dietary diversity score (WDDS) across three agricultural seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda. In each season, 445 women with under five-year-old children from small-holder farm households were interviewed on socio-demographic characteristics as well as dietary practices between May 2016 and January 2017. Linear regression models estimated differences in WDDS across seasons. The mean WDDS at the lean, harvest and post-harvest seasons was 4.33 ± 1.21, 4.63 ± 1.30 and 4.36 ± 1.21, respectively. Mean WDDS was higher in urban regions across all seasons. Women in urban regions generated more income through off-farm activities, had better access to markets and consumed significantly more 'meat, poultry and fish' (p < 0.001), dairy products (p < 0.05), 'vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables' (p < 0.001) and 'other vegetables' (p < 0.001) during the lean season, whilst rural women ate more dark green leafy vegetables (p < 0.001) during the same period. Poorer households in the rural setting were more likely to be affected by seasonally limited food availability and accessibility. Hence, strengthening the linkages between market participation, agricultural activities, improved food storage and preservation techniques and dietary intake is recommended.