The implications of urbanization on urban agriculture dynamics: A case of Beira City, Mozambique

Urban agriculture is increasingly recognized as a critical component of sustainable urban development, particularly in rapidly growing African cities. Beira City in Mozambique, exemplifies the tensions between urban expansion and agricultural land use, as population growth and climate change exert pressure on available land resources. This study examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban cropping areas in Beira City from 2017 to 2023, assessing their correlation with land use/land cover (LULC) changes and population growth. Using high-resolution satellite imagery and regression analysis, we identify key factors influencing the expansion or reduction of urban cropping areas. The findings reveal that the variation LULC was class and year-dependent. However, the built-up areas and water bodies generally increased over the years, whereas bare land decreased. Overall, urban cropping areas remained dependent on natural resources such as water, while built-up areas and bare ground significantly impacted cropping area dynamics. These results underscore the need for developing integrated urban planning policies that incorporate sustainable agricultural land use while balancing urban development and food security.