Green rooted agriculture associations (GRASS): community-led pairing of urban agriculture and phytoremediation in Sierra Leone

The proposed GRASS research investigates the use of sustainable, plant-driven infrastructure to directly improve water quality and food security at ODA urban agriculture sites. It is estimated that urban and peri- urban agriculture (UPA) contributes to up to 30% of global food production. Critically, water from streams and groundwater wells commonly used for irrigation at UPA sites is often highly contaminated by industrial wastewater and sewage.

This project introduces managed planting schemes and phytoremediation (i.e., plant-based removal or immobilisation of contaminants) as a means of enhancing green infrastructure and strengthening the figurative roots of communities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Project methodology is based on a combination of community surveying and engagement, environmental monitoring and modelling, GIS analyses, and policy development. By piloting phytoremediation at three UPA sites across Freetown, GRASS has potential to significantly influence environmental health and community well-being of the most vulnerable sections of the urban population.