As cities grow, demand for land and changes in land uses are placing intense pressure on urban and periurban horticulture. Because areas used for UPH are often held under customary or informal tenure, many growers face the constant threat of being evicted or having their plots appropriated by others. Growers newly arrived from rural areas are particularly vulnerable. A key requirement for sustainable UPH development is the long-term availability of suitable land. Studies show there is a surprising amount of open space and usable land which could be allocated or leased for horticulture. What is lacking, in many developing countries, are pro-active policies, planning and management aimed at safeguarding a range of land uses within a framework of long term, balanced and sustainable agro-urban development.