According to Ferreira (2005:86), when trying to define a social problem four elements can be distinguished. The four elements are: a pressure group (influential); a social condition; a set of values ​​and norms; and collective action. Taking these four elements as building blocks we can arrive at the following definition of a social problem: A social condition, known to a pressure group as a threat to current values ​​and norms, which requires collective action to correct (Pretorius, Le Roux, Lesufi, Liebenberg, Martin Rautenbach & Zegeye in Ferreira 2005:87). In the following sections I will try to clarify each of the four elements that constitute the definition of a social problem. The crux of the matter here is that awareness of a social condition is a problem (Ferreira 2005:87). The presence of a social condition and any possible problem associated with it is not sufficient to signal a social problem. The group's perception of a social condition as a threat is fundamental. That is, the consequences of a given social condition are perceived as problematic. The interesting aspect of perception is that it is subject to change and is at the mercy of the context. A social condition perceived as a problem today may have been dismissed as irrelevant a couple of centuries ago. Just as a social condition perceived as non-problematic today may be judged problematic in the future. This is not to say that awareness of a social condition as a problem moves only in one direction; rather, what was once conceived as a social problem can later become a norm. The discussion of pressure groups considers those who alter public perceptions of certain social conditions. These groups are responsible... middle of paper ...... for a more sustainable environment. A call has been made to local and national governments to provide an adequate policy related to urban agriculture. According to Rogerson, (in Liebenberg 2005:40-43) in many parts of Africa, urban agriculture is still frowned upon by the authorities, but in the face of the growing problem of poverty in Africa it is reconsidered (collective solution). Works Citedde Beer, FC. du Plessis, MM. Liebenberg, A & Moloi, R. 2005. Single study guide for DVA 202-U. Pretoria: University of South AfricaFerreira, R. Rabe, M & Rautenbach, E. 2005. Study guide for SOC 206-8 only. Pretoria: University of South Africa Rogerson, C. 2005. Towards “pro-poor” urban development in South Africa: the case of urban agriculture, in Perspectives on Rural and Urban Development: Reader, compiled by A Liebenberg. Pretoria: University of South Africa