Urban Crop Production and Natural Resource Management Practices, Challenges, and Intervention Options in Addis Ababa

Abstract

The population of Addis Ababa is growing at rapid pace and currently reaches about 5 million. Food shortage, unemployment of youths and women, and increasing prices of major food items are critical constraints. In spite of the efforts to overcome the limitations, information is lacking on urban crop production and natural resource development and management practices to take informed decisions to enhance urban crop production and environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study was undertaken in Addis Ababa to identify and generate information on urban crop production and natural resource management practices, bottlenecks of the practices, and recommend possible intervention options to mitigate the challenges. Quantitative and qualitative secondary and primary data were collected through review of secondary sources and sample survey of urban producers and stakeholders using distinctive checklists. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and matrix rankings by multidisciplinary research team. The collected data were analyzed using thematic and narrative analyses to achieve objectives of the study. Most of urban producers grow Swiss chard, lettuce, head cabbage, Ethiopian kale (gomen). These crops are selected due to their short life cycle (could be grown three to four times annually), ease of cultivation and low disease incidence. Carrots, beet roots, cauliflower, garlic, onion and potatoes were also grown by some producers. A few producers grew spices and high value crops such as leeks, chives, celery, zukuni, parsley, spinach and spices like coriander. Cereal crops and mushrooms were also produced by limited number of producers. Managing tree seedling nurseries, afforestation and reforestation, and agroforestry practices are carried out to develop and manage natural resources and keep ecological balance. However, shortage of improved technologies, land, and water supply were main constraints in the city. Environmental degradation, inadequate waste disposal and management, limited waste recycling and reuse, and food safety and quality were constraints in Addis Ababa. Overcoming the challenges need involvement of all stakeholders to jointly plan, formulate policy and strategy, and take coordinated and targeted actions.