Participation of households in urban agriculture and perceived effect on livelihood in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State of Nigeria

Abstract

Urban agriculture has a great role to play in achieving household food security. It is an important source of alternative income for many households. This study evaluated the participation of households in urban agriculture and perceived effect on livelihood in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State of Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 206 respondents and data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages and logit regression model. The result of socioeconomic profile of the respondents indicated that 66% were male while 44% were female. About 52% of the respondents were between 15 and 35 years while those above 46 years were 16.5%. About 42% were married. About 31% of the respondents earned monthly income between #15,001 and #30,000. About 54% of the respondents participate in urban farming. The respondents engaged in livestock farming are 33.3% while 37.2% of the respondents are into crop production. Only 19.4% of the respondents belong to association. Majority of the respondents perceived that urban agriculture provides alternative income while 14.7% perceived that it enhanced household nutrition. The challenges facing urban agriculture include limited access to farm land, inadequate access to credit and lack of farers organization to facilitate adequate advocacy. Factors influencing participation in urban farming are age, household size and income. The study recommends that urban agriculture should be integrated into land use planning of all urban centers in Nigeria.