Role of Urban Agriculture in Improving Household Income and Dietary Diversity: The Case of Bure and Finoteselam Towns, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the role of Urban Agriculture in improving household income and dietary diversity the case of Bure and FinoteSelam Towns. For study, two Kebeles were selected using purposive sampling techniques based on their potentials and existing trained in urban agriculture.  Accordingly, from the two Kebeles, a total of 242 sampled respondents were selected. Both primary and secondary data types were used for this specific study. Survey questionnaires, focus group discussion, key informant interview and personal observation were major data collected methods. The study was analyzed by using SPSS software version 20 by binary logistic model and descriptive statistics. The study also shows the major reasons why urban agriculture practionaier were engaging in the business like to earn additional income (57.6%), as means of employment opportunities (18.5%) and other multiple responses (14.1%).  Also inconvenience working place, lack of awareness on the importance of the business and time scarcity were the major reasons of the non urban agriculture practionors for not engaging in the business.  According to this study ,urban agriculture has statically significant to the enhancement of the dietary urban household in the consumption patterns of diversified types of food items by urban agriculture practisers than non-practionors particularly of tuber roots, vegetables ,fruits ,eggs legumes and milks. Inadequate extension supports &training, shortages & high costs of inputs and inconvenience the working place were the major production related constraints and also lower prices of products, transportation problems and price manipulations by middle men were the three major market related problems of urban agriculture (UA) in the study area. Specifically, logistic regression analysis revealed respondents’ land access, current occupation of the respondents, extension support, credit availability and training as the significant factors determining urban agriculture in the study area. The study concludes the urban farmers produce a variety of vegetables and livestock products for home use and/or market. This UA products particularly dairy business, garden vegetable production, fruits and poultry products played significant role in improving household income and diversifying the dietary intake of both UA practitioners and non-practitioners. Besides these UA has other major economic contributions include employment and income generation for several youth groups in the study towns. To overcome such a problem, policy makers and urban planners should give Special attention and priority support for the implantation and expansion of urban agriculture business in the study towns in particular and the country in general.

Keywords: urban agriculture, constraints, non urban agriculture, dietary, engagement, household income

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/9-9-01

Publication date:September 30^th 2019