Prospects and Challenges of Cities Micro Green Economy: A Study of Horticulture Practices in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is aimed at understanding various planning laws and regulations that serve as hindrance to green economy in Nigerian cities. The study is focused on the horticulture practices in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos. This is a form of green economy that was not considered during the preparation of the master plan of the area. The survey for the study was conducted on two (2) occasions (2008 and 2013). This was shortly before planning activities become highly intensive during the 6th republic and in the 7th republic. The study purposively sampled all the commercial horticultural gardens available at the two (2) periods; these are 63 and 39 in 2008 and 2013 respectively. Findings revealed that about 24 (38%) of the gardens has been lost due to strict application of development control regulations in the space of five (5) years. Result also revealed that over N14, 570,000 worth of investment and N11,070,000 annual profit were affected. About 34 employment opportunities were affected and the source of livelihood for over 100 people has been destabilised or block. The study recommended the inclusion of commercial horticulture practice as an integral part of urban land use and the modification of planning laws and regulations to suit such practices that have multiplier effects (advantages) on the citizenry and the urban environment. The study concluded that although commercial horticulture practice had little contribution where only few people were employed, it is still less few people who are food insecure or those who lack employment. The multiplier effect that entrepreneurial gardens can create through their enterprise is significant: not only does it strengthen the local economy by creating economic opportunities for other people and businesses, but it addressed other multiple problems such as environmental pollution and climate change.