AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION IN URBAN AGRICULTURE BY HOUSEHOLDS IN UMUAHIA METROPOLIS, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Onya, S. C, and Udokure, U. J

Abstract
The study examined the determinants of participation in urban agriculture by households in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 households, with data collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the socioeconomic analysis showed that most farmers participating in urban agriculture are female (66.67%); married (62.96%), educated (44.44%) with a mean household size of 7 persons. Most (45.83%) of the respondents participating in urban agriculture were employed in non-farm activities with mean monthly income of N68493.51. The logit regression result showed that household size, marital status, health status, and access to land positively influenced urban agriculture participation; while sex, education, and non-farm income influenced participation negatively. Furthermore, poor access to land (71.67%), poor returns to agricultural investment (55.83%), inadequate credit facilities (51.67%) and lack of basic farming knowledge (44.17%) constrained participation in urban agriculture in the study area. The study recommended that sensitization, training programmes, and grants should be extended to men and young people in urban areas to motivate them to participate in urban agriculture