EFFECTS OF URBAN AGRICULTURE ON FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of urban agriculture on food security and poverty reduction in Enugu State. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 90 households were selected from three local government areas. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index, Ordered logit, and Likert-scale ratings. The study found that most respondents were male (56.8%), aged 31-40, and married, with many having tertiary education, especially in farming households (46.7%). The average household size was seven, and civil service was the main occupation. Non-farming households had slightly higher annual incomes, and food insecurity was a concern for about one-third of respondents. Farming households had higher food insecurity rates, with 13.33% experiencing mild, 26.67% moderate, and 15.56% severe insecurity. Non-farming households had lower rates, with 8.89% mildly, 26.67% moderately, and 6.67% severely insecure. The multidimensional poverty index showed higher poverty levels among farming households. Factors influencing food security and poverty included marital status, household size, occupation, income, and farm size. Key challenges to urban agriculture were limited space, lack of credit access, and climate change. The study calls for targeted interventions to improve food security and reduce poverty, including integrated urban planning, subsidized agricultural inputs, micro-financing, and climate-resilient practices.