THE ROLE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN THE REDUCTION OF POVERTY IN AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The main focus of this paper was to examine the role and contribution of urban agriculture in reducing the level of poverty in Ajaokuta urban area.  The analysis was based on primary data collected through the administration of a well-structured questionnaire as well as personal field observation. These were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 22) and presented in the form of simple tables. The study revealed that most of the urban dwellers involved in urban agriculture (31.6%) were between the ages of 41–50 years with about 12% opting for agriculture as their major form of employment. The bulk of the reporting sampled (31.6%) claimed that the reason for being involved in urban agriculture was for household food security while 22.2% claimed it was a medium for saving food related expenditures. The study also established that urban agriculture significantly (α = 0.007) contributed to reducing the level of poverty in the study area. Hence, the authors suggest the need for an increased and effective participation of urban and peri-urban dwellers in agriculture as an essential ingredient for poverty alleviation and food security, particularly for the urban poor.  It was therefore recommended that appropriate government institutions or bodies ought to roll-out phased programmes to improve urban agriculture in-line with ensuring sustainable urban development, environmental safety and food security in Ajaokuta and beyond.

 

Key Words: Urban agriculture, Urban poor, Poverty reduction, Food security

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v11i1.9

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