Factors Influencing the Adoption of Urban Agriculture and Its Effects on Household Food Security in Southwestern Nigeria

Given Nigeria's growing population and the rapid rural-to-urban migration, it is crucial to examine various initiatives that can consistently support and improve food security in urban areas. This study examined one of these initiatives, which has proven to be an effective strategy in some areas of the world. Factors influencing the adoption of urban agriculture and its effect on the food security of households were examined in this study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for data collection among 325 respondents. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, probit, and ordered probit regression models. The descriptive statistics revealed that about 59% of respondents are engaged in urban agriculture. Among the determinants of urban agriculture adoption, age, land ownership, land size, and association membership were observed to positively determine the adoption of urban agriculture, while years of education, access to credit, and income negatively influence its adoption. The ordered probit regression model was used to assess the factors that influence the food security of farming households. Covariates including age and household sizes were found to negatively influence food security. Conversely, gender, education, land ownership rights, land size, credit access, association membership, and urban agriculture positively influence household food security. It was therefore concluded that urban agriculture is an effective means to improve household food security in Southwestern Nigeria. However, increasing awareness and education about the benefits of urban agriculture is crucial, as people often abandon this practice when they have increased access to credit and income. Furthermore, policies toward promoting land ownership and equality in access to resources should be implemented, as this will promote easy participation in urban agriculture.