The Contribution of Home Garden Utilization to Food Self-sufficiency and Household Economy in Baubau City

This study aims to objectively analyze the utilization of home gardens to support the household food availability and income sustainability in Baubau City. Food security remains a significant issue that does not rely on the market supply only, but also on the ability of households to fulfil their own needs. This study was conducted in Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi, using a quantitative descriptive method with a survey approach involving 20 respondents, consisted of 10 members of the Women Farmers Group and 10 Household or Community members who had independently and consistently developed home gardens to cultivate various type of vegetables over a one-year period. The results show most respondents are in their productive age around 41 to 50 years old and have a middle to high level of education. Most of them own a garden with areas ranging from 20 to 115 m2, yet they are maintained to utilize it effectively to grow various type of vegetables. The contribution of home garden utilization to household income in total recorded at 9,66%, indicating that home garden is not just function as green spaces or housing support areas, but also hold a real economic potential in contributing to household income.