Factors affecting urban households’ participation in home gardens: the case of Mekelle City, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Home gardening is a means of food production and for enhancing household food security. The people of Tigray used home gardens as a means of survival during the war and siege, particularly in the urban areas. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on factors affecting the participation of urban households in home gardening practice. Hence, this study intended to examine the factors affecting the participation of urban households in home gardening practice in Mekelle city. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 264 households. Data were collected from 264 (171 users and 93 non-users of home gardens) randomly selected participants through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a probit model was used to identify the factors affecting the participation of urban households in home gardening practice. Accordingly, the result from the probit model indicates that government motivation and access to land, income, education, extension service and input significantly influence home gardening. There are significant socioeconomic differences between home garden users and non-users, with users being older, having larger families, higher incomes and better education. Access to resources like land and agricultural inputs is markedly greater for users, emphasizing the role of socioeconomic factors in gardening participation. Hence, facilitating access to seeds and inputs and organizing training on sustainable practices will empower urban households to adopt home gardening. Significance of the study What is already known on this subject? Home gardening has long been recognized as a vital strategy for enhancing household food security, particularly in developing countries. It provides a sustainable means of food production, contributing to dietary diversity, income generation and environmental sustainability. Previous studies have highlighted the role of home gardens in mitigating food insecurity, especially in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. However, much of the existing research has focused on rural contexts, with limited attention given to urban settings. In addition, while the benefits of home gardening are well-documented, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the factors that influence urban households' participation in home gardening practices, particularly in regions affected by conflict and economic instability. What are the new findings? The findings reveal that government motivation, access to land, household income, education level and extension services and availability of agricultural inputs are significant factors influencing participation in home gardening. What are the expected impacts on horticulture? The findings of this study have several important implications for horticulture, particularly in urban settings. First, the study emphasizes the need for targeted government interventions, such as awareness campaigns, financial support and the provision of seeds and inputs, to encourage urban households to adopt home gardening. Second, the study highlights the importance of education and training programmes in increasing household participation in home gardening. Finally, the study underscores the potential of home gardening to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and contribute to household economies in urban areas, particularly in regions affected by conflict and economic instability. These findings will inform policymakers and development practitioners in designing effective strategies to promote urban horticulture.