DETERMINANTS OF URBAN HOUSEHOLD'S PARTICIPATION IN URBAN AGRICULTURE: THE CASE OF WERABE TOWN ADMINISTRATION, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGION

ABSTRACT The study evaluates the factors influencing urban households' participation in agricultural practices within the Werabe town administration. Primary data were collected through a survey of 184 urban households. A three-stage sampling technique, proportional to size, was employed to select respondents from the study area. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model. The findings indicate that education level, distance from residence, total landholding, access to improved inputs, gender, age, and income from other sources significantly influence participation in urban crop production, urban livestock production, and mixed farming. Notably, education level, income from other sources and distance from urban agriculture sites exhibited a negative and significant relationship with participation in these practices at a 1% significance level. Conversely, access to improved inputs positively affected participation in urban crop production, urban livestock production, and mixed farming at significance levels of 10%, 1%, and 1%, respectively. The sex of the household head also played a significant role, positively influencing engagement in all three agricultural practices at significance levels of 10%, 1%, and 1%. Additionally, land size had a positive impact on urban agriculture, particularly in crop and livestock production, at a significant level of 1%. Interestingly, income from other sources showed a significant negative relationship with participation in urban agriculture across all categories. Furthermore, the age of the household head positively influenced participation in urban crop production, suggesting that older individuals may be more experienced and inclined to engage in these activities. The study underscores the need for policy interventions that consider these determinants to promote urban agricultural participation, enhance food security, and support sustainable urban agricultural practices.