Multivariate analysis of urban agriculture farming system practices as a fresh food source for urban residents in Jinka town, southern Ethiopia

Urban agriculture (UA) can contribute to economic development. Factors such as food inflation, unemployment, and nutritional insecurity often drive urban households to engage in various agricultural activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the urban agricultural system in South Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 randomly selected urban households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results of the multivariate regression model showed that factors such as garden size, family size, non-farm income, access to information, experience in UA farming, and access to extension services positively and significantly influenced beef fattening. Additionally, factors such as family size, access to credit, and non-farm income positively impacted dairy production. The gender of the household head, education level, family size, access to credit, and access to information positively influenced poultry production. Education level, garden size, non-farm income, access to information, and experience in UA farming positively impacted vegetable and fruit production. On the other hand, age and market distance negatively affect beef fattening and dairy production, while age negatively affects poultry production. The findings are expected to provide a scientific basis for integrating urban agriculture into local development plans, against food supply disruptions and market volatility. This study concludes that urban agriculture farming system practices in Jinka Town are not a monolithic phenomenon but a diverse portfolio of livelihood strategies, each with distinct determinants, constraints, and potentials. Recommendations include improving access to credit for UA purposes and providing urban households with access to UA extension services in the study areas.