Urban Horticulture and Kitchen Gardening for Household Nutrition Security

Urbanization and rising food prices challenge household nutrition in space-constrained settings. This simulation-based study evaluated 120 central Indian urban households across four arms over 16 weeks: container, vertical, and integrated gardening models versus a no-garden control. At endline, integrated gardens yielded the highest vegetable harvest (53.2 kg), increased daily fruit-and-vegetable intake by 174.8 g/adult-equivalent, improved Household Dietary Diversity Score (+2.0 food groups), reduced Food Insecurity Access Scale scores (-3.4 points), and lowered monthly expenditure by ₹420. Overall, 70% of integrated-garden households met recommended intake targets. Integrated gardens offered maximum benefits, vertical systems optimized space, and container gardens served as low-complexity options. Field validation remains recommended.