Urban Agriculture as Climate-Smart Practice: Key Determinants, Benefits, and Food Security Impact in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia

A recent study by Masha et al. (2024) titled “Determinants of adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security: evidence from Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia” published in Discover Sustainability by Springer Nature, shows that 53.53% of respondents practiced UA, and factors such as family size, home ownership, household head’s occupation, perceptions of UA, market demand, and access to training and support influenced UA adoption.

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Urban agriculture adoption, influenced by socio-economic factors, significantly improves food security, economic stability, and climate resilience in Wolaita Sodo. – Masha et al. 2024

The article explores the determinants of adopting urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security in Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia. The study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of UA and its effects on food security. Data was collected from 384 urban households through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The study found that 53.53% of respondents practiced UA, and factors such as family size, home ownership, household head’s occupation, perceptions of UA, market demand, and access to training and support influenced UA adoption.

How the Study was Conducted

This study employed a comprehensive methodology to examine the factors influencing the adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice and its impact on food security in Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia. Data collection occurred at a single point in time to analyze the relationships between key determinants of UA practices and food security outcomes. The researchers gathered primary data through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). Responses were obtained from 384 randomly selected urban households, including both UA adopters (206) and non-adopters (178). Additional data were sourced from institutional reports, agricultural offices, unions, cooperatives, and scholarly articles. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level.

Data Analysis:

Descriptive Statistics: Socio-economic characteristics of the households were analyzed using measures such as mean, minimum and maximum values, frequency, percentages, and standard deviation.
Chi-square Test and t-Test: These were used to compare the percentage distributions and mean differences between UA adopters and non-adopters.
Binary Logistic Regression: This model identified the socio-economic factors influencing UA adoption.
Propensity Score Matching (PSM): This method compared UA adopters with non-adopters to assess the impact of UA on food security while ensuring comparability and minimizing selection bias.
Logit Model: Used to estimate propensity scores and predict the likelihood of UA adoption based on socio-economic variables.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that family size, home ownership, household head’s occupation, perceptions of UA, market demand, and access to training and support significantly influenced UA adoption. The study also posit that UA adoption significantly improved food security. Households practicing UA were more likely to achieve food security compared to non-adopters. In addition, there were significant mean differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment level, UA attitudes, and household size.

Why is this important?

Food Security: Urban agriculture (UA) significantly improves food security by providing affordable and nutritious food options, especially for economically disadvantaged urban populations. This is crucial in areas like Wolaita Sodo city, where food insecurity is a pressing issue.

Climate Adaptation: UA as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice helps mitigate the impacts of climate change. By producing food locally, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and refrigeration. It also promotes sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and composting, which build resilience to climate change impacts such as droughts and floods.

Economic Benefits: UA provides economic opportunities for urban households, particularly those without formal employment. It can serve as a source of income and reduce household expenses on food, thereby improving overall economic stability.

Community Resilience: By promoting UA, communities can become more self-sufficient and resilient in the face of economic and environmental challenges. This can lead to improved health and well-being for urban residents.

Policy Implications: The study highlights the need for increased support and education for UA practices. Policymakers can use these findings to develop strategies that promote UA, enhance food security, and support sustainable urban development.

What the Authors Recommend

• The authors recommend that municipal education offices, UA offices, and cooperative offices should create integrated functional adult education programs for urbanites. This will help increase awareness and knowledge about UA practices.
• The study emphasizes that there should be increased support for cooperative entities to promote UA. This includes providing resources, training, and support to help urban farmers adopt and sustain UA practices.
• Policymakers should recognize the benefits of UA and incorporate its demands and advantages into physical planning, such as land tenure, water availability, and drainage. This will help create a conducive environment for UA practices.
• The government should engage job seekers in UA by providing training to improve their perception and entrepreneurial skills. This will help them see UA as a viable livelihood option.
• Furthermore, urban consumers, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, should be educated on food production, processing, storage, preparation, and distribution. This will enable them to make informed decisions and benefit from UA practices.

In conclusion, the study by Masha et al. (2024) highlights the transformative potential of urban agriculture (UA) as a climate-smart agricultural practice in addressing food security, economic challenges, and climate adaptation in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. By identifying key determinants such as family size, home ownership, and access to training, the research provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and communities to foster sustainable urban development. Promoting UA not only enhances food security but also empowers urban households economically and strengthens community resilience against environmental and economic challenges. As cities continue to face growing pressures from urbanization and climate change, integrating UA into urban policy and planning offers a promising path toward sustainable and self-reliant urban living.

AR Managing Editor (2024). Urban Agriculture as Climate-Smart Practice: Key Determinants, Benefits, and Food Security Impact in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/urban-agriculture-as-climate-smart-practice-key-determinants-benefits-and-food-security-impact-in-wolaita-sodo-ethiopia/