Effect of Backyard Gardening on Food Security Status of Urban Household in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Backyard gardening provides an opportunity for urban households to supplement their food supply, reduce household food expenses, and improve nutrition. This study examined the effect of backyard gardening on the food security status of urban households in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 180 household heads from three urban Local Government Areas in Ibadan Metropolis. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 71.7% of respondents engaged in backyard gardening, with most cultivating small plots of land between 20–30m2. Results showed that 69.4% of sampled households were food secure, while households involved in backyard gardening recorded significantly higher food security levels than those not engaged in the practice. Logistic regression analysis indicated that backyard gardening had a positive and statistically significant effect on household food security status (β = 8.9020; p < 0.01). Other significant determinants of food security included land size, income, education level, and primary occupation, while age and household size negatively influenced food security. Major constraints faced by urban households in backyard gardening included lack of tools, pest and disease infestation, inadequate farming knowledge among others. The study concludes that backyard gardening significantly improves urban household food security and serves as an effective strategy for enhancing food availability and accessibility in urban areas. The study recommends the promotion of backyard gardening through government support, extension services, awareness campaigns, and provision of subsidized gardening inputs and tools to urban households.