Transforming Family Food Systems in Ebonyi State Nigeria by Evaluating the Productivity of Home Gardens

Abstract

The paper evaluating the productivity of home gardens in Ebonyi State as key towards transforming family food systems in the Ebonyi State in Southeastern Nigeria. Specific objectives were to: Identify the socio-economic characteristics of crop farmers in Ebonyi State,; Identify crop species dominant in the Ebonyi State home gardens; Determine crop densities in Ebonyi State, home gardens; Determine the costs and returns of home gardens crop production in Ebonyi State; and Determine home garden management approach in Ebonyi State. The population of the study comprised all the home gardeners in Ebonyi State. A total of 60 home gardens were used for the study. Data were collected by use of well-structured questionnaires and oral interviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentages. Objectives i, ii and iv were achieved using descriptive statistics Objective iii was analyzed using the Cost and returns analysis model. The findings revealed that home gardening is predominantly practiced by individuals within the economically active age group, with a higher proportion of male participants. The high level of educational attainment among the farmers indicates a strong potential for the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and innovations. Farming was the primary occupation for most respondents, underscoring the importance of home gardening as a key livelihood activity in the study area. The income level of the farmers further suggests that home gardening contributes meaningfully to household welfare. In terms of production, cassava, maize, and okra were the dominant crops cultivated, largely for household consumption, highlighting the role of home gardens in enhancing food security. The cost and return analysis confirmed that home garden farming is a profitable enterprise in Ebonyi State, with positive gross margin, net income, and return on investment. Additionally, the adoption of integrated home garden management practices was relatively high, indicating that farmers are utilizing a combination of sustainable and improved techniques to enhance productivity. Overall, home gardening in Ebonyi State is a viable and profitable agricultural practice with significant potential for improving household food security, income generation, and sustainable agricultural development.