A comparative analysis of urban agricultural enterprises in Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper describes commercial vegetable production in Lagos and commercial floriculture in Port Harcourt. Commercial vegetable entrepreneurs are mainly poorly educated migrant farmers who engage in vegetable production as an off-season income-generating activity. By contrast, commercial floriculturists are well-educated urban residents who usually combine this with other well-paid occupations. Returns are also higher in floriculture. In order to attract consumers, location is essential and both categories of entrepreneurs prefer land sites close to major highways and roads. Both enterprises are profitable and rely on hired workers as an important production input. The problems associated with urban vegetable production include access to land, credit and technology. In floriculture, the lack of skilled labour and exotic plants are more important problems. The paper ends by stressing the advantages of integrating support for urban agriculture within urban policies.