Opportunities and Challenges of Urban Farming in Ethiopia: Evidence from Vegetable Producers in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Purpose: Despite barriers that make it less productive, vegetable production is becoming an important activity among urban dwellers in developing countries, including Ethiopia, to achieve food security. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the challenges faced by small-scale vegetable producers and the opportunities for urban farming in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
 Methodology: In this research, data were collected using questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions. A probability sampling technique was employed to select the respondent households. Household survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multinomial logistic regression. The challenges of urban vegetable production were analysed through the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) and Force field analysis.
 Findings: According to the study's findings, respondents have positive perceptions for vegetable production, and the majority of them intend to engage in vegetable production in the future. The main challenge of vegetable production activities were limited access to land, pests and diseases and water shortages. The results of the regression analysis show that land size, gender, age and shelter are the most significant factors that determine vegetable production.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study's findings suggest that there are opportunities for expanding existing production networks, such as home food gardens, and enhancing community food sovereignty by leveraging local knowledge of urban vegetable production.