The Impact of Urban Gardening on Household Food Security in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi City County

Abstract

This study sought to establish the impact of urban gardening on household Food security as well as to identify different types of food crops grown in the urban gardens of Mukuru. The study looked at the contribution of urban gardening in household food security in that area and, finally, to explore the role of men and ladies in urban gardening to improve family unit sustenance security. The rapid urbanization that is taking place goes together with a rapid increase in urban poverty and urban food insecurity. People living in the informal settlements face all of these challenges, thus exposing them to malnutrition, illiteracy, and hunger among other problems. Most of the people have difficulty to cope up with the challenges experienced, therefore they seek for alternative measures to be able to put food on the table and meet other basic needs. The study’s main objective sought to examine the impact of urban gardening on household food security in the informal settlement of Mukuru Kwa Njenga. The study was carried out in Mukuru Kwa Njenga informal settlement, Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi City County. The study gathered data using both qualitative and quantitative methods which include; In-depth interviews with participants practicing urban farming, 12 key informant interviews and use of observation method. The study established that many residents of that area prefer growing of vegetables for consumption and also for commercial purposes, the findings also concluded that a larger percentage of ladies practice urban gardening as compared to men. The study recommends that urban gardening be integrated into urban planning and development, thus promoting local food systems and improving the value chain in the urban agriculture sector.