Economic Analysis of Urban and Peri-Urban Vegetable Farming Systems and Their Contribution to Household Income in Kaduna Metropolis

Urban and peri-urban agriculture contributes significantly to food supply, income generation, and employment in many Nigerian cities. In Kaduna Metropolis, vegetable farming on urban open spaces and peri-urban plots has expanded as a livelihood strategy for low-income households and migrants, yet comprehensive economic analysis of these farming systems remains limited. This study conducted an economic analysis of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming systems and their contribution to household income in Kaduna Metropolis. Primary data were collected from 190 urban and peri-urban vegetable farmers selected through stratified spatial sampling across four urban zones. Gross margin, cost-benefit, and farm income share analyses were applied, complemented by spatial overlay analysis of farming zone characteristics. Results showed mean gross margins of N215,000 per 0.1 hectare per season, indicating highly profitable enterprises relative to land area. Vegetable income constituted approximately 58 percent of total household income for sampled farmers, confirming the centrality of urban farming for livelihood security. Water access constraints, insecure land tenure, and market price volatility were the principal risk factors. Women constituted 62 percent of the farming population. The study recommends formalising urban agricultural land use zoning in Kaduna and improving access to reliable irrigation water for peri-urban vegetable producers. Keywords: urban agriculture, peri-urban farming, vegetable production, household income, Kaduna.