Impact of Urban Agriculture on Food Security Among Low-Income Households in Kaduna Metropolis

Urban agriculture has gained recognition as a practical strategy for addressing food insecurity and supporting livelihoods among low-income urban populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the impact of urban agricultural activities on food security among low-income households in Kaduna Metropolis, North West Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey methodology, data were collected from 220 urban farming households selected through stratified random sampling across three local government areas: Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Chikun. An adapted Food Insecurity Experience Scale was used to measure household food security status, alongside questions on farming types, land access, and income derived from urban agriculture. Secondary data on urban land use allocations and agricultural policy frameworks were sourced from the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project and Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority. The study finds that urban farming, particularly vegetable cultivation along river banks and on vacant plots, significantly supplements household diets and income during periods of economic stress. However, insecure land tenure, lack of irrigation infrastructure, and regulatory inconsistencies constrain scaling up these activities. The research recommends integration of urban agriculture into formal land use planning, provision of secure temporary land access to low-income farmers, and development of community-managed urban garden schemes. These findings are relevant to planners, policymakers, and development organizations working on food-sensitive urban planning in northern Nigeria. Keywords: Urban agriculture, Food security, Low-income households, Kaduna, Urban land use.