Ecological Usefulness of Urban Farming in Nkubu, Meru County, Kenya

Bridget Kawira; Hanningtone Sitati

doi:10.69606/geography.v3i03.293

Authors

Bridget Kawira Department of Social Studies, Chuka University, Kenya
Hanningtone Sitati Department of Social Studies, Chuka University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69606/geography.v3i03.293

Keywords:

urban farming, greening, ecological usefulness

Abstract

Agriculture has long been considered a rural activity. However, rapid urbanization and rural–urban migration have reduced agricultural land and increased urban food demand. Consequently, urban farming has grown, attracting significant research interest. This study sought to analyze the ecological usefulness of urban farming in line with the greening of Nkubu town and waste management. A sample of 95 households practising urban farming was selected using Nassiuma's (2000) sample size calculation formula. Questionnaires, interviews, and remote sensing were used to collect data. The study found that urban farming played a key role in reducing urban waste through recycling and increasing the aesthetic value of the town. The study also revealed that despite the urban residents adopting urban farming at high magnitudes in the town, the urban green spaces have been reducing since 2010. It was evident that the green spaces are losing out to build–up areas in Nkubu town. The study recommends that urban farming be recognized in the county development plan and that urban residents adopt the new urban farming technologies.

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