The Role of Urban Agriculture in Improving the Livelihood of the Urban Poor and the Challenges: The Case of Hawassa City Administration, SNNPRS, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Hawassa City with the main objective of assessing the role that urban agriculture plays in improving the livelihood of the urban poor and the challenges. It focused on three forms of urban agricultural activities namely bio-intensive gardening, backyard poultry keeping, and sheep rearing and fattening. The study employed a descriptive survey method which is supported by qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that urban agriculture has a very positive role in changing the livelihood of the urban poor for the better. It has enabled 76% of the respondents to obtain additional income, while serving 51.4% as a food source, and creating employment opportunity for 29%. The major challenges to urban agriculture in Hawassa include lack of credit services, absence of technology to support the economic activity, lack of feed, treatment and input, and problems related to easy market access and storage places. Keywords: Urban Poverty, Urban Agriculture, Livelihood, Challenges, Hawassa City DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-1-01 Publication date: January 31st 202