Contribution of Integrated Urban Agriculture to Household Income: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose: Urban farmers make effi cient utilization of resources by integrating crop-livestockfi sh subsectors to maximize accrued benefi ts. However, types of integration practices adopted and associated income outcome are still undocumented. Thus this study specifi cally assessed the types of integrated urban agriculture (IUA) mostly practiced by farmers, types of livelihood strategies adopted simultaneously with IUA and its contribution to total household income. Research Method: The study adopted cross-sectional research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 132 respondents. Descriptive statistics employed to assess livelihood strategies prioritised by integrated urban farmers. Multiple linear regression technique was adopted to model factors infl uencing IUA annual income. Findings: The results show that integrated urban agriculture is the most prioritised livelihood strategy to urban farmers. Majority of urban farmers (98.5%) practising integrated farming concentrated on crop-livestock, while fi sh-livestock and crop livestock-fi sh integration adopted only by 0.75% each. This implies that, majority of urban farmers did not practice fi sh sub-sector. Integrated urban agriculture gives average annual income of 2 295 288 TSH (equivalent to 1093$); which was suffi cient for household of six members being above monetary food poverty line per year. Research Limitation: This study focuses on income livelihood indicator; however, farmers can also, benefi t from integrated agriculture through food security, social inclusion and ecology to mention some. Originality/Value: This study provides an comprehensive layout adopted by integrated urban farmers to benefi t from the sub-sectors and what is missing for improvement of the enterprises for improved livelihood outcome in Tanzania Keywords: Integrated Urban Agriculture, Livelihood Strategy, Income, Household