Assessment of Challenges to Urban Farming in Uyo Local Government Area

Assessment of Challenges to Urban Farming in Uyo Local Government Area

Chapter One

Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to analyzes various challenges of urban farming in Uyo Local Government Area and propose actionable strategies to enhance its productivity and sustainability. The specific objective will be to;

To examine the socio-economic characteristics of urban farmers in the study
To identify the major challenges hindering urban farmers in the study
To analyze how urban farmers cope with the prevailing challenges in the study
To assess the role of government policies and support systems in urban
To explore potential strategies for enhancing the productivity of urban farming in the study area.

CHAPTER TWO

Literature Review

Introduction to Theoretical framework

Urban farming is not just an agricultural practice but a fundamental aspect of urban development that directly tackles challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment and environmental degradation. This chapter examines existing literature related to urban farming will focus on it benefits, challenges and the specific context of Uyo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. The chapter is structured into theoretical, conceptual definitions, historical perspectives and empirical underpinning framework challenges, impacts, successive intervention to establish a comprehensive understanding of urban farming in the context of Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Urban political Ecology (UPE):

Urban political Ecology (UPE) is a critical theoretical framework used to analyze urban environments by examining how urban agricultural practices interact with social, political and economic forces. UPE emphasizes the influence of power relations, political, economic and environmental justice on urban agricultural practices.

Key Components include:

Environmental Justice:

UPE focuses on the unequal distribution of environmental resources and impacts, arguing that marginalized groups, including urban farmers, are often subjected to environmental degradation.

Sustainability and inequality:

UPE examines the social and economic inequalities that affect access to resources for urban farmers, such as land, water and technology.

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Criticisms of UPE Theory:

Limited focus on Technological and Economics factors:

The theory primarily addresses political ecology without delving deeply into economic factors on innovations that could improve urban farming in resources-constrained environments like Uyo. (mc clintock. 2014)

Geographical Bias:

UPE is often centered around North American and European urban contexts, which may limit its applicability to the unique challenges of urban farming in African cities such as Uyo (heynen, Kaika, & Swyngedoww. 2006).

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH (METHODOLOGY)

Area of the study

This study will be carried out in Uyo Local Government, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Uyo is the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, located in the Niger Delta region. Uyo Local Government Area is located in the central part of Akwa Ibom State, which has four clans. It lies within latitudes 5.0513 N and longitude 7.9335N. It extends to Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas on the North, on the South to Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom and Etinan Local Government Area, on the East Uruan Local Government Area and on the West it terminates Ikono in Uyo Local Government Area.

Originally, Uyo was a village in Offot Clan before the advent of colonial administration developed into a commercial town which possessed certain attributes required by the colonial administrators. Uyo Local Government Area was created and its headquarters remained at the Uyo Village. Uyo Local Government Area lies within the humid tropic which is characterized by two distinct seasons: dry and wet seasons. The temperature is constantly high with a mean monthly value of approximately 27. Relative humidity is at a constant high value of between 70% and 90% all year round. The annual rainfall ranges from 1905mm to 2668.7mm with the average value of 2248.2m.

The area is relatively sea level exception of the ravine that existed in the North- Eastern part. The area is drained by the Ikpa River and some of its minor tributaries which flow in a South-Eastern direction. The population of Uyo Local Government Area is estimated to be 1.457m residents.

This significant growth reflects Uyo’s rapid urbanization and development over recent decades. The city’s expansion is attributed to various factors, including its status as a state capital, infrastructural advancements and economic opportunities that attract individuals from different regions. The primary indigenous ethnic group in Uyo is the Ibibio people, who are pre-dominant group in Akwa Ibom State.

The key economic and social activities are oil and Gas industry, commerce and trade, Education, Tourism, and mostly Agriculture.

Diagram of Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Population of the study

The target population for this includes urban farmers. Urban farmers are the primary focus.

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Introduction

The study’s fourth chapter is divided into two sections. The respondents’ socioeconomic background is covered in the first section, and the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of the data are covered in the second. Based on the features of the questions, the data collected via questionnaires, interviews, observation, and focus group discussions was evaluated and interpreted.

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