Contributions of Urban Mixed-Cropping to Household Food Security in Nigeria and Around the Globe

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab/1.2.24

Abstract:
Rapid rate of urbanization as a result of provision of improved infrastructural facilities in the cities has resulted in massive rural-urban migration of young people to cities in Nigeria and in other parts of the World. This has led to over-population and food insecurity among the urban people. Feeding over-populated towns has been a considerable challenge to governments of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Several strategies had been employed by the past Nigerian governments. The practice of urban mixed-cropping, whereby the urbanites grow two or more crops simultaneously in small plots or using available materials like worn-out tyres, plastic pots, sacks and wheelbarrow among other things, has helped to improve urban household food security, enhance household income and provide job opportunities, among others. Urban mixed-crop farmers are facing many constraints like agricultural land scarcity, conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses and difficulty in acquisition of micro-credit from banks which hinder their effectiveness. It was recommended that land reforms by governments should put into effect increased access by landless urban mixed-crop farmers to available unused government land to cultivate. Also, banks and extension agencies should extend micro-credit and extension services to urban mixed- crop farmers in Nigeria and in other countries in the world.

Keywords:
Urban, Urbanization, Mixed-cropping, Household, Food security.

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