URBAN CROP PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

For a long time, agriculture has always been regarded as a rural occupation. This study, however, is premised on the recognition of existing endeavours by urban dwellers in agricultural production which have originated from socio-economic pressures being experienced by the practitioners. The study was conducted in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo State using a random sample of 120 crop farmers. Findings reveal that most of the respondents are still in their productive years but cultivate small plots planted with multiple staple crops. The respondents, mostly, engage in other occupations and spend less than 20 hours per week on the farm. Most of the farms are located in undeveloped plots and family labour is used. Benefits derived from urban crop farming include minimising food expense, enhancing income and supplying fresh produce. The mean monthly income accruing to urban farming is =N=517.00 from about 68% of farms less than 0.1 hectare. Land scarcity, access and control are the greatest constraints and are closely followed by pilfering of farm produce. Sources of information are predominantly electronic media and family members