The importance of crop cultivation in Nakuru town, Kenya

Abstract

Urban poverty is increasing dramatically in Kenya. Farming in town is one of the ways people employ to cope with this problem. Based on a survey held in 1999 among a representative sample of almost 600 households, it is estimated that 27% of the Nakuru population is engaged in crop cul-tivation in town, although the real figure is likely to be higher. In 1998, they produced an estimated six million kilograms of crops, which covered about 30% of their energy requirements. Yields, however, are relatively low and vary with plot size and to a lesser extent the use of inputs (including labour used) and the sex of the person responsible. Although it is clear that crop cultivation is beneficial for the people involved (food supply, income, employment), its potential is much bigger given the low average productivity. To raise productivity, constraints that the people face have to be removed, including theft and the legal uncertainty regarding access to land and which crops can be cultivated.