The Contribution of Home Gardening To Enhance Household Food Security and Plant Diversity in Sub-Urbs of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of home gardening in improving household food security and plant diversity in Jimma town, addressing gaps in evidence regarding its efficacy in urban settings. Home gardening, characterized by the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and traditional medicinal plants, is recognized for its potential to enhance food access and plant diversity. Five kebeles were purposively selected from a total of 17, focusing on areas where home gardening was actively practiced. A sample of 382 households was determined using Yemane’s formula and selected via stratified random sampling from 8,629 households. Mixed method approach. Data collection included surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using Excel speedsheet, chi-square and t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and the number of different plant species in the home garden were counted to assess plant diversity. Findings revealed that 69.9% of households practiced home gardening primarily for food production, with 80.4% reporting improved food security, 70% noting enhanced nutritional status, and 75.9% achieving a steady food supply. A notable 37 plant species from 29 families were identified, with dominant crops like Coffea arabica (97.1%) and Musa paradisiaca (96.6%) underscoring economic and nutritional significance. Fruits (43.5%) and vegetables (50.1%) were also included alongside other items. However, only 20% were aware of agricultural support, and challenges such as space constraints (51.6%), water scarcity (53.2%), and limited knowledge (78.9%) hindered sustainability. Lack of control group and geographical scope were the major limitation of the study. The findings provide actionable guidance for stakeholders, suggesting that targeted interventions in home gardening practices can significantly enhance food security and plant diversity in Jimma town.