Greenhouse Farming of Vegetables and its Contribution to Urban Food Security and Farmers’ Wellbeing: A Case Study of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The food insecurity facing urban areas in Tanzania has led to the introduction of greenhouse farming in the country. This technology has the potential to contribute to food security and to improve people’s wellbeing, particularly in urban areas. This paper examines greenhouse farming and its contribution to some urban dwellers’ food security and wellbeing. A total of 50 farmers were selected in Kinondoni District using random sampling techniques. Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found that the farmers generated income from farming vegetables. The income was used to boost the wellbeing of their family members. Indeed, they used to meet educational expenses, business investment; carter meet medical expenses and recreational activities. Greenhouse farming contributes to food security, since it increases the production of food, which is highly needed in urban areas, ensures constant supply of food, improves the nutritional level of family members and generates additional income for household members. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should advocate greenhouse farming in urban areas. Additionally, greenhouse farming is an environmentally-friendly technology which can be used in most urban areas to ensure food security among urban dwellers.