Exploring the Practice of Urban Based Small Holder Farmers Agricultural Cooperative in the Improvement of the Lives and Livelihoods of Residents: The Case of Fanta Cooperative, Akaki - Kality Sub - City, Addis Ababa City Administration
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study has centered on Fanta Vegetable Producer Cooperatives that is situated in Woreda 4
of Akaki - Kaliti Sub - City, Addis Ababa. The study explored the practice of urban based small
holder farmer's agricultural cooperative in the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of
residents. The study is hoped to improve our knowledge about the role that the sector plays in
cooperative livelihoods, and adds information to the limited researches done so far on the area.
The objectives of the study were to explore the experience of urban based small holder farmer 's
agricultural cooperatives in the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of residents. A few
studies were conducted on the effect of using vulnerable river water but research conducted
about the contribution of urban based agriculture to the lives and livelihoods of the cooperative
in the study area are scarce. The necessary data were generated both from primary and
secondary sources. The study was based on a qualitative research method, to investigate the
practice and contribution of urban based agriculture. The study employed case study approach
to find out the possible alternative opportunities to challenges faced by them through
diversifying different types of urban based agricultural products. The study conducted
exploratory research because it is related and applicable to explore new concepts since a
research conducted in this area is scarce.
The study has found that vegetable production along Akaki River constitutes the livelihood of
Fanta agricultural cooperative. Besides, the cooperative has huge potentials of assets that can
significantly impact future development of the area. These assets can be categorized at natural,
social, financial, human and physical capitals. The findings of the study show that the major
constraints of the cooperative are access to land; pollution of Akaki River; flood; absence of
urban based agricultural policy; shortage of market outlet chain; and illegal trade. All these
challenges need the combined effort of all stakeholders. Hence, awareness building and good
local environmental governance systems that target all stakeholders should be created to prevent
the current constraints and sustain the livelihood of the cooperative. As a short-term strategy, it
is also advisable for the cooperative to use water from the deep well in collaboration with local
development stakeholders in their vegetable schemes. Moreover, farming in urban environment
has been found to benefit poor households through diversifying different types of urban based
agricultural products.
Description
Keywords
The Case of Fanta Cooperative, Akaki - Kality Sub - City, Addis Ababa City Administration