Mobility and relational connectivities on access to urban agriculture among residents of informal settlement in Eldoret city, Kenya

Abstract

Urban agriculture has emerged as an important means of survival for many. It is not only a means of improving household food security and nutrition, but also a source of income, employment and a means to social and economic empowerment especially for urban poor. However, it has been characterized by restrictive policies and practices prevalent in many urban areas in Africa as well as limited access. Mobility has been identified as an important factor in mediating access to livelihood for individuals and for their households. However, the role of mobility in shaping access and functioning of urban agriculture has received tangential treatment in urban agriculture research. On the other hand, interpersonal relationships and social networks are central to promoting access to livelihood activities. Nevertheless, there is dearth of information on how relational connectivities impact on access and participation in urban agriculture. This study was intended to offer important insights into understanding the dynamics of how mobility and relational connectivities are integral to urban faming as a livelihood option to urban residents. The theoretical perspective that guided this study was the social practice theory. The research was conducted through a survey method using concurrent mixed method approach. Data were collected using questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation. The study participants were drawn from three purposively selected informal settlements in Eldoret City that is, Langas, Huruma and Munyaka. The study generated both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between gender and the influence of mobility in access to urban farming. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed deductively through themes. The results revealed that mobility plays an import role in access to farming space mainly through enabling connection to or reaching the person/people who enabled acquisition of the farming space, providing the means or platform to reach and locate the farming space and obtaining information on the availability of the farming space. The results of the study further revealed that gender had no significant influence on mobility impact on access to farming space. In terms of access to market, the results of the study showed that mobility influenced access to the market for farm produce mainly through the connection to the people who help the urban farmer get market for their products, aided their ability to locate and reach the market and helped in obtaining information on where to sell the farm products. It also aided in obtaining agricultural technologies and innovations by the farmers. Finally, the results revealed that interpersonal relationships and social networks (relational connectivities) are central to promoting access and participation in urban farming mainly through family relationship and friendship ties. This study highlights the importance of human mobility and relational connectivities in advancing urban farming particularly among poor urban dwellers