Reasons Why You Should Consider Backyard Farming

Farmers generally engage in agriculture in rural areas due to land availability, profitability, proximity to natural resources and favorable climatic conditions.

In the past, it was rare for households to engage in farming or plant crops within their house compound due to issues such as limited land, lack of water, pests and diseases .

However, these days, some city dwellers also grow various plants in their gardens or premises to feed their families and even supply their neighbors. Furthermore, when the harvests are too abundant for their own consumption, they sell the surplus.

What is the secret of farming at home or in the garden?

Enoch Tyilen, a resident of Jos East LGA of Plateau State, is into urban farming, explaining that such a system helps the family, especially now that the country’s economy is not favourable.

“I plant a few crops in the garden to feed my family. Crops such as okra, tomato, and pepper, among others, are planted here. Sometimes when you get up in the morning and don’t have what to prepare, you can come to the farm and get what is available to prepare your soup.

“It’s very easy to come behind the house and it’s very fresh and rich. There are no preservatives. It’s natural from the ground. There’s also that satisfaction of eating something you grew yourself. Overall, you get it for free.

Husband and wife Thomas Gofwan and Afiya Gofwan have been growing various types of crops including pepper, okra, yam and sweet potato for the past few years. They explain what they grow and why they choose to grow in their concession.

“We planted various crops and it was helpful to the family. I have spices for making tea and for cooking Jollof rice. I enjoyed it,” Afiya said.

For Thomas: “Since we arrived in this house, around fifteen years ago, we have used the available space. We planted some crops to feed the family. This has been useful to us as we do not go out for certain harvests.

“Sometimes if you go to the market you don’t get fresh crops like we have at home. Friends and relations come to look for them. It’s a good thing for people to engage in urban agriculture,” he said.

What are the challenges of urban agriculture?

Ms Gofwan said: “My main challenge here is infection. Sometimes the plants turn red and sometimes black and before you know it, they are destroyed. But I fumigate them.

“I was told to fumigate them from time to time. Fertilizer would have been another challenge, but I have rams in the enclosure. I collect their excrement and apply it to the farm.

Family farming involves growing plants, fruits and vegetables in the vicinity of a house for domestic use. Considering the current economic situation in the country, residents are encouraged to adopt this system to ensure food security and nutrition.