Cultivating Resilience: The Socio-Economic Impact of Homegardens in Kabwe District, Zambia

Homegardens, diverse crop production systems adjacent to or near households, play a significant role in the socioeconomic well-being of communities in Kabwe District, Zambia. This study aimed to assess the socio-economic impact of these homegardens in Kabwe District, located approximately 140 km from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The research was conducted in the Highridge and Nkrumah extension areas, where 52 randomly selected households were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2019. The study revealed that 67% of respondents owned homegardens, primarily backyard gardens ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 acres in size. These homegardens provided significant economic benefits, with approximately 78% of households earning between ZMK100 to ZMK3,000, primarily from sales to marketers and neighbours. The income earned was mainly used for purchasing inputs for the next farming season, groceries, and food for domestic consumption, demonstrating the gardens' role in household sustainability. Despite not being large-scale commercial operations, homegardens proved crucial for household income and food security. However, challenges such as high-water bills, pests and diseases, and lack of extension support were identified. To improve the homegarden industry, the study recommends collaborative efforts between the government and other stakeholders to address these challenges, potentially leading to improved socio-economic outcomes for households in Kabwe District and similar regions in Zambia.