Urban Agriculture: Factors Affecting the Decision to Grow Vegetables in Tamale Metropolis

The study utilizes cross-sectional data obtained from 196 urban agriculturalists (136 vegetable farmers and 56 non-vegetable farmers) to examine the factors that determine the cultivation of vegetables in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly of the northern region of Ghana. The results indicate that vegetable production in the study area is influenced by different factors such as extension service, the use of inorganic fertilizer (manure) and the availability of farm land. Existing extension agents should be trained in modern vegetable production techniques, who should, in turn, train the vegetable farmers. The emphasis should be on quality seed production, seed variety, diversification and quality control. Also, the extension service delivery should be directed towards efficient application of manure. This can be achieved by encouraging vegetable farmers to form cooperatives in order to have a better network with livestock producer associations. Another recommendation is that policy makers should consider providing large and suitable irrigable lands for vegetable production.