Typologies, spatial distribution, and gender dynamics of urban agriculture in Dodoma city, Tanzania

This paper examines the typologies, geographic spread, and gender dynamics of urban agriculture (UA) in Dodoma City, Tanzania, to identify how urban agriculture operates in a context of accelerated urbanization. Led by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the study examines how urban households mobilize resources and put coping strategies in place to deal with socio-economic and environmental limitations, including access to land, gender dynamics, policy restrictions, and on-farm modifications. A cross-sectional survey design involving multistage sampling targeted 15 mitaa (neighborhoods) in eight wards. The sample included 300 urban farmers from squatter and non-squatter settlements. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations were utilized to gather data. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Evidence indicates that the widespread UA typologies are crop-only farming, mixed farming, and livestock-only farming, with the most prevalent being crop-only farming. The more dominant homestead farming is, the more casually UA takes place in floodplains and on government lands, contrary to government land-use policy. UA is a crucial livelihood strategy, food security, income diversification, and employment, particularly for poor households. Gender relations show men dominating decision-making, but a trend towards joint and female-headed UA among women in female-headed households. Such changes reflect increasing empowerment with adjustment to new household organization and economic pressures. Differences between squatter and non-squatter areas are explained by differences in tenure security, enforcement of rules, and access to infrastructure. Against the background of continued urban expansion in Dodoma and rising reliance on UA, the study recommends the advancement of space-saving agriculture innovations and investment in education and extension services. Further studies should address the environmental impact and scalability of urban agriculture to inform inclusive and sustainable urban food system policy in Tanzania.