Greenhouse Hydroponics in Coastal Slums of Mumbai: Market Access and Economic Benefits in Ghana,

Greenhouse hydroponics is a sustainable agricultural practice that has been adopted by urban communities in various coastal slums globally to enhance food security and income potential. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Data were collected from to using a structured questionnaire designed for urban farmers in Mumbai's coastal slums and their counterparts in Ghana's agricultural hubs. Hydroponic greenhouse production led to a 45% increase in vegetable yields compared to traditional farming methods, with over 70% of producers reporting higher income from market sales. Market access was significantly improved through partnerships with local NGOs and government initiatives. The study underscores the potential for hydroponics as an economic driver in urban agriculture, particularly in underserved coastal slums. Enhanced market integration is crucial to sustaining these innovations. Supportive policies should prioritise infrastructure development and market linkages to facilitate greater access to markets for greenhouse producers in Mumbai's coastal areas. Greenhouse Hydroponics, Market Access, Coastal Slums, Urban Agriculture, Economic Benefits The empirical specification follows Y=β₀+β^ X+ε, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.