Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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Urban agriculture in residential areas: Cultivation takes place in many low-
density residential areas in Zaria. The plot sizes in most low-density
residential areas are 65m
65m. The residential areas of low- to medium-
density are also cultivated (such as Hanwa and the northern part of
Tudun Wada extending along the Wusasa, Kwangila and Paladan axis). In
addition to cereals and horticulture here, there are pockets where livestock
(especially goats, sheep, birds and, in some districts, pigs) are raised within
the residential areas.
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Urban agriculture in commercial areas: The proposed city centre of Zaria is yet
to be developed. Over the years, farming has occurred on some of the land
prescribed for urban development. In addition, residential developments
have been built on 14 per cent of the land. Other areas of commercial use
proposed in the master plan have not been developed and, in some cases,
urban farmers have taken advantage of this vacant space.
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Urban agriculture in industrial areas: Several industrial zones in the city have
vacant lands that are being cultivated, including the light industrial zone of
Chikaji in the Sabon Gari District and the heavy industrial zone along Jos
Road (Figure 12.2). The emergence of agriculture in these areas can be
attributed to the large availability of vacant land. In addition, the economic
recession in Nigeria has resulted in less investment in the industrial sector.
Land originally for industrial purposes is often either not developed or only
partially developed, increasing the opportunities for UA.
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Urban agriculture along rights-of-way and other open spaces: Zaria has a large
network of railways and roads. The Sabon Gari district has the most rail and
road rights-of-way and these - especially those that pass through Tudun
Wada, the government reservation area (GRA), Sabon Gari, Kano and
Gusau - are used for agricultural activities. The rights-of-way under utility
lines such as electrical lines, as well as the access routes to the junctions, are
also used for farming. Even the Kano Road junction at Kwangila, where the
Sokoto national grid and the Kano national grid are linked, is used for
farming. This is probably because the utility lines pass through floodplains
or swampy areas and farmland is otherwise not accessible.
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Urban agriculture on floodplains: Soil quality affects the distribution of
agricultural production. Production varies according to differences in the
physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil. In Zaria, the
most productive agricultural land is found along the floodplains of the
Kubanni and Galma Rivers. The soils are hydromorphic, and as irrigation
water is available, farming is a year-round practice. Crop distribution
patterns are haphazard because of the types of land tenure, which include
freehold, tenancy and ownership. Land acquisition patterns tend to lead to
small individual plots. Cereals are the dominant crop produced on the
floodplains. The second most prevalent agricultural activity is horticulture,
particularly in irrigated areas. In this category, mostly vegetables are
produced, but in some cases, fruits are sandwiched among cereal crops in
upland areas. Tubers, especially cassava and cocoyams (taro), are cultivated
upstream of the floodplains.
