ABSTRACT
This study assesses the contribution of home gardens to the livelihood improvement of internally displaced persons in Uhogua IDP camp, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The specific objectives where to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of internally displaced persons in Uhogua camp, Edo state, Nigeria; ascertain major causes of respondents displacement from their communities; examine respondents’ perception about cultivating gardens within their camp; identify the various crops grown by respondents in their gardens; identify major farm activities performed by the respondent; identify the respondents’ perceived contribution of home hardens for improved livelihood in the camp and examine the constraints encountered by respondent while growing crops in their gardens.
A two stage sampling procedure was used for a simple random selection of 132 internally displaced persons in Uhogua IDPs Camp for the study. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire designed in line with the specific objectives of the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean scores as well as inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Product Correlation (PPC).
Results showed that 51.5% of IDPs in the camp were male and the age group actively involved in home garden activities was between 31-40 years (31.1%). A notable 60.6% of the internally displaced persons were married, and the average household size was 4.82, indicating relatively smaller family units within the camp. Moreover, 99.2% of the population followed Christianity, and the education levels varied, with 26.5% having attained tertiary education. Despite their active age group, none of the respondents had contact with the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) Extension Agent, suggesting a missed opportunity for agricultural support.
