CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF HOME GARDENING IN ENHANCING URBAN RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Home gardening is emerging as a viable means to sustain the urban residential environment in Lagos, Nigeria, as the city faces ongoing challenges of rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation. This study aims to investigate the potential of home gardening in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the quality of life in Lagos. Survey questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data examining the benefits, challenges, and practices associated with home gardening. 72% of the respondents are familiar with the subject while 28% are not. This signifies there is a level of literacy and understanding of the subject even though there is a need for improvement. The findings reveal that home gardening has numerous positive impacts on the urban residential environment in Lagos and it has the potential to significantly contribute to environmental sustainability by improving air quality through the absorption of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. It helps reduce the heat island effect thereby mitigating the adverse effects of urban heat. Home gardening in Lagos state, Nigeria is also playing a vital role in water conservation, as gardeners practice efficient irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting. Other benefits as revealed by this study include: home gardening enhances food security by providing fresh produce and reducing reliance on external food sources; it fosters community engagement and social cohesion, as neighbors come together to exchange knowledge, resources, and surplus crops; and it improves residents' mental and physical well-being, promoting a sense of achievement, stress reduction, and increased physical activity. Despite its numerous benefits, home gardening in Lagos faces challenges such as limited space, lack of knowledge in this context, and inadequate access to resources and support. 95% of the respondents keep gardens for aesthetic reasons and not for biodiversity factors, there is more to learn. To overcome these barriers and maximise the potential of home gardening, recommendations are provided. These include the need for policy support, the establishment of community gardens, allotment schemes, and awareness campaigns to educate residents about the benefits and techniques of home gardening. There should also be a provision for training and resources to empower individuals to engage in gardening practices. By incorporating home gardening into urban planning strategies, Lagos can create a sustainable and resilient residential environment. The study is also a contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.