In February 2001, the Mwanza Urban Livelihood Programme (TAN/ 10) conducted a study on the Role, Constraints and Sustainability of Urban and Peri - Urban Agriculture (UPA) in Ilemela Ward of Mwanza City. The study covered three sampled areas with different geographical characteristics but well - known in horticulture activities as a major source of family income. The microcredit and Business Development component supports horticulture groups through micro credit scheme and capacity building on marketing and promotion of low economic and agricultural inputs for sustainable agriculture (LEISA).

The objective of the study was to "explore the possibility of establishing a flexible approach to Mwanza Urban Livelihood Programme's micro credit component to ensure that beneficiaries involved in urban and peri - urban agriculture in the programme area were not excluded from the initiative". The specific objectives of the study were:

• Identify the factors constraining the entrepreneurial success of urban and peri - urban agriculture (UPA) in Ilemela ward.
• Examine the viability of the commercial UPA in Ilemela ward.
• Analyse the risks and uncertainties involved in UPA in relation to cultural, environmental, social and economic aspects.
• Examine gender aspects of production, processing and marketing of produce in the UPA sector.
• Examine the sustainability of UPA and propose effective ways to support its implementation amongst poor households.
• Propose effective ways of linking the commercial urban and peri - urban farmers to official sources of extension and development support.

The study used participatory techniques and individual interview methodologies in collecting information .The study involved a sample of 133 participants and 23 Income and Employment Generation Groups. The sampled population y included heads of households, leaders of income generating groups, sub village leaders as well as leaders of social and economic groups (e.g. informal/ formal credit groups, security guards and self help groups).

Findings from the study: The study revealed the following:

• Over 80% of peri-urban households and 60% of urban households depend on vegetable gardening for livelihood. However, the sustainability of urban and peri - urban agriculture in Ilemela Ward is being threatened by influx of migrants and land speculators from city centre.
• Horticultural farmers lack market information on producer prices and preferences (varieties of horticultural crops) limiting farmers to realise their enterprise profitably.
• Lack of working and investment capital limit productivity.
• Lack of knowledge on intensive crop and livestock husbandry.
• Poor soils and continued decline on soil fertility.
• Shortage of water during the period August to October.

Basing on the above findings, the study recommended the following:

• ACORD and other development actors intending to support UPA to facilitate savings and credit services with medium and short - term loans.
• Poverty reduction programmes should develop strategic support for collective actions being initiated by economic groups.
• Despite the dilemma of UPA not officially recognised by governance structures, programmes and projects focusing on strengthening livelihood strategies in such environments need to plan for advocacy on access to extension and linking such farmers to various sources of support.
• Community organisations and interest groups backing UPA need area -specific capacity building support, and therefore programmes need to initiate participatory capacity building needs assessment.
• Programmes should train their staff in participatory advisory techniques, basic research and advocacy.

For further information, contact: The Country Co-ordinator, ACORD,PO Box 1611,MWANZA, Tanzania.

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