| Abstract |
Studies on urban farming in Sub-Saharan African cities reveal the existence of literatures in Eastern,
Southern and Central African cities. A few have focused on West Africa. In Nigeria, there is a paucity of
information on reuse of waste water in urban farming. The purpose of this paper is to examine the
status of wastewater reuse in urban farming in Katsina, an important urban area in the semi arid region
of Nigeria. A total of 120 households were selected and interviewed out of the total number of 250 that
officially registered with the Katsina Urban Planning Authority. It was found out that the reuse of
wastewater in urban farming in the area is an occupation that is not only practiced as a fulltime and
sole income earner for many households, but an activity that the town cannot do without. Being a city
located within a semi-arid setting, relying on rainfed for successful promotion of urban farming is
certainly a risky enterprise and hence the practice virtually has no substitute. Unfortunately urban
planning process has not officially recognised and given attention to this important activity in the town.
Appropriate recommendation on how to promote the activity and get it integrated into planning
processes in the area have been given. [authors abstract]
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