Determinants of Urban Farmers’ Acceptance of Faecal Sludge Compost in Urban Agriculture: Evidence from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Urban agriculture plays a crucial role in food security in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The use of faecal sludge derived compost (FSDC) is known to aid sustainable and circular agriculture by reuse of valuable nutrients. Key to ensuring environmental and human health safety is by proper processing of FSDC to eliminate inorganic, organic and microbial contaminants embedded in the source materials without compromising nutrient content. However, the utilization of FSDC remains limited due to farmers’ prejudice and hesitance. This study investigates the factors influencing urban farmers’ acceptance of FSDC for agriculture. A cross-sectional survey of 76 urban farmers was conducted, with data analysed through descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. Farmers’ awareness and experience in applying FSDC in agriculture are important factors that play a role in its acceptance. Results indicate the significant association among garden location in communal areas, income generation as the primary farming purpose, and accessibility of soil inputs are significantly associated with FSDC acceptance. The findings highlight the importance of ease availability and affordability of a compost product with the capacity of enhancing an increase in crop yields to foster acceptance. The study recommends frequent training sessions through workshops and demonstration plots to farmers for awareness-raising and ensuring the good quality of produce by FSDC to promote safe and sustainable reuse of FS in Dar es Salaam's urban agriculture sector.