Full Length Research Paper
Chinyanganya T. Pauline, Ncube
Abstract
Unprecedented levels of poverty across the globe have culminated in people venturing into different economic activities to augment available livelihood resources. The role of NGOs has also come into play in fighting poverty among communities. This article assesses the viability of community gardens in meeting basic household requirements in Masvingo urban and the role of selected NGOs herein. The article assesses the effectiveness of community gardens in meeting basic household requirements and identifies the attendant challenges faced by the beneficiaries. This study therefore assessed the effectiveness of these community gardens in meeting the basic household requirements of the beneficiaries. A case study approach involving Runyararo West and Rujeko community gardens was used. Questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations were used to collect data. Findings indicated that most people who are engaged in urban gardening are unemployed. Results revealed that income raised from the urban community gardens was very low and could hardly meet the basic household requirements.