Policy and institutional constraints shaping urban vegetable gardening in Ghana: Evidence from Cape Coast, a secondary city

Abstract

Urban vegetable gardening contributes to food supply and livelihoods in many African cities. Yet its development is often constrained by institutional conditions rather than technical production limitations. This study examines how policy frameworks and institutional arrangements shape urban vegetable gardening in Cape Coast Metropolis, a secondary city in Ghana. A concurrent mixed‐methods design was employed, combining a census survey of 150 urban vegetable‐gardening households with key informant interviews involving agricultural extension officers, a representative of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and a municipal planning officer. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi‐square test, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The results reveal low awareness of agricultural policies and extremely limited access to institutional support. Farmers rely on insecure land arrangements and informal irrigation sources, while extension engagement remains minimal. The findings demonstrate that weak policy communication, fragmented institutional coordination, and limited urban‐oriented support systems constrain the contribution of urban vegetable gardening to household livelihoods and urban food security. These results highlight the need for improved policy integration and urban‐specific support mechanisms in secondary city contexts.