By Umar Nsubuga
As food prices continue to skyrocket, urban dwellers are feeling the pinch more than ever. A simple meal for a family of six in Kampala costs at least sh25,000 daily, covering staple foods such as matooke, potatoes, and sauce like beans, meat, or fish, not to mention fruits for snacking or juice-making.
But in 2025, more urban families are discovering a practical solution to cut costs transforming small spaces into productive gardens.
Even the smallest of spaces, like backyards, balconies, or lawns, can yield significant savings. Idle areas along fences or corners of compounds can be turned into mini-farms that reduce trips to the market and lighten the financial burden.
Urban agriculture is proving to be a lifeline, combining cost-saving benefits with health and sustainability advantages.
Bananas on a fence
A surprising number of urban dwellers overlook the potential of banana plants. A single banana plant requires just 4×4 feet to thrive, making it an excellent option for small spaces.
According to Washington Mugerwa, a farmer in Bwerenga, Entebbe, a family of six can easily thrive on six banana plants.
He explains that bananas take approximately nine months to mature, and once established, a single clump can produce a bunch every month.
In a space as small as 12×12 feet, four banana plants can provide a steady supply of matooke, a staple food for many Ugandan households.
Mugerwa emphasises that such efforts can reduce monthly food expenses significantly while offering the convenience of fresh, homegrown produce.
Vegetables
For urban dwellers without large plots, vegetables are a game-changer. Martha Kisekka, a mother of two renting a small house in Kampala, turned her 4×8-metre backyard into a thriving vegetable garden. She grows tomatoes, cabbages, green peppers, eggplants, carrots, onions, garlic, and bitter berries.
“I decided to venture into vegetable growing, a decision I have never regretted,” Kisekka says.
She explains that her garden has helped her family save money, as they rarely need to buy vegetables. Instead of being a buyer at the local market, she sometimes supplies her neighbours with fresh produce.
Kisekka’s garden also offers variety and ensures her family always has nutrient-rich meals. Beyond financial savings, she finds joy in involving her young daughter in the farming process. “It’s practical learning for her, she now understands different foods and where they come from,” Kisekka says proudly.
Tips for urban farming success
Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist, offers practical advice for maximising small spaces,
Start small, begin with easy-to-grow crops like spinach, sukuma wiki, and onions. These are low-maintenance and grow quickly.
Utilise vertical space, hanging pots, trellises, or wall-mounted planters can increase planting areas on balconies or along fences.
Compost, use organic kitchen waste to create compost for your garden. This not only saves money but ensures healthy soil.
Choose the right crops, grow what you and your family consume the most. This will ensure savings and consistent use of the produce.
Water smartly, install simple irrigation systems or use recycled water from washing vegetables or rice to hydrate your garden.
Reaping
Small-scale urban farming is more than a cost-saving measure, it’s a lifestyle change. Families like Kisekka’s benefit not only from reduced expenses but also from healthier meals and a sense of independence.
The environmental benefits are undeniable. Urban gardens reduce waste by composting and help counter urban heat by adding greenery to concrete spaces.
Whether it’s a few banana plants, a vegetable patch, or even herbs grown in pots, every little effort contributes to a more sustainable and economically resilient household. With such simple solutions, urban dwellers can take charge of their food security and navigate the economic challenges of 2025 with confidence.
