PROBLEMS FACED BY URBAN REISDENTS IN PERFORMING URBAN DOMESTIC HORTICULTURE IN HAYATABAD TOWNSHIP: PESHAWAR

In this research article an attempt is made to identify the kind and extent of horticultural activities, problems faced, availability of extension service and suggestions for the type of extension services needed in Hayatabad Township, Peshawar. A list of constructed houses of 4 phases i.e. I, II, III and IV of plot sizes 5 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal and 2 Kanal was obtained from Peshawar Development Authority (PDA). A stratified random sample of 50 owner-occupied houses was drawn with proportional allocation for 4 house sizes. An interview schedule was used to collect data during March- April 2008. The study found that all the respondents of the sampled households were literate. The sampled households were residing for an average of about 8 years. The horticultural activities comprised of lawns, flower plants, creepers, trees (Fruit and ornamental) and kitchen garden. The association between horticultural activities and plot size were significant for all horticultural activities except flower pots which was non-significant. The residents faced problems in the maintenance of activities and significant relation exist between problems and plot size for only lawns and kitchen garden. The households resolved their problems mostly through informal consultations. No formal system of extension services was available to cater for the domestic horticultural activities and solutions of problems. It is suggested that special write-ups, electronic media programmes (radio/TV) and constitution of forum of experts/professionals for consultation on problems and needs of domestic horticulture.