INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ON INTENTION TO ADOPT KITCHEN GARDENING IN FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In Pakistan's urban areas, concerns regarding food security and rising vegetable prices have reignited interest in kitchen gardening; however, the practice remains limited and uneven. This study examined how socio-demographic characteristics shape urban households' intention to adopt kitchen gardening in Faisalabad, Pakistan. In a cross-sectional survey, 120 respondents were assessed on eight characteristics and a two-item Likert scale measuring intention to adopt (α = .827; inter-item r = .71). Intention overall was moderately high (M = 7.68, SD = 1.98, range 2–10). Intention was significantly associated with education, χ²(4) = 89.169, p < .001, Gamma = 0.841; age, χ²(4) = 57.461, p < .001, Gamma = −0.716 (younger showing higher intention); and prior gardening experience, χ²(2) = 10.144, p = .006, Gamma = −0.534. Household income was significant on chi-square alone; gender, household size, and house ownership showed no association. Extension programmes should target less-experienced, lower-income, and older households.