Study title

This dataset belongs to a study that uses a cluster randomized trial (CRT) to investigate the impact of urban farming and using black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) from recycled household waste for urban farming on food and nutrition security. The proposed interventions include two treatments: (1) multi-storey gardens (MSG) for planting vegetables including starter material and training on how to use (T1), and (2) MSG combined with BSFFF from recycled household waste, including starter material and training on use (T2). We conducted a CRT in 150 enumeration areas (EAs) in six sub-locations that form the administrative boundary of the Kibera informal settlement. They included Kibera, Lindi, Makina, Gatwekera, Olympic/Kianda, and Laini Saba. Randomization was stratified according to sub-locations using a central computerized process. We recruited 25 EAs from the six sub-locations through the village elders and community health volunteers. The goal was to recruit 6 households from each of the 150 EAs to provide a sample size of at least 900 households. We conducted a mapping exercise and enrolled the households in May 2023. We than conducted the baseline in June 2023, and implemented the treatments in June and July. The endline was conducted in November 2023. Randomization was performed at the enumeration area level because MSGs are relatively large and can serve several households. First, we identified all 150 enumeration areas within 6 sublocation in Kibera. We then randomly divided the 150 enumeration areas into three such that 50 enumeration areas received MSG (group 1), 50 enumeration areas received MSG and BSFF (group 2), and the remaining 50 enumerations areas were control group (group 3). We administered surveys to assess whether treatment and control groups had similar characteristics. We implemented MSG in every household in a treatment enumeration area (groups 1 and 2) and BSFFF was administered to all households within the BSFF treated enumeration area (group 2). Within treatment enumeration areas, we offered the chance of every household installing MSG to grow their own vegetables. Randomization of MSG across enumeration areas allows estimation of the overall effect of MSG on dietary and economic outcomes by comparing treatment and control enumeration areas, even in the presence of within-enumeration area externalities.

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