Food Insecurity Status Among Rural Households in Kakamega County

Abstract

Food insecurity is a very serious concern globally as the world population increases. Kenya is one of the Nations faced with the challenges of ensuring that her population, particularly the poor rural households, are food secure. The specific objective of the study was to establish food insecurity status in rural households, in Kakamega County. The County was selected due to its expansive area and dense population with a record of high food prices and food insecurity of up to 51% hence rising poverty levels. Food and Nutrition Theory by Simelane & Worth was utilized in the study. The study, adopted the cross-sectional survey design due its ability to expose research outcomes. The target population was 433,207 households in Kakamega County and Krejcie & Morgan, sample size determination table was used to determine the sample size of 384 households for which 345 respondents effectively filled and returned the questionnaires. 12 Agricultural Extension Officers were purposively selected since they formed key informants on matters related to food insecurity in all sub-counties in Kakamega County. The actual number of households was selected through simple random sampling. The data was collected using interview schedules for key informants and questionnaires for households. Pilot study was conducted in Vihiga County where 20 Households were randomly sampled. The reliability was determined by subjecting tools twice to the respondents and the two results acquired were compared and determined. Face validity was determined by scrutiny of the tools by the supervisors before producing final tools. Data was subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 23 which produced descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that there was high prevalence level of food insecurity in rural household at 60%. The study concluded that food insecurity resulted from poor farming practices, poor mitigating strategies on climate change, rising theft cases, financial deficit and poor logistics in food aids distribution. The study recommended that households to make use of seasonal climate forecasts in agricultural decision making and awareness of cultivation of drought resistant crops. Supply of food subsidies and awareness of sustainable farming methods through Agricultural Extension Officers. The results of the study would support the Government in decision-making on matters related to the resolution of food insecurity, policy formulation by the government agencies, adoption of new strategies by stakeholders on securing food and finally, the addition of new knowledge to the academic body in securing new food insecurity challenges.