Socio-economic and environmental determinants to household food security in Kyangwithya west location, Kitui county, Kenya

Abstract

Food security is a multifaceted global issue that impacts almost all aspects of life. Globally food insecurity affect 842 million people with Africa being the most affected. Socio-economic and environmental determinants have the potential to influence food security in Africa and other parts of the world. Empirical studies in Kenya and Kitui County indicate that these socio-economic and environmental factors play significant roles in household food security. However, research and discourse in Kyangwithya West location have not considered the analysis of the socio-economic and environmental determinants to food security but have focused on perceptions of drought and their impact on rural development. Consequently, this study sought to examine the socio-economic and environmental determinants to household food security in the study area. The specific objectives of this study were to: assess the influence of socio-cultural factors on household food security; analyze the economic determinants to household food security; and, to assess the influence of environmental factors on household food security. The study was guided by cultural ecology theory propounded by Julian Steward (1955). The study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study focused on households in Kyangwithya West location with a target population of 3,198 households. Consequently, a sample size of 344 was determined using the Raosoft software. Primary data were collected using triangulated methods which included semi-structured questionnaires administered to 344 households that were systematically sampled; two key informants and four focus group discussions all of whom were purposively sampled. Quantitative data were analyzed with Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 24 to generate descriptive statistics in frequencies and percentages which were presented in tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in form of narratives and verbatim reports. Findings on the study revealed that 73% of households in the study area were food insecure. Social cultural factors (gender, age, level of education and food sharing) were observed to influence household food security. Economic factors like land size and source of livelihood also influenced household food security. However access to market had negative effect since households that had access were more food insecure (73%) than those who had no market access (71%). The study further noted that local markets were exploitative to the farmers. The results revealed that environmental factors influence household food security. Majority of the respondents indicated that they had perceived a changing climate in the study area and that inadequate rainfall contributed the most to household food insecurity. The study therefore recommends that policies aimed at controlling the use of muguka be implemented. Secondly, increased access to external markets will reduce exploitation of local households. Further, timely communication of weather changes will inform farmers on expected rainfall for better planning of farming activities which will promote household food security.