T3-03 Socio-economic Determinants of Food Security in Rongo District Migori County,  Kenya

Monday, August 4, 2014: 2:00 PM
Room 111-112 (Indiana Convention Center)
Julie Chepkoech Bett, Rongo University College, kisumu, Kenya
Wilson Otenga, Rongo University College, Kisumu, Kenya
Introduction: In Kenya Rongo district is far from achieving MDG number one which is eradicating poverty and hunger despite food the security community primarily depends on local agricultural productivity and food purchasing Power. Subsistence agriculture is the main source of rural food and livelihoods. Several constraints in agriculture lead to food deficits in the region.

Purpose: The study therefore set out to determine present state of food availability and accessibility by investigating the patterns of food production, consumption, procurement and their impact on food security thus seeking to identify the environmental and social economic factors that influence food security in the district. The study recommends on strategies that can improve food security.

Methods: Research design was triangulation focusing on group discussion which was conducted to get cross sectional perspective and analyze the data collected from the interviews the target group was community leaders, agricultural extensions workers, field workers and non agricultural organization working on rural   projects in the area. Nnivo 8 software was used to analyze data collected from interview and stastical package for social sciences was used for quantitative data.

Results: 70% of the land is taken by sugarcane production; maize is the most common staple food, while 90% of the respondents said maize harvest is not enough to last to the next season. The respondents cited the changing weather patterns, declining fertility of the soil, increasing pressure on land due to rapid population growth.

Significance: The findings suggest that the district suffers from lack of food which is not easily available nor accessible, affordable for the population. The study recommends the implementation of micro irrigation schemes and design and implementation of agricultural business models targeting intensive animal production.