THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The 2010 Kenyan Constitution provides for rights, in article 43 (1), assuring freedom from hunger and adequate food of acceptable quality. Despite such policy provisions, food security remains a challenge. Women, constitute 75 % agricultural labor force, bearing household food insecurity burden, yet play critical roles in food security. The study investigated women’s contribution to household food security in Busia County. The objectives were: To determine the household food security status; to establish the role of women in household food security; to evaluate the strategies for enhancing household food security in Busia County. The study used descriptive survey and evaluative research design. Multi-stage, Quota, Purposive and Simple random sampling was used to samples, primary respondent size of 384 household members, purposive sampling for Key informants and quota sampling for four FGD participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, FGD guides and KII guides. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, and qualitative data was transcribed and entered into Nvivo software for analysis. The study used two theories, the gender perspective theory and entitlement theory to give understanding to this study. Findings reveal Busia County was food insecure: Two-thirds households (66.2%) had experienced food shortage the year preceding the study. The study observed that 51.4% of the respondents indicated that food produced from their farms in the last one year was not adequate for the house hold. The majority respondents, (69.9%) bought food from markets during food shortage. Farm produce was the main source of household food for majority (89%), and maize was the main crop grown by (88.4%) of the households. Notably, (64.1%) reported that household decisions on farming activities were mainly made by husbands. The study established that 99.2% women had kitchen gardens under their control. Indeed. Over (59.8%) respondents said farming was for consumption and income. The inferential statistical analysis showed positive significant relationship between household food security, and women’s contribution in farms, level of education and marital status. The greatest challenge women faced in food security was inadequate collateral to access credit and not owning land for production. However, no specific policy articulates promoting women’s involvement in food security, hence the need for a specific policy addressing women’s role in food security. The study recommends the need to establish or strengthen multi-sectorial institutional structures/systems which will deliberately include women in intervention, since related challenges are multi dimensional. In conclusion, Busia County was food insecure; Women play relatively important roles in household food security although, when it comes to domestic farming operations, men continue to make the majority of the decisions. The national and county governments' initiatives to strengthen the contribution of women to the enhancement of family food security in Busia County have not had the anticipated outcome. Recommendations included-the need to establish legal and policy frameworks to take into account women’s rights to production resources effectively promoting food security