Covid-19 Implications on Household Food Availability in Kenya: a Case Study of Loitokitok – Kajiado South, Kenya

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on Kenya, giving rise to profound social and economic ramifications. Beyond the evident surge in disease prevalence and mortality rates, the pandemic has wrought havoc on the livelihoods of the population, amplifying the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals and communities. Government measures to contain infections led to job losses, business closures, and reduced availability of essential items. Movement restrictions disrupted food supply chains, leading to food insecurity. Oloitokitok, Kajiado County, is one of the rural areas in Southern Kenya that was impacted by these disruptions. Notably, the closure of the border with Tanzania and Kenya implied less movement of food from these areas. However, the magnitude of the lockdown's impact on households was not well understood hence the need for the study. This research explored the pandemic’s impact on food availability, accessibility, stability and utilization in Oloitokitok. It used a mixed-methods approach to collect data from a sample of 173 from the target population. Data were collected from households and key informants using a structured questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics using the SPSS computer program. The data has been presented using tables and pie charts. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews was recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results of the study show that COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the earning potential of residents in Oloitokitok, as evidenced by reported job losses and business closures. Besides, disruptions in the food supply chain led to shortages in certain food items and rising prices. Residents coped with the rising food insecurity and income loss by engaging in additional economic activities, reducing the number of meals consumed per day, selling property, dissaving, and engaging in crime. Further, the study shows that despite government and community-based organizations' intervention of safety nets interventions majority of the households suffered and remained predisposed to food shortage. This study, therefore, recommends sustained social safety nets during periods of prolonged disruption of community systems such as the covid-19 lockdown period.