Household Food Security on Sustainable Livelihoods. A Case Study of World Vision Kenya Livelihood and Resilience Project in Lower Nyakach Division, Nyakach Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of household food security on the sustainability of livelihoods in the Lower Nyakach Division of the Nyakach sub-county in Kisumu County. The study focused on many critical domains, including the self-sufficiency of families in food production, the economic welfare of households, the governance of natural resources, and approaches for catastrophe mitigation. The main research goal was to provide policymakers at many levels, including local, national, and global, with crucial information. Furthermore, it elucidated the various contributions made by stakeholders in augmenting family food security. In order to collect data, a descriptive survey research approach was used, which included the selection of 384 respondents at random from a target population of 58,789 individuals residing in Lower Nyakach division. This target population consisted of 13,081 households. The major method used for data collecting was the utilization of questionnaires, whereas six primary sources of information were employed for the purpose of triangulation. The analysis of data gathered was performed by use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), and the findings were afterwards provided in tabular format. The results of the research indicate that a significant proportion of families residing in Lower Nyakach were unable to generate an adequate amount of food to meet their annual sustenance requirements. Furthermore, a considerable segment of the populace actively participated in revenue-generating endeavors, whereby village savings and loan organizations emerged as the favored approach for both saves and borrowing, in contrast to alternative microfinance establishments. The study also emphasized the presence of a limited tree canopy in Lower Nyakach, resulting in a direct impact on the local microclimate and rendering the area vulnerable to both droughts and floods. Nevertheless, families used many coping mechanisms in order to mitigate their susceptibility to food insecurity in the face of natural calamities. In general, the research revealed a robust correlation between family food safety and sustainable lifestyles. Food security, as defined in this work, encompasses several factors such as self-sufficiency in food production, economic empowerment at the household level, effective management of natural resources, and systems for handling disasters. It is essential to prioritize the fulfillment of the basic need of sustenance prior to directing attention towards other facets of progress. In summary, the study suggests that it would be beneficial for the county government to provide more resources towards agricultural extension services. This investment would serve to encourage the adoption of suitable farming techniques and facilitate the efficient operation of markets. Moreover, it is recommended to do a subsequent investigation into the influence