Impact of contracted sugarcane farming on household food security in Uriri Division-Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact sugarcane production on its farmer's household food security in Uriri Division in Migori.

Four research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey. The sample had 75 farmers and 7 key informants. The findings revealed that sugarcane growing had a negative effect on food security among people in Uriri Division, this is because much of the land had been taken up by sugarcane growing leaving small sections for food crops. Most of the farmers in Uriri did not have time to cultivate food crops since they were fully involved in sugarcane growing. It was also found out that cash income from Sugarcane farming was not sufficient to meet household food needs. Findings also revealed that household characteristics did not influence food security among people in Uriri Division. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that there is need to encourage people to take up food crop growing in as much as they are involved in sugarcane growing. This would enable them have food when they combine with the financial gain from sugarcane.

Farmers should be encouraged to carry out intercropping of cane with other food crops and also use fertilizers to facilitate better yields. Women should be encouraged to participate in Sugarcane farming activities such as planning, weeding, harvesting and also be given loans to help them farm. There is need to maximize idle land for intensive food production by increasing acreage for food production.