Socio-economic factors that influence famine vulnerability in Kibwezi division Makueni district kenya

Abstract

The study attempted to unveil the major socio-economic factors influencing famine vulnerability in Kibwezi division of Makueni district. This study was based on the presumption that food security and famine vulnerability cannot be divorced from wider concepts such as poverty and development, or lack of it. The underlying factors both social and economic, are prime in the process of attaining less vulnerable status of famine at the household level. In chapter one, a careful study of the factors causing famine vulnerability the state of food security in the world in general and specifically in the sub-Sahara Africa was established. The responses and impact of famine are analyzed. Several theories explaining the causes of famine were discussed and credit or critique given where due. In view of this background, problem statement, objectives and significance of the study were put forward. In chapter two, relevant literature is reviewed under the following topics; the problem of famine, causes, which include economic, socio-cultural climatic and demographic factors. Also, coping mechanisms to most human populations are examined in this chapter. The theoretical framework adopted for this study is discussed here. This is the entitlement exchange model. This model postulates that each person no matter how poor has some endowments which he or she can utilize or exchange for money or kind, and through such exchange be able to acquire utilities needed for life sustenance. It is also in this chapter that the hypotheses and operationalization of variables are formulated and discussed respectively. In chapter three, the study design, study site, agro-ecological and demographic factors are discussed. Households education levels, financial and the general standards of living among Kibwezi residents is presented. It is in this chapter that the author shows that, 139 household heads were selected as the main source of data. Interview schedule was the major source of information while key informant and focus group discussions supplemented the information gotten from the household heads.

In chapter four, interpretation and analysis of data is presented. An attempt is made to tie together loose ends to weave a coherent picture of famine situation and its impact in Kibwezi. Chi-square, contigency coefficient, together with percentages and simple elaborative tables are used. A number of variables are co¬tabulated and the above mentioned values obtained from which inferences about famine situation in Kibwezi is made. Finally in chapter five, the findings, interpretation, conclusions and recommendations are presented. Almost ninety per cent of the reasons given by research subjects for inherent vulnerable state of household to famine was inadequate earnings. Others include low level occupations, limited educational standards, unemployment and over-reliance on relief food. These more or less result to deflated entitlement portfolio, a fertile recipe to famine vulnerability. The emergent policy implication from the findings is the crucial need to formulate policies whose aim is to aid in reducing poverty levels and enhance employment and savings. This, in the long-run results to enhanced entitlement portfolio of the households. Also campaigns should be intensified to conscientize households on how best they can meet their food requirements more independently.