The Impact of structural adjustment programs on rural households in K'ombura Location Kisumu district

Abstract

This work investigated and explained the impact of SAPs on the rural households in Kombura location. In the introduction, the problem that has necessitated the implementation of SAPs was put forth. In the wake of the households structural organization and mode of production, it was noted that the implementation of these policies .have a negative impact on the household. The theory informing this discourse is the Modes of Production approach as this approach clearly shows the dialectical relationship between the familial mode of production and the capitalistic mode of production, and allowed for both to exist side by side. The first chapter serves as an introduction to the problem in question. In this chapter, the problem is outlined and the objectives for conducting the research is posed. Anthropologists involvement in this exercise is also justified. In chapter two, the crisis that has led to the implementation of SAPs is discussed and the theoretical framework informing the entire work outlined. After an assessment of the objectives in question, the hypothesis which were to be tested during the research were outlined. The methodology for the exercise included both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Though the analysis of the data collected was qualitatively done, quantitative methods of analysis was also used. In chapter four, the economic activities in the area are discussed and how the SAPs have affected the households economic welfare. Accessibility to education and the health centres was also investigated in the next chapter as these are areas that the austene SAPs measures have targeted. The final chapter dealt with issues pertinent to the effect that these policies have had on women.

In all these chapters, the underlying theme is that, since the traditional mode of production has most economic activities segregated along gender lines, then the impact of SAPs would not be the same. The impact of SAPs on women was also addressed and this is shown by explaining the roles of women in the household and the way different activities were affected by the advent of