Factors Influencing Communities' Dependence on Food Aid: a Case of Bamba, Ganze District, Kenya

Abstract

Although aid is meant to spur economic and agricultural development, questions abound as to whether it is achieving this goal or not. It has been argued that Kenya has continued to rely on food aid instead of producing enough food to feed its population. The key purpose of this study was to explore the factors that have resulted in this scenario and narrowed it down to Bamba division, Ganze district in Kilifi County. The literature review explains how poverty, effects of climate change and the existence of relief organizations contribute to a community's dependence on food aid. These also formed the objectives of the study. The target population was 150 households in Bamba division. A descriptive survey was used to collect both the secondary and primary data. This methodology was chosen since it was suitable for describing occurrences as they are presently, as they were in the past or as they will be in the future. It is a method used for fact-finding, which results in the creation of principles of knowledge and offers solutions to significant problems. The study also employed a cross-sectional study as subjects were interviewed across a cross-section of the target population at the same time. Random sampling was used as the main method of sampling. A second sampling technique, convenience sampling was applied in cases where respondents were not available. Questionnaires through one-on-one interviews were the main instruments of quantitative data collection where a total of 51 respondents were interviewed. Validity was ensured by conducting a pilot study to respondents not selected in the sample. This aided the.researcher to correct the questions in the questionnaire, arrange them in a logical sequence anti-'&~d,modify or remove questions for better inquiry. Reliability was ensured by administering questionnaires to 5 respondents outside the sample and re-administering the questionnaires again a week later. The results were computed and the KarlPearson correlation co-efficient was 0.87 meaning the questionnaire could be relied on to collect valid data. A description of the data collected has been provided organized mainly in themes. The data has been represented in the form of tables. The study found out that all households in the study area were engaged in crop production. However, effects of climate change, poverty and poor agricultural practices undermine their efforts and make them food insecure. Based on the findings, the study recommended that a shift in policy occurs with regard to importation of foreign aid that undermines local development leaving beneficiaries dependent and unable to survive on their own without external help