Effects of socio - economic factors on food security situation in Kenyan dry lands ecosystem

Abstract

This paper is based on a study carried out in 2011 to examine the effects of socio-economic factors on food security situation in the Kenyan dry lands ecosystem using Tseikuru division as case study. Using a wide palette of data collected from 100 households and analytical approaches, the thrust of the study outcomes reveal that Tseikuru Division is a food insecure area. This, to a large extent, is a function of human factors, which include but not limited to; the prevailing marketing system, farming practices, household income and expenditures, traditional cultural values and availability of essential services. Additionally, the prevalent food insecurity mitigation measures adopted by the inhabitants coupled with poor agricultural practises especially in soil and water conservation have also considerably impacted on the prevailing food security situation in the area, and other dry land areas of Kenya. Tackling food shortages and insufficiency in Kenya’s dry lands therefore requires addressing not only physical and/or natural factors but also focusing on socio-economic factors