Analysis of Livelihood Diversification to Food Security among Rural Households in Ndhiwa Sub County, Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Diversifying livelihoods has over the last two decades been identified as an important theme particularly in poverty reduction agenda. Although statistics show that there is enough food for everyone, close to 795 million of the world’s population is still food insecure. Poverty level in Homa Bay county stands at 48% compared to the National poverty indicator at 45%.The purpose of this study was to assess livelihood diversification to food security among rural households in Ndhiwa Sub County, Homa Bay County, Kenya. The target population was 43,214 persons and sample size was 400 households. Data was collected using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion Guide was also used to gather information to triangulate data from the target respondents. Four Focus Group discussions were conducted from two administrative wards and each FGD comprised of 10 members/respondents. The study further used Key Informant Interviews among six respondents who were well knowledgeable and experts in agricultural practices at the Sub County and County level. Forty two per cent of the respondent pointed out that diversification had increased food availability while 31.9% pointed out an increase in access to food. This indicates diversification contributed significantly on household food security. Secondly, 85.6% responded having not received required livelihood extension services. The study found out a significant difference (p<0.05), p=0.000 in the amount in stock by farmers before and after beginning diversification. Households deployed mixed farming, storing cereal in stores, timely planting, leasing of land, dietary change, proper farming practices, and carrying out irrigation as vulnerability measures. The study concluded that diversification contributed to food security of farmers by enhancing their access to staple food. It further concluded that most serious challenges faced by farmers in improving food security through diversification were small pieces of land and inadequate capital.