Contribution of Women to Food Production in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Kapsabet Town, Kenya.

Abstract

Women make a significant contribution to household food and nutrition security worldwide. They are reported to produce 60-80 % of food in developing countries and half of the food produced globally. They have also been reported to have a higher workload in ensuring food and nutrition security than men do in developing countries. In Kenya, women play a pivotal role in food production. This study aimed to explore their contribution to food production in an urban Kenyan metropolis, in a high potential agricultural area of Kenya’s Rift Valley Region. A cross-sectional descriptive study design using a quantitative method of data collection was used to collect data from 124 women (representing households) in Kapsabet town metropolis, through a questionnaire that was administered to the women in the 124 households and 14 key informants by way of one-on-one interviews. The households were selected randomly. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics to establish the nature and level of food production activities by the respondents including the level of economic empowerment. It was established that most of the farming population was aged 40-59 (54%), while those aged 20-39 made up 26% of respondents; farming in the metropolis is not therefore a major attraction for the youth (18-35 years of age). Women-farmers spent approximately 36 hours/week during the planting, weeding and harvest season on farm-related activities compared to 25 hours/week by males. Higher food production and food and nutrition security can be achieved if County and National-level Governments invested in women empowerment for higher agricultural productivity and minimized the challenges they face in food production.