The Power of “We”‐Social Networks Within the Food System in Kenya

Abstract

Food aid programs are often established in areas of the world where unreliable weather patterns and seasonal food shortages are common. The goal of most food aid programs is to protect vulnerable populations such as women and young children from malnutrition. Yet, the effect of food aid on what vulnerable populations consume is controversial. Lack of social acceptance and prevalence of corruption may mitigate the intended effects of food aid. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role and effectiveness of food aid programs in the rural village of Mgange Dawida, Kenya. Qualitative interviews were conducted with food decision-makers at the household and community level to generate grounded theory. Findings suggest an unanticipated role for social networks in protecting against food scarcity. Social networks including family, neighbors, churches and farming groups were found to buffer against food insecurity even during severe drought. Although food aid programs were present, they were underutilized because the programs were perceived to be socially unacceptable and many community members distrusted the distribution process. Overall, findings suggest that social networks were more important in protecting vulnerable populations from malnutrition than food aid programs.