Food Security In Kenya Research Articles

Exploring the Potential of Aquaponics Systems in Advancing Food Security in Kenya: A Scoping Review

Exploring the Potential of Aquaponics Systems in Advancing Food Security in Kenya: A Scoping Review

National Food Policies and Food Security in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) due to a combination of frequent climate shocks such as droughts, floods and livestock diseases. These extremes disrupt traditional ways of life and devastate crops and livestock, leaving communities with little to no food. This paper examined the effect of national food policies and strategies on food security in these fragile regions, specifically focusing on initiatives designed to address the recurring problem. The arguments of the decentralization and institutional capacity theories were used to guide the analysis. Methodologically, the study employed a descriptive survey research design to inform data collection and analysis. The research established that despite government interventions, food insecurity remains prevalent in ASAL regions. The causes of this insecurity are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as climate variability, restricted access to resources and socio-economic disparities. The paper recommends a review of national food policies targeting ASALs to align them with the drivers of food insecurity. The review should include community engagement and stakeholder collaboration to attain effective and sustainable solutions.

Effect of Inflation on Kenya’s Maize Production and Food Security

The aim of this project was to examine the major determinants of Kenya's maize production. These objectives were actualized by evaluating the role of government policies on Kenya’s maize production for food security between 1992 and 2022 and examining the relationship between inflation and maize production for food security in Kenya between 1992 and 2022. The food availability decline theory would be instrumental in guiding this study. Time-series secondary data from the World Bank, FAOSTAT, and World Trade Organization (WTO) for the relevant period 1990–2022 was used to do this. Using a correlation research design, the econometric analysis of the time-series data revealed that inflation, unemployment, and eventually gross domestic GDP determined maize production. In the near term, the findings demonstrated that the exchange rate, one period's lag in the exchange rate, and the amount and quantity of maize imports all influence maize production. The results imply that in order to lessen the over-reliance on maize production, macroeconomic conditions should be effectively managed to improve domestic maize production, deter a spike in imports of the grain, and enhance food security in the nation.

Family Planning, Irrigation, and Agricultural Cooperatives for Sustainable Food Security in Kenya

Rapid population growth causes smallholders to practice unsustainable forms of land intensification to meet increasing food demand. Food insecurity is exacerbated by unreliable rainfall. We revisit family planning, smallholder irrigation, and agricultural cooperatives as potential sustainable solutions. We use primary data from Kakamega Central and Navakholo in Kenya. Results from respondents indicate 83% had no family planning information, while 82% had no access to irrigation. The main reasons are poverty, illiteracy, misconceptions, gender inequality, and constraints in accessing credit, lack of investment in water resources, and lack of family planning. Lack of access to agricultural extension services limits the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Cooperatives’ principles and values make them suitable pathways to reach the poorest and facilitate members’ access to productive resources. Cooperatives can be used to train members in sustainable agricultural practices and educate members on family planning issues. Descriptive statistics and econometric regression results suggest that cooperatives have contributed to better yields, incomes, nutritional status, and reduced poverty. However, they are constrained by a lack of capital, credit, infrastructure, markets, training and technology, delayed payment, and low prices. Governments and development agencies should support the establishment and development of cooperatives with capacity building, market infrastructure, finance, and education in cooperative principles and values.

Effects of Trade Policies and Regulations on Global Livestock Markets and Food Security in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that the effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya underscore the intricate interplay between local agricultural systems and international trade dynamics. Trade policies, including tariffs, quotas, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, significantly influence Kenya's livestock sector by shaping market access, competitiveness, and domestic production levels. While trade liberalization measures may enhance market opportunities and foster economic growth, they also pose challenges to local farmers and food security by exposing them to international competition and market fluctuations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: New Trade Theory & Institutional Theory may be used to anchor future studies on effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya. Efforts should be made to enhance the transparency, coherence, and consistency of trade policies and regulations related to livestock markets. There is a need to adopt a balanced approach that promotes trade while safeguarding food security and sustainable development goals. Policymakers should prioritize measures that enhance the resilience and competitiveness of domestic livestock producers, particularly small-scale farmers and vulnerable communities. This could involve targeted support programs such as access to credit, technical assistance, and market information, aimed at improving productivity, market access, and income generation.

Farmers’ Knowledge and Perceptions in the Production of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) for Enhanced Food Security in Kenya

Local knowledge and perceptions regarding the value of edible insects among smallholder farmers are critical to introducing such enterprises and designing effective insect productivity-enhancing interventions. However, limited studies have been done in Kenya regarding insects as agricultural enterprises, specifically in the Kilifi region. A survey was carried out among 207 smallholder farmers of coconut palm in Kilifi North and South sub-counties to assess their knowledge and perceptions about Oryctes rhinoceros as a farm enterprise. The primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire triangulated by key informant interviews from the Department of Agriculture, Nuts and Oil Crop Directorate, and farmer group leaders. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were the major analyses. Results showed farmers had adequate knowledge and positive perceptions regarding the beetle and its useful larval stage, represented by the mean of 0.97 and 3.44, respectively. The age, education level, prior exposure to training on edible insect farming, religion, and years of coconut farming of the farmers are associated with the levels of knowledge and perceived values of the Oryctes rhinoceros farming. Considering the positive knowledge levels and perceptions among Kilifi farmers, rather than focusing on general awareness creation, there is a need to enhance the access to and use of agricultural training resources to learn the importance of agricultural innovations as a tool for food insecurity alleviation through intensive processes. The extension systems need to incorporate the concepts of edible insects. This will render an innovation sustainable and useful for economically disadvantaged people. Further studies should be done among livestock feed traders and even food and feed processors to enable effective commercialisation interventions

Factors Influencing Selection and production of Common Bean Cultivars in medium Potential Agro Ecological Zone of Imenti South Sub-County, Kenya

Varietal selection is a key aspect in common bean production in Kenya since different varieties are bred for specific agro ecological conditions. In Kenya, many common bean varieties are found growing under medium agro ecological zones, however, some farmers have been found to grow some bean varieties not suited to preferred ecological zones. The current study was thus carried out to assess the factors that affect varietal selection and production of common beans in medium potential agro ecological zones of Imenti South Sub County, Meru County. The target population was 300 common bean farmers. A sample size of 75 farmers derived from Gaatia, Kathanthatu, Kiambogo and Kiigene villages using Nassiuma Formula. A structured questionnaire was administered to collected data on socioeconomic factors, common bean production systems and agronomic practices. The collected data weresubjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.4 and Significant means separated using least significant difference at p< 0.05. The findings on socio-economic factors revealed that farmers with higher levels of education produced more beans per unit area. Approximately 10.52 % of the 22.37 % of the farmers with tertiary college education had a production of 1.4 – 1.9 tonnes/ha. Majority (88.16 %) of the farmers applied DAP planting fertilizer,while none of the farmersapplied rock phosphate. Moreover, the highest percentage (34.9 %) of farmers who applied DAP had attained tertiary level education. Most (18.42 %) middle aged farmers did not apply rhizobium inoculant during planting. The most popular production system was mixed cropping (46.7 %) and the least was intercropping (6.59 %). Mixed cropping was highest in farmers who planted GLP 585 (13.33 %) and least in KAT B1 (10.23 %). Sole cropping was highest in Mwitemania (12.0 %) and least in Rose coco (6.58 %). Crop rotation was highest in Rose coco (5.26 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 (2.63 %). Intercropping was highest in Rose coco (2.63 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 varieties at (1.32 %).Bean variety KAT B1 despite being bred for semi-arid agro ecological zones, performed fairly well in medium potential agro ecological zones. Bean variety KAT B1 can be recommended for production in medium potential agro ecological zones to enhance common bean production and food security in Kenya.

Effects of Supplementary Pollination on Macadamia Nut Set, Retention and Yield in Murang’a County, Kenya

Macadamia is a promising prime dessert nut with the potential of alleviating poverty and enhancing food security in Kenya. Nut set and subsequent development of nuts to maturity is dependent on pollination which is mediated by animals, and honey bees are the dominant macadamia flower visitors. However, macadamia is pollen deficit as not all flowers set develop to mature nuts, thus supplemental pollination results to better nut yields. There is limited information in Kenya among the smallholder macadamia growers on the importance of supplementing pollination to enhance nut yields. This study was conducted at Kandara Macadamia Research Centre and in a smallholder macadamia farm located 15 km from the research centre, which was purposively selected from July 2021 to May 2023. Assessment of the influence of pollinators and supplementing pollination to nut set, retention and final yields was done. Honey bee, (Apis mellifera L.) colonies were also introduced at the Macadamia Research Centre to enhance pollination and mitigate deficits. Racemes were bagged to exclude pollinators, others left open to unlimited pollinator access while others received supplemental hand pollination. The results demonstrate that macadamia is pollen limited and pollination is highly reliant on insect pollinators. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) among the bagged (pollinator exclusion), open and hand pollinated racemes in both farms. The initial nut set and retention was increased significantly (21.54%) in hand pollinated racemes compared to those that were left to open pollination (unlimited pollinator visits) depicting pollination deficit in farm B. Introduction of supplementary honey bee colonies at the Kandara Macadamia Research Centre, resulted to higher nut set, retention, nut-in-shell and kernels. Macadamia growers are encouraged to introduce honey bee colonies in their farms to improve yields and also address pollination deficits.

Effects of enhancing sweet potatoes variety diversity in increasing yield and quality of tuber

Sweet potato is a tuber crop which is grown for both its tubers and vines. The tubers are used as human food while the vines are used as livestock feed. It is a crop that is able to resist drought conditions and will take a short time to mature hence plays a big role in food security in Kenya. There are many different varieties of sweet potatoes in the world and in Kenya which differ in growth and yield characteristics. Since most of the population in Embu West Sub County is made up of small scale farmers who undertake farming as an economic activity, it is necessary for them to adopt the variety that produces the highest yield. A study was carried out to determine effects of enhancing suit potatoes variety diversity in increasing yield and quality of tuber of SPK004, Kenspot 3 and Kenspot 4.Data on specific growth and yield parameters was collected in two seasons , summarized using excel then analysed using SPSS version 23, α=0.05. The study showed significant growth and yield potential difference in all yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of and biomass above the ground and widest tuber diameter.

Green crimes: the impact of genetically modified organisms on promoting food security in Kenya

Kenya’s food insecurity hinders progress towards sustainable development. While the Kenyan Constitution guarantees every person the right to adequate food of acceptable quality, it also prohibits environmental and health endangerment. Whether and how to invest in genetically modified organism (GMO) technology as an alternative food production method is important. In this context, scientists should not be denied the opportunity of harmonising the tension between environmental safety and food security while upholding sustainable development. Scientifically, GMO crops are sustainable, notwithstanding the African Union’s rigid social and political setting. However, each state’s role in providing sufficient resources and law enforcement personnel is crucial. A GMO regulatory system addresses environmental safety and human health, explicitly adopting thedevelopmental risk notion. Kenya’s 2012 cabinet ban on GMO foods derived from the Séralini Report which erroneously claimed that GM maize causes cancer in rodents. The health ministry established a Task Force to review the country’s readiness regarding GMO safety and adoption. Despite having been completed in 2014, its Report remains secret. In 2015, the High Courtdismissed as premature demands for public participation on whether to unban GMOs. In 2022, President Ruto lifted the ban. Arguably, while permitting GMO experimentation, it is prudent to prescribe criminal sanctions. Beyond anthropocentric notions, green criminology provides a framework to analyse both illegal and legal environmental harms, and for appraising Kenya’s evolving GMO policy. The Constitution provides a right to sustainable use and also establishes enforcement mechanisms to compel cessation and restoration. Yet without punitive consequences, GMO regulations may not deter offenders from environmental contamination.

Perceptions of the Governance of the Technological Risks of Food Innovations for Addressing Food Security

Food and nutrition insecurity continue to risk the lives and wellbeing of millions of people throughout the world today. Further, food and nutrition insecurity are still major challenges in Kenya and have triggered the adoption of a number of modern biotechnologies for agricultural transformation. Consequently, many food technologies have been approved to secure sustainable access to food for millions of people. This study investigated the perceptions and implementation of two technologies for addressing food insecurity in Kenya, namely, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the use of antibiotics in livestock production. In particular, the study explored how their implementation can be governed responsibly through approved legislation. Therefore, the knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as the governance, of GMO technology and antibiotic resistance risks were assessed. In-depth key interviews were conducted for a qualitative survey with triangulation using quantitative data sources. The findings showed that 46% of the population have limited knowledge about GMO technology, with about 79% indicating that foods with GM ingredients were already being consumed in the country despite the government ban. The majority of respondents agree that GMOs can contribute to an increase in the global food supply (65%), make food affordable (57%) and produce more nutritious foods (50%). Further, most agree that GMOs can produce crops more resistant to pests and reduce pesticide use on food crop plants (89). The main concerns reported regarding GMO technology by most respondents included the impact on the environment and human health and the adverse effects on traditional farming practices. About 36% of these respondents indicated that the technology diminishes traditional farming technologies, and 32% reported that it contributes to loss of biodiversity. Notably, 64% reported that GMO technology is a solution to food security and that GM foods are safe. Regarding the use of antimicrobials mainly meant to prevent diseases and access better markets, respondents perceived their use to be associated with a “large level of risk” of antimicrobial resistance (score of 2 on a scale of 1–3) (M = 1.85, SD = 1.06). A total of 56% of the respondents reported that the efforts towards promoting awareness of antibiotic resistance risks and their associated effects on human health are relatively limited. Our findings show that most of the respondents have only observed minimal awareness campaigns. Regarding the governance of the two technologies, 71% and 50% of the respondents reported that scientists and elected officials, respectively, have the greatest roles in the governance of GMOs, with small-scale farmers playing a negligible role. These findings are crucial to the advancement of food innovations that are geared towards achieving food security in Kenya as they highlight the risks associated with the poor governance and implementation of technologies. Therefore, there is a need for a framework for technological risk governance that is sensitive to local values and socio-economic circumstances and that will facilitate the achievement of food security goals.

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya.

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80-88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production. Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management. Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Farmers′ use of climate change adaptation strategies and their impacts on food security in Kenya

Climate change threatens the sustainability of food production among farmers in Kenya who depend on rain‐fed agriculture. To minimize the negative impacts of climate change, farmers have sought to adopt different adaptation strategies. This study investigates factors influencing farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation strategies and associated effects on their food security in Kenya using data collected from 540 farmers from six counties. A multivariate probit, censored least absolute deviation (CLAD), and propensity score matching (PSM) models were employed to identify the determinants in the farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation strategies, the number of adaptation strategies adopted, and the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on their food security, respectively. Results show that planting drought-tolerant crop varieties (55%), growing diversified crops (34%), growing early maturing crops (22%), and diversifying the sources of household income (18%) were the four major adaptation strategies used by the farmers in the study area. Younger farmers and those with higher education levels are more likely to use these climate change adaptation practices. The number of adaptation strategies used was positively associated with male farmers, education level, family size, land size, farm income, extension contact, training, and information access. The farmers who adopt one adaptation strategy have higher food security status (approximately 7–11%) than those who do not. If they adopt two adaptation strategies, their food security status increases by approximately 11–14%; if they adopt three adaptation strategies, their food security status increases by nearly 12–15%; and if they adopt four adaptation practices, their food security status increases by about 14–18%, compared to those who do not adopt any strategy. Thus, the farmers’ climate change adaptation practices have positive food security effects in Kenya according to the number of adaptation strategies adopted.

Factors influencing use of technologies for sustainable food security in Kenya: A case of the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization in Embu County

Factors influencing use of technologies for sustainable food security in Kenya: A case of the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization in Embu County

Alcohol abuse and its impact on food security in Igembe South Sub-county

Food security in Kenya has worsened substantially over the last 30 years, with high population and increasing food demand consistently exceeding modest agricultural production growth. There is a very strong link between agricultural productivity and alcohol consumption especially in the rural areas. The purpose of this study is to understand the demand patterns of alcohol and its impact on food security in Igembe South Sub-County. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used to undertake the study. The target population was all the households in Igembe South Sub-County. The sample size of the study was 384 respondents. The study employed three sets of data collection instruments. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, observation checklist and key informant interview guide. Qualitative and econometric data analyses was carried out in this study to provide a deeper understanding of alcohol households’ demand and how it affects the food security situation in Igembe South-Sub County. The results indicate that Alcohol consumption by the household head was associated with an increase in food insecurity, a statistically significant effect with an odds ratio of 1.593(95% CI 1.152 to 2.035, Wald χ2(1) = 50.015, p ˂0.05. An ordinal regression model was highly statistically significant with P˂0.005 and all the socio-economic variables being significant and Nagelkeke pseudo R-Square being 0.75. Patterns of alcohol consumption affected food security in the household. This was statistically significant in its predictive ability X2 (11) = 140.834, p < .01. Nagelkerke R-Square for the model is 0.737. The study concludes that alcohol consumption can cause serious food security problems in the household and it recommends that the government needs to develop and implement firm policies for the control of sale and consumption of alcohol so as to help reduce alcohol intake among the general populace. The study also recommends that media also needs to play its part by promoting campaigns and messages that emphasize the risks involved in the use of alcohol.

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County, Kenya

Sweet potato is a crop that plays a great role in food security in Kenya since it is a drought resistant crop, takes a short time to mature and is highly flexible. The main economic activity in Embu West Sub County is agriculture, which is the economic pillar of Embu County with most farmers there being small scale farmers and depending on this sector for their livelihood. Phosphorus as a plant nutrient is a key component of several chemical compounds necessary for metabolic activities, flowering, and root development; hence, it is essential for proper plants growth including sweet potatoes. This study purposed to evaluate how P application affects yield of three sweet potato varieties in Embu West Sub County. The sweet potato varieties used were SPK004 (V1), Kenspot 3 (V2) and Kenspot 4 (V3). The P fertilizer levels used were 0 kg/ha (P1), 25 kg/ha (P2), 50 kg/ha (P3), and 75 kg/ha (P4). Data on two specific yield parameters was collected at harvest; the collected data was summarized using excel. Analysis of variance of the data was done using SPSS version 23, at α=0.05. For treatment means that were significantly different, LSD as Post hoc test was used to separate them. The study showed significant yield potential difference in the yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of both total and marketable tubers yield. The study showed that the amount of P applied significantly affected yield of sweet potatoes with a P level of 50 kg/ha producing significantly higher yields.

Susceptibility Evaluation of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infesting Maize in Kenya against a Range of Insecticides.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a worldwide pest of gramineous crops and a major pest of corn. Kenya has, in the recent years, reported massive outbreaks of this pest causing huge economic losses in maize fields. The indiscriminate use of insecticides has led to the evolution of insecticide resistance. This presents serious challenges to the control of pests including fall armyworm. The fall armyworm infestation has greatly threatened food security in Kenya. Consequently, this has heightened the need to evaluate the susceptibility of the fall armyworm to commonly used insecticides in Kenya. In this study, thirteen populations of the fall armyworm were sampled from thirteen counties of Kenya and determined its susceptibility to a range of insecticides using leaf-dip bioassay method. The current study illustrated the high toxicity of spinetoram, spinosad, lufenuron, and pyridaben to fall armyworm while indoxacarb, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and abamectin exhibited relatively low toxicity to fall armyworm. Possible cross-resistance between abamectin, imidacloprid, deltamethrin, indoxacarb, spinosad, spinetoram, and lufenuron was determined through pair-wise correlational analyses. Results of this study revealed no cross-resistance between lambda-cyhalothrin with all other insecticides tested. Susceptibility monitoring of the fall armyworm can be a valuable strategy in the control of fall armyworm in the field populations. This can help inform the policy to design management strategies that promote the judicious use of these chemicals and prolong their efficacy in the management of the fall armyworm in Kenya.

Prevalence of household food security in Kenya: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Food is both a basic need and a human right. As such, food security is a critical factor in individual and social health. This study aimed at assessing the pooled prevalence of household food security in Kenya. Relevant studies were systematically searched through manual and electronic searches. We searched databases including; Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. The Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol (PRISMA-P) guideline was followed. Heterogeneity of the primary studies was examined using the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of household food security. The prevalence was determined at a 95% confidence interval with its corresponding odds at a p value of less than 0.05. A total of 15 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of household food security was 22.33% (95% CI: 16.60%-28.06%). Households in an urban setting had a lower (19.28%) food security (95% CI: 12.55%-26.01%) as compared to those in rural settings (25.27%) (95% CI: 16.60%-28.06%). Additionally, those studies conducted post the Sustainable development goals (SDGs) had a higher (24.20%) household food security prevalence (95% CI: 11.49%-36.91%) as compared to those conducted before (21.16%) (95% CI: 14.11%-28.21%). Household food security remains a major concern in the country, particularly in the urban setting. Policymakers and the Government (national and county levels) at large should upscale and accelerate efforts to improve the household food security situation.

Review Article : A review of the distribution, nutritional value and conservation status of wild harlequin quails (Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei) in Kenya

Wild harlequin quails are a traditional source of protein in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Nonetheless, they are greatly underutilized to combat malnutrition and ensure food security. The current status of quail populations in Kenya is mostly unknown, especially after introducing numerous exotic quails during the quail ‘bubble’ of years 2013-2015. Besides, the ongoing uncontrolled harvesting of wild harlequin quails and its effect on wild quail populations has not been examined either. The aim of this review is to discuss and reveal the emerging issues associated with the opportunities, utilization challenges and conservation status of wild harlequin quails in Kenya. This review will focus on peer-reviewed research articles, published books, review articles and internet resources on wild quails and commercial quail farming. It is essential to point out that quails are already considered as emerging poultry, and increased consumption of their products is highly encouraged, thus contributing to food security in Kenya. However, wild harlequin quail conservation concerns need to be addressed regarding their uncontrolled harvesting, destruction of their habitats, and climate change.

Integration of Mechatronic and Automation Technology in Sustainable Farming for Achieving Food Security in Kenya

Advanced farming that involves modern technology, especially in large scale, can aid in attaining food security for any given country. In this study, the prospects of automation, mechatronics and the developments for modern farming are explored for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. For the purpose of technological diversification, the use of mechatronics and automation in various smart farming technological systems is presented. It is possible to step up development in realizing food security in Kenya with the use of these modern farming techniques among other similar technologies. The use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IOT), Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications, photovoltaic thermal solar systems, cloud data storage and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies that are utilized in autonomous tractors, drone farming, livestock monitoring, smart poultry, dairy, irrigation, greenhouse, and farm warehouse systems are discussed. These advances can result in significant increase in production, efficiency, profits, as well as better monitoring, surveillance and tracking in the farm. Finally, the impact of these technologies on agriculture in relation to sustainable food security is explored, where it is demonstrated that mechatronic farm automation integrated with the mobile applications can offer better farm monitoring, increase yields as well as contribute towards better land utilization.