When following the news and scientific publications over the years it became evident that humanity faces an increasing number of global crises that affect many regions all over the world. The objective of this master thesis is to examine: ‘What constitutes the food crisis in Kakamega County, Kenya?’. Climate change, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 pandemic were the main global crises considered in the research in this thesis. The data were collected during a three-week research stay in Kakamega County, which was supported by the German NGO Welthungerhilfe. Kakamega County in Western Kenya is of particular interest because it is part of the so-called ‘food basket’ of Kenya which is considered to be the fertile region of the country. The main method was set on interviews with different actors in the local food system. These revealed the current state of food security in Kakamega County, the factors influencing it and the different coping strategies. For the interpretation of the results the main concept of food security was applied: It examines the food availability, access to food, its utilization and stability. The conceptual work was completed with the critical view of political ecology and vulnerability approaches.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Geographical setting of the research area
2.1 Kenya - Food security in the context of global crises
2.2 Regional vulnerability context of the research area Kakamega County
3 Theoretical framework
3.1 Political Ecology – framing of the topic
3.2 Food Security
3.3 Linking political ecology and food security to vulnerability
4 Methodology
4.1 Research design and data generation
4.2 Data analysis
4.3 Reflection on applied methods: Positionality and limitations
5 Results - global causes and local action
5.1 Research area
5.2 Current situation of food security in Kakamega County
5.3 Causes for food insecurity
5.4 Local action against the food insecurity
5.5 Future perspectives on food security in Kakamega County
6 Discussion - a county between exposure and coping
6.1 The food basket of Kenya - a food insecure region?
6.2 Global crises - the main driver for local food insecurity?
6.3 Coping mechanisms and their sustainability
6.4 What constitutes the food crisis in Kakamega County?
7 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This master thesis aims to investigate the state of food security in Kakamega County, Kenya, and evaluate how global crises, such as climate change, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 pandemic, impact local food systems, while simultaneously examining local coping mechanisms and the role of non-governmental organizations in building resilience.
- Impact of global crises on regional food security and purchasing power.
- Assessment of the four dimensions of food security within a local context.
- Role of political ecology and vulnerability approaches in understanding food crises.
- Effectiveness of conservation agriculture and support from organizations like Welthungerhilfe.
- Interdependencies between local agricultural practices and global market shifts.
Excerpt from the Book
Climate change
Climate change has emerged as a significant factor contributing to food insecurity in Kenya - “we don’t have enough food because of climate change” (F3 WHH: 2). The country has experienced a number of challenges attributed to climate change, with drought being one of the most pressing issues (E1 WHH: 11). According to experts, the prolonged lack of rainfall over the past three to four years has led to rising food prices (E1 WHH: 26; E4 WHH: 13). The impact of climate change on the country’s population is widely recognized, with one expert describing it as Kenya's worst enemy. The effects of climate change are particularly felt in the arid and semi-arid areas, which are the most affected by the changing climate patterns (E1 WHH: 38).
But climate change is not only affecting the dry regions of the country - the effects of climate change are also being felt in the humid western part of Kenya. The local community has experienced the effects of climate change first-hand and has noticed significant changes in the climate over time (E1 WHH: 68). They have observed shifts in rainfall patterns that have made it increasingly difficult to determine the appropriate planting seasons (E3 WHH: 47, E4 WHH: 13). The reliance on rainfed agriculture exacerbates the region’s vulnerability to climate change: “The water variability has been an issue to the food security of our people” (E4 WHH: 13). This statement by Expert 4 demonstrates the vulnerability of rainfed agriculture. Rainwater harvesting and storage infrastructure is insufficient to meet the demand during dry periods (E5 FAO: 6). Water scarcity, coupled with drought, reduces crop production, and subsequently affects food availability and affordability (A5: 21). Population growth exacerbates the situation by increasing the risk of food shortages and reducing agricultural productivity (E2 WHH: 21).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the problem statement and research questions regarding the impact of global crises on the food security of Kakamega County.
2 Geographical setting of the research area: Contextualizes Kenya's food security situation at the national level and describes the specific regional characteristics of Kakamega County.
3 Theoretical framework: Introduces political ecology, food security dimensions, and vulnerability approaches as the basis for the thesis analysis.
4 Methodology: Explains the qualitative research design involving expert and problem-centered interviews to gather empirical data.
5 Results - global causes and local action: Presents the findings from the field study, detailing existing food security issues and various coping strategies employed by local actors.
6 Discussion - a county between exposure and coping: Analyzes the research findings in the context of the theoretical framework to address the core research questions.
7 Conclusion: Summarizes the major research findings and provides an outlook on potential future developments for food security in Western Kenya.
Keywords
Food Security, Kakamega County, Political Ecology, Climate Change, Food Insecurity, Vulnerability, Coping Mechanisms, Sustainable Agriculture, Welthungerhilfe, Russia-Ukraine war, COVID-19, Subsistence Farming, Fertilizer, Market Dynamics, Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of the research?
The research examines the components of the food crisis in Kakamega County, Kenya, investigating how global crises translate into local food insecurity.
Which key areas are covered in the paper?
It covers agricultural dependency, the impact of price volatility, the role of local and international NGOs, and the intersection of climate change with local subsistence farming.
What is the primary research question?
The study seeks to answer: "What constitutes the food crisis in Kakamega County in Kenya?"
What scientific methods were employed?
The author conducted a three-week field study utilizing expert and problem-centered interviews, combined with a literature review and qualitative content analysis.
What does the main body discuss?
It presents the current food security situation, identifies the drivers of insecurity, evaluates coping mechanisms, and discusses the interdependencies between local and global factors.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Food Security, Kakamega County, Political Ecology, Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Coping Mechanisms.
How did the Mumias Sugar Factory affect the region?
The factory promoted sugar cane monoculture and extensive use of chemical fertilizers for decades, leading to severe soil degradation, acidity, and increased dependence on inputs.
Do NGO-supported farmers demonstrate more resilience?
Yes, findings suggest that farmers supported by Welthungerhilfe are better equipped to withstand external shocks through the implementation of organic farming and conservation agriculture.
Why are food prices such a significant issue in the study?
Price volatility, particularly for maize and fertilizers, has directly reduced the purchasing power of consumers and the profit margins for vendors, creating a persistent sense of economic insecurity.
What role does the local government play according to the experts?
Experts and interviewees noted that while policies exist, implementation is often lacking or politicized, leading to an over-reliance on international organizations like WHH for agricultural support.
- Quote paper
- Jacqueline Nestle (Author), 2023, Coping with the food crisis in Kakamega County, Kenya. Global causes and local action, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1452613
