The role of home gardening in household food security in Butere Division, western Kenya

Abstract

Food security has been an issue of concern in Kenya and other parts of the developing world. Population has been increasing at the rate of 2.8% per annum while agricultural production has slowed down to 1.3%. This deficit has led to chronic food insecurity, which has been identified as the prime cause of malnutrition in many households. Food production in home gardens can significantly contribute to food security at household level. However, this has not been fully exploited. A study was set up to assess the role of home gardening on food security among rural households in Butere division between January and March 2003.The objectives of the study were: to identify the socio-demographic and agro-economic characteristics of index households, establish food security status of households, identify methods of food procurement for households, to establish factors that influence home gardening and to determine the role of home gardening in household food security. A descriptive survey design was used whereby 100 households were sampled using simple random sampling. Data were gathered using an interview schedule and an observation checklist. Twenty key informants were purposefully selected and responded to a self administered questionnaire. Data generated were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the role of home gardening in food security. Results revealed diverse socio-demographic and agro-economic characteristics of index households. Majority of households were food insecure with regard to food stock and the household's perception of food security but few were insecure with regard to number of meals eaten daily within households. Methods of food procurement were agricultural production, buying from the market and v gathering. Factors affecting home gardening included land, cash crop farming, technology and level of education. Home gardening plays a role in household food security with respect to land size and number of livestock but not with home garden crops. Home garden crops had no significant role on either food stock or number of meals eaten. Recommendations emphasized the promotion of home gardening by dispensing existing information to rural households, conducting more research, empowering rural households financially, improving infrastructure and educating households on utilization of home garden produce, as this would enhance food security. The data from this research will be useful to governmental and non governmental agencies 'promoting food security and also home gardening and the rural households who are the target of this research. Also, the data will contribute to the general body of knowledge.