Examination of the Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Sustainable Food Production in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Abstract

Food insecurity has remained a major challenge to many developing countries. The Food and Agricultural Organization, estimates that 842 million people have suffered from lack of food access, resulting in undernourishment. Kenya’s rural and urban areas, have been suffering from food insecurity since independence. Previous case-studies have shown that, although various governments and donor agencies' have attempted to sponsor food-production programs, execution has remained a challenge. Elgeyo Marakwet has previously been experiencing famine intervention projects from World Vision Kenya, Community Agricultural Development for Semi-Arid Lands, National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Program and Njaa Marufuku Kenya.  The aim of this research was to examine the, organizational structure, socio-economic and capacity-building factors that contribute to sustainable food production in semi-arid and arid areas. The study used a descriptive survey research design to guide in the collection of data from a sample of 136 households using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed through cross-tabulation using Chi-square, ANOVA and percentages. In conclusion the research has revealed that organizational, demographic and capacity building factors are important in the improvement of food production. It is recommended that sustainable food security depends on developing sustainable local food production policy.