Enhancing Household Livelihood Outcomes through Resilient Agri-Food Systems among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Rufo, Boniface Munene
Njuguna, Christine W
Muiruri, Samuel Muigai
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Nature and Science Organization
Abstract
The practice of resilient agri-food systems, especially in arid and semi-arid
areas, is considered key to attaining sustainable livelihoods. Changes in
climatic conditions have forced small-scale farmers to develop adaptive
capacities related to food security. This study was done in Nguni ward Kitui
County involving 246 small-scale farmers, two focus groups discussion, and
four key informants. The sampled participants had practiced resilient agri-food
systems for the last five years from the time of data collection. A gender
dynamic was established after 71.5% of the respondents were found to be
female and 28.5% male. More females practiced resilient agri-food systems but
did not own productive assets like land. A statistically significant relationship
between resilient agri-food systems and household livelihood outcomes was
determined where the probability value was less at a 95% confidence level
(0.01<0.05). Further analysis showed a positive association between household
income and sex χ2=9.551 where p (0.008) was less than 0.05. In conclusion,
resilient agri-food systems practices such as conservation agriculture positively
influence the household livelihood outcomes like diversification of livelihoods,
reduced prevalence of human, crop, and livestock diseases, and improved
ability to cope with shocks and trends. The study recommends the provision of
incentives, insurance, and social safety nets to encourage small-scale farmers
to practice resilient agri-food systems.
Description
Article
Keywords
Household, Livelihood Outcomes, Resilient, Agri-Food Systems
Citation
Rufo, B. M., Njuguna, C. W., & Muiruri, S. M. (2022). Enhancing Household Livelihood Outcomes through Resilient Agri-Food Systems among Small-scale farmers in Kitui County, Kenya. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 5(1), 210-221.