Effects of Devolution on Food Security in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the effects of devolution on food security in Kericho County, Kenya. The objectives that guided the study were: to examine the influence of devolution of agricultural sector on agriculture productivity in Kericho County; to determine the influence of the devolution of the agricultural sector on market information systems in Kericho County, and to examine the influence of the devolution of the agricultural sector on the distribution of food in Kericho County. Since the formulation of the new constitution, Kenya has continued to experience fundamental changes in its institutions. Institutions have now focused mainly on the redistribution of resources and economic development. However, the effects and changes in food security are not fully known. This project, therefore, intended to fill this gap. The entitlement theory of famine and the conflict theory are the two theories that the researcher employed in this study. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study as it enabled the researcher to explain, describe, and validate the research findings. Besides, the study used a survey method of data collection involving a target population of 100 residents of Kericho County. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Further, the researcher used tables, graphs, and pie charts to present data. The study found that that there is a positive but insignificant correlation between the devolution of the agricultural sector and agricultural productivity; there is an insignificant but positive correlation between devolution of the agricultural sector and market information systems; and a positive and insignificant correlation between devolution of the agricultural sector and distribution of food. Therefore, the study concluded that the county government should enact policy on agriculture that will give incentives to farmers to improve agricultural productivity; that county government should strive to improve market information systems to have food security through regular training and seminars to equip the farmers with knowledge about the markets; and that the county government should ensure that food production is done in all parts of the county to ensure even distribution of food across the county. Additionally, the study recommended that similar studies should be conducted in other counties.