The effects of income expenditure patterns on household food security in low income urban households at Kasarani division, Nairobi

Abstract

Income is one of the most important single variable affecting food consumption patterns today. Food prices play a significant role in the overall wellbeing of societal members. Even relatively small changes in the prices of staples can affect the ability of low income consumers (both rural and urban) to meet their nutritional needs. The study sought to find out the degree to which income level affects food security in terms of quantity and quality in low in come urban households. The study also sought to explore some of the coping strategies employed by the affected households. The food security situation in these households was determined by their ability to purchase food stuffs, under the assumptions that income fluctuation had an effect on household food security and that food items purchased were dictated by money available at hand among others. The study was confined to low income households in the five wards within Kasarani Division Nairobi. The survey method was used to collect data from a study sample of 80 households in the selected sites. The respondents were those members within the households directly involved in the acquisition of food for the household members. Urban households purchased over 90% of foodstuffs consumed by the family, which meant that a family's or individuals nutritional status was in jeopardy, if the income to make the necessary food purchases was not available or was in short supply. Low income families tended to be food insecure, a situation brought about by incomes that were both low and unreliable. Household size also affected food security. Large low income families faced financial difficulties finding it hard to meet family food needs. Some of the coping methods used by the affected households such as the reduction of meals consumed per day would impact negatively on the family's or individuals nutritional status. The plight of the poor in Kenya has not been given much consideration. This study exposed that food insecurity among the low income group is compounded by poverty which in turn means that policy makers should seriously focus their attention on poverty alleviation strategies