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Socio-Economic Factors that Influence Household Food Security in West Pokot County, Kenya

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  • Caroline Kathure Gatobu

    (Moi University, Kenya)

  • Peter. I. Omboto

    (Moi University, Kenya)

  • Pacifica Mining

    (Moi University, Kenya)

Abstract

Socio-economic activities of smallholder farmers have been shown to have either negative or positive contribution towards achieving food security. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on household food security in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study was carried out using pluralistic approaches where pragmatism drawing from both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was used. Multi stage and systematic random sampling techniques were used to determine a sample size of respondents in respective locations. This study adopted an explanatory research design and employed mixed methods approach. The researcher also drew philosophical inspiration from pragmatic worldview that is problem centred and more focused on real world issues. The target population comprised of 78,946 smallholder households in West Pokot County with a sample size of 297 respondents. Questionnaires, interview schedules and observations were used for collecting data. The collected data was analysed using both and inferential statistics. Qualitative content was achieved through content analysis. The study found out that socio-economic factors including household income, education level, land ownership and household decision making had significant positive influence on the household food security with r2= 0.349. The study therefore concluded that socio-economic factors influenced positively household food security. The study recommended that approaches that would ensure smallholder farmers are able to access credit and financial support so as to invest in farming needs to be availed.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroline Kathure Gatobu & Peter. I. Omboto & Pacifica Mining, 2021. "Socio-Economic Factors that Influence Household Food Security in West Pokot County, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(5), pages 559-564, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:5:p:559-564
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Jemimah Njuki & Susan Kaaria & Angeline Chamunorwa & Wanjiku Chiuri, 2011. "Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets, Gender and Intra-Household Dynamics: Does the Choice of Commodity Matter?," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 23(3), pages 426-443, July.
    4. Aliber, Michael & Hart, Tim G.B., 2009. "Should subsistence agriculture be supported as a strategy to address rural food insecurity?," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 48(4), pages 1-25, December.
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