Transient and Chronic Rural Household Poverty: Evidence from Kenya

Most of the earlier studies of poverty in Kenya have basically been static in nature. They have attempted to measure household welfare -- incidence, gap and severity -- at a point in time. Such studies are undeniably vital. However, they do not necessarily provide a good indication of welfare stability over time. This study makes an empirical contribution to poverty analysis in Kenya by incorporating poverty dynamics dimension. We first examine poverty dynamics using economic transition matrices. Next, we decompose total poverty into transient and chronic poverty components using transient poverty as censored fluctuation and equally-distributed equivalent poverty gaps approaches for comparison. The latter approach introduces inequality into poverty decomposition. Finally, we establish important correlates of poverty components using quantile-censored and non-parametric regressions. Given the high rural household poverty incidences and the country's limited resources, this study has critical implications for economic policy in Kenya.Poverty dynamics, chronic poverty, transient poverty, transition matrices, panel data, inequality, Kenya

LANDSLIDE OCCURRENCES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON LAND USE ACTIVITIES IN KITTONY AREA OF ELGEYOMARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

The main objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of landslides and their effects on land use activities in Kittony area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to: investigate the effects of landslides on land use activities in Kittony area of Elgeyo Marakwet County. The study population comprised of 2000 residents of Kittony Area in Elgeyo Marakwet County, five members of the local administration and a county geologist. The sample size consisted of the following respondents: Two hundred and forty six residents of Kittony area which translated to 12.3 % of the total population was selected as study respondents through Simple Random Sampling. One local chief of Kittony area and a County Geologist was purposively selected and interviewed. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized a qualitative research methodology. The systems theory was used to underpin the study and a conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was used to guide and conceptualize the study. The finding of this study was that the frequent occurrences of landslides in the area had affected farming activities, led to loss of property and lives. That the government despite assisting by providing humanitarian assistance and advising people to move to safer locations, more was needed in terms of relocating residents to safer areas and converting the affected areas into forest lands, building gabions to control soil erosion and controlling other human activities. This study could also be replicated in other areas having similar problems.  Article visualizations

Engaging Youth in Citizen-Led Advocacy and Accountability for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

The White Ribbon Alliance Kenya is an autonomous, locally registered nongovernmental organisation in Kenya with a vision to ensure that all women and girls realise their right to quality health and well-being. It is among 14 other national alliances affiliated with the White Ribbon Alliance Global Secretariat, based in Washington, DC. White Ribbon Alliance Kenya recognises that even though the Kenyan government has policies in place to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes, proper implementation and commitment is still needed. Our advocacy and citizen-led accountability efforts are working towards educating youth on their sexual and reproductive health rights, obligations, and entitlements, and promoting public awareness and citizen engagement. The goal is to empower adolescents to demand high-quality sexual and reproductive health services through appropriate policy communication and advocacy channels

Consumption, indigeneous knowledge and cultural values of the lakefly species within the Lake Victoria region

Of the edible insects, lakeflies (Chaoborus and Chironomus sp) are least documented as items of human consumption. They are eaten by the Luo communities living within the Lake Victoria basin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of lake flies as a source of food and its role in cultural practices. Edible Diptera species were identified, indigenous knowledge documented, and its cultural value analyzed. Data was collected in Nyanza Province within the Lake Victoria region in Kenya. The most commonly consumed type are Chaoborus sp. and Chironomus sp. Emergence of the flies is used to predict rainfall, and the size of swarms to predict the amount of rain, and the villagers prepare accordingly for cropping. Women feed their weak children with the Chaoborids biscuits to gain strength. Witchdoctors claim to use flies as lucky charms in business and romance. Some traditional medicine practitioners also add the fly powder to their concoctions to cure certain ailments. They claim that adding a portion of the fly to herbal medicine enhances efficacy. Major challenge in utilization of insects is their seasonality and difficulties in collection. The flies have economic potential for the natives of clean lake waters region.Key words: Lakeflies, entomophagy, indigenous knowledge, cultural values, Lake Victoria

THE EFFECT OF LAND OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTATION ON FARMING COMPETITIVENESS IN CHEPYUK WARD OF BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

The unresolved land issue in Chepyuk ward for decades had adversely affected farming competitiveness in spite of the region being fertile and viable for competitive farm production. Lack of security of tenure on the untitled land had a direct bearing on investment (farm inputs) and therefore to a large extends affected farm output. Despite many researches that had been undertaken on Chepyuk land issue, land and conflict had been widely studied rather than farming competitiveness. The studies on farming competitiveness in Chepyuk ward remains scanty and therefore justify more research on the aspect of farming competitiveness. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of land ownership documentation on farming competitiveness in Chepyuk Ward of Bungoma County. A descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The study was guided by theory of land ownership in a free society advanced by Ingalls (2012). The target population was 3120, households, 10 land officers and 10 agricultural officers located at the county level. Multistage sampling technique was used in this study where Simple random sampling was employed when selecting 312 respondents among the households. Five Land officers and Five Agricultural officers were respectively and purposefully sampled for this study. The researcher used questionnaires, interviews and document analysis as the main tools for collecting data. The data from the questionnaires, interviews and document analysis was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The researcher used frequencies and percentages in summarizing data. Information obtained through interviews was discussed to support or dispute the findings from the questionnaires. Tables were used to present the data for purposes of interpretation. The study informs Ministry of lands on the existing gaps in the fight against irregular allocation of land. The study also enables land policy experts in the government review existing mechanisms and systems set to support the Chepyuk area residents in dealing with cases that bring about land conflicts in the area and entire nation. Residents were in agreement that the land lacked mapping, surveying and land registration and this triggered frequent conflicts. Cultural norms of the community also denied women land ownership rights. The Land officers and Agricultural officers gave similar opinion. Lack of land documentation denied people opportunity to seriously venture into farming with sole aim of attaining food security and profit negatively affecting livelihood of the residents. The government should reposes illegally acquired plots and re-issue to the rightful owners, it should also process land titles for the scheme. The community should also be sensitized to embrace gender equity on land allocations. This will enable residents to actively engage in farming activities hence enhance farming competitiveness in Chepyuk ward. Article visualizations

Where Do Consumers in Nairobi Purchase their Food and Why Does this Matter? The Need for Investment to Improve Kenya's "Traditional" Food Marketing System

Published by Tegemeo Institute for Agricultural Policy and Developmentfood security, food policy, Kenya, food marketing system, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q18,

Commercialization of Alate termites (macrotermes sp.) to improve households’ livelihoods in Vihiga County, Kenya

To meet the rising demand for animal-based protein, conventional livestock may prove expensive as the current production system remains  unsustainable. This calls for intervention research on alternative sources of protein, hence a switch to affordable and environmentally acceptable  protein sources of which approximately 1,900 insect species are consumed worldwide. Alate termites have thus received considerations in this line  for nutritional and economic benefits. Trading of alate termites is becoming a valuable source of income for many people in Vihiga county and other  parts of western region, which although modest in terms of monetary value, could nonetheless form a significant proportion of their annual  income. Information about commercialization of alate termites and its impact to household level food security has remained sparse. The goal of this  research was to partly fill this knowledge gap and document the associated potential of alate termite commercialization on household  livelihoods in Luanda and Hamisi sub-counties of Vihiga county. A total of 204 respondents participated in the cross-sectional study. Chi Square and  regression analysis was employed to predict association and relationship between alate termite collection and marketing and household income for  improved livelihoods. The results affirmed that, alate termites are a delicacy and cultural food eaten by the majority of the people in western  Kenya. This is attributed to its nutritional value as well as higher economic potentiality. The average retail price per kilogram of 500 Kenya Shillings  (US $5), compares favorably with that of goat meat, which is retailed within the region. The trading of alate termites is dominated by women and  characterized by wholesalers who buy the alates from collectors and sell to retailers. The purpose of utilization was positively significant p<0.005.  Inferring that the benefits realized from utilization of alate termites was dependent on households’ decisions regarding various utilization purposes.  Drying was the most common preservation method (64%) whereas others have a preference for frying. Moreover, alate termites are  grounded into flour that is used for baking other products. The potential of alate termites to diversify household livelihood can be fully explored in  order to contribute to household livelihoods and ultimately food security

Profitability of Indigenous Chicken: The Case of Producers in Makueni County, Kenya

Indigenous Chicken(IC) (Gallus domestica) is increasingly becoming an essential component of diets in urban centers. This increase in demand is accompanied by an increase in production by smallholder farmers. These farmers rely on the indigenous chicken for food security, household income, employment and quick funds in emergencies. The profit associated with the production of indigenous chicken, constitutes part of the contribution of the Agriculture sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Kenya. However, in Makueni County there is little information on the amount of profit from production of IC or its relationship with socioeconomic factors. The objectives of this study was to calculate the profit of IC in Makueni and to determine the relationship between socio economic factors and profit from IC.A total of 130 households were sampled using multi stage sampling after which data was collected using a pre tested questionnaire in a house hold survey. These data was then analysed using budgetary analysis and multiple regression in STATA 11. The results showed that the profit from IC production in Makueni was Ksh. 5347/100 birds (1US$= Ksh86.70).Age, education, access to credit, flock size, price and years in farmer group had a significant relationship with the profit. Therefore it is recommended to form marketing groups that will engage in contractual agreements with final buyers of indigenous chicken. Key words: Indigenous chicken, food security, profitability, flock size, credi

Efficacy of Adaptation of Smallholder Maize Production to Climate Variability in Selected Countries of Kenya

Maize is a staple food for 96 percent of Kenyans. Smallholders supply up to 75 percent of maize produced in Kenya but are affected by unpredictable timing, duration, and distribution of rainfall, especially during the growing season. To enhance maize productivity adoption of robust adaptation measures is vital. The study aimed to evaluate the level of efficacy of adaptation of smallholder maize production to climate variability in Kitui and Laikipia counties. Data from 273 smallholder maize producers drawn from Kitui and Laikipia counties was analyzed. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic, socio-economic characteristics, and adaptation choices. The level of efficacy of adaptation was derived based on the Multiple Criteria Evaluation. Results showed that the majority of smallholders in the study (47 percent) reported a low level of efficacy of adaptation most of whom were from Laikipia County (54 percent) as compared to Kitui County (44 percent). Overall, a very small proportion of smallholders reported a high level of efficacy of adaptation (7 percent).  The study concluded that the level of efficacy of adaptation of smallholder maize production to climate variability in semi-arid areas was low. The County Governments through the department of agriculture and environment could establish guidelines for a robust combination of adaptation choices to ensure the suitability and enhancement of maize production

Efficacy of Adaptation of Smallholder Maize Production to Climate Variability in Selected Countries of Kenya

Maize is a staple food for 96 percent of Kenyans. Smallholders supply up to 75 percent of maize produced in Kenya but are affected by unpredictable timing, duration, and distribution of rainfall, especially during the growing season. To enhance maize productivity adoption of robust adaptation measures is vital. The study aimed to evaluate the level of efficacy of adaptation of smallholder maize production to climate variability in Kitui and Laikipia counties. Data from 273 smallholder maize producers drawn from Kitui and Laikipia counties was analyzed. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic, socio-economic characteristics, and adaptation choices. The level of efficacy of adaptation was derived based on the Multiple Criteria Evaluation. Results showed that the majority of smallholders in the study (47 percent) reported a low level of efficacy of adaptation most of whom were from Laikipia County (54 percent) as compared to Kitui County (44 percent). Overall, a very small proportion of smallholders reported a high level of efficacy of adaptation (7 percent).  The study concluded that the level of efficacy of adaptation of smallholder maize production to climate variability in semi-arid areas was low. The County Governments through the department of agriculture and environment could establish guidelines for a robust combination of adaptation choices to ensure the suitability and enhancement of maize production