PERCEPTION ON FOOD INSECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG FISHING COMMUNITIES LIVING IN HOMA BAY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Fishing communities living along the shores of Lake Victoria have developed coping strategies to counter the daily life threatening challenges linked to food insecurity by adopting efficient technologies for food production, distribution, and storage. Homa Bay County is characterized as highly populated, less resilient to climate change, has a rapidly growing population with high population density and falling food production. Poverty levels in Homa Bay county stands at 48% compared to the National poverty indicator at 45%.The purpose of this study was to assess food insecurity among fishing communities in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the factors causing food insecurity, to examine the impacts of food insecurity, to investigate the extent of food insecurity and to identify coping strategies adopted by the fishing communities in order to minimize the negative impacts of food insecurity. Descriptive survey research design was adopted .The target population was 354,956 persons and sample size was 399 households. Data was collected using questionnaires, Key informant interviews, observations and document analysis. Men accounted for (63.7%) of the sample population with a majority of the respondents falling within the age of (18-25) years and 42.1% having a secondary school level of education. The reliability of the research instruments was ascertained using Cronbach's alpha coefficient through a pilot study. The DFID Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and the Tragedy of the Commons theories were used to conceptualize how people operate within a vulnerability context that is shaped by different factors and to explore the problems linked to the overuse and degradation of natural resources. Poverty and rapid population growth were most prevalent factors causing food insecurity in the county manifesting in other socio-economic outcomes such as poor nutrition, health, and education.357 respondents had experienced food shortages, 177 household children had experienced malnutrition related diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus and 84 respondents had migrated from their homes. Child labour was widely practiced. The study concluded that Food insecurity remains a major concern in Homa Bay County and recommended the residents to engage alternative sources of livelihoods to ease pressure on fisheries resources.