A study of collaborative arrangements among organizations implementing food security strategies in Kitui County

Abstract

This study aimed at determining collaborative arrangements among organizations implementing food security strategies in Kitui County. A quantitative research design was used as the main approach to guide the study. The target population included all organizations implementing food security projects in Kitui County. A structured questionnaire was used in data collection from organizations. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The data was summarized into frequencies and percentages and presented in bar charts and tables and conclusions drawn. Organization implementing food security strategies were found to be involved in partnerships as a way of improving the world food situation. The study found out that; partnerships building, clear vision of objectives, flexibility, effective monitoring and evaluation, good leadership, clear and enforceable lines of accountability, clear roles and complementarily and having mutual benefits were internal and external success factors in collaborative arrangements. The study reveals that social, legal, economic and political conditions affect collaborative arrangements. The study found that organizations face the following challenges in collaborative arrangements in implementing food security; inadequate resources for communication and linkage, lack of training, low/ inadequate funding to facilitate community initiatives, bureaucracy, competing interests, inadequate response to climatic change, corruption and misappropriation of funds, inadequate governance systems within grass root partners such as the CBOs and inadequate commitment by some collaborators. The study recommends that in order to enhance collaborative arrangements among organizations implementing food security in Kitui, there is need for; developing and adhering to a legal framework, a focal point to coordinate organizations implementing food security strategies, forums for partners to share projects challenges and way forward, the Government of Kenya to come up with strategies to support long term planning, emphasize on optimum use of natural resources and empower local organizations.