Assessment Of Household Land Size And Use For Sustainable Food And Livelihood Security In The Irrigated Rice Farming System Of Kiratina Sub Location In Kirinyaga County

Abstract

Globally, food and livelihood insecurity have persisted for decades, especially in developing countries like Kenya. This is attributed to multiple factors that vary from place to place. This study focused on the most densely populated irrigated rice farming system of Kiratina Sub-location, Kirinyaga County. Its aim was to determine how household land size and use affect food and livelihood security, profile the factors that determine household land size and use and interrogate the land rights and use transfer across generations. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. A stratified proportionate random sampling method was applied in each of the thirteen villages leading to selections of 206 household respondents. Interviews, observations, focus group discussions and photography were conducted. The study found that the sub-location’s household land size ranged from zero to ten acres with an average of 1.48 acres. Agriculture was the main economic activity employing 79% of household head. Every household practiced some form of agriculture. Rice farming was the main land use taking up 91% of the land while human settlement, and other forms of land uses took 9%. The study established a significant difference between household land size for those with severe food insecurity and households that were fully food secure with t=2.952; p = 004. There was no significant difference between household land size for mild and moderate food secure households and households that were fully food secure with t=1.444; p=0.152 and t= -0.426; p=0.671 respectively. In 69% of the households, land inheritance to an average of four heirs was the leading contributor to land subdivision. Land subdivision contributed to the reduction in farm size and total farm yields in 87% of the households. Production was influenced by factors related to farm inputs, household size, rice variety and farm maintenance. Population growth, human settlement and cultural factors of land inheritance, which accounted for 71.8% change in average household land size from 3.9 to 1.1 acres within a generation, affected land use. On farm-based food security lasted a farming household on average eight and half months. The regulation to produce rice only threatens nutritional security. Introduction of legume or livestock enterprises can improve the nutritional security. Adoption of an ideal household land size was recommended at a minimum of 2 acres. Intensification of rice production through use of high yielding varieties and high-rise cluster settlement pattern were recommended as interventions for addressing household food security challenges in Kiratina sub-location.