Governance and Food Security in Eastern Africa Region; a Case Study of the Fisheries Sector in Kenya

Abstract

Food security remains a major concern in the global arena more so in the developing countries like those found in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Literature shows that there have been numerous efforts by governments, international organizations as well as from other non-state actors to address the food security challenge. Among the top factors that affect food security is governance. This study, therefore, sought to examine governance and food security in the EA region, a case study of the fisheries sector in Kenya. Specifically, the study assesses the relationship and impact of governance on food security in Kenya, examine the policy framework governing the fisheries sector in Kenya as well as examining the challenges that hinder food security in the fisheries sector in Kenya. The study is anchored on the Keynesian theory that was developed by John Maynard Keynes who postulated that the world is interdependent, and that food security and economic development are linked. The study uses quantitative and qualitative data to achieve the specific objectives therein. The study further adopts descriptive research design to aid in describing the study phenomenon. The data gathered was analyzed by use of SPSS computer program version 24. The policies and legal framework within the fisheries sector play a significant role in achievement of food security in the country. However, the study concluded that the framework and policies are inadequate to regulate and enhance the development of the fisheries sector. It was established that, political interference, poor governance, inadequate funding, insufficient staff in the fisheries department, overlapping mandates among various actors in the sector, inadequate institutional capacity, poor market linkages, lack of technical knowhow, inadequate storage facilities, weak support from non-state actors and corruption are among the threats that hinder attainment of food security within the fisheries sector. Regarding the relationship and impact of governance on food security in the EA region, the study concluded that creating efficient management policies and strict enforcement of fisheries regulations, management of post-harvest losses, building capacity of marine and aquaculture sectors are major issues limiting full development of the fisheries sector. The study recommended that the government through the agencies mandated to manage the fisheries sector should create adequate legal and policy framework that will enhance coordination of food security efforts among all the stakeholders concerned. Also, the capacity of the fisher folk, fisheries department and other agencies should be enhanced to achieve full potential of the fisheries sector. Marine and inland fisheries need to be adequately funded to maximize their contribution to food security. The government should also subsidize inputs to the aquaculture sector, create better market linkages and establish adequate information through more research to minimize post-harvest losses. The study also recommends that the fisheries sector should minimize politics that limit synergy between government agencies and NGOs and other players in the sector. Lastly, in the management of the fisheries resources, the stakeholder‟s mandates should be made clear to avoid overlapping of roles and inefficiencies and the various stakeholder‟s capacity to implement food security programs should be enhanced.