Assessment Of Household Land Size And Land Uses For Sustainable Food And Livelihood Security In The Pastoral Farming System Of Bissil Sub Location, Kajiado County

Abstract

Growth and development of the agricultural sector in Kenya is crucial overall economic and social well-being. The sector ensures the country is food secure; generates incomes and provides employment both directly and indirectly for the population (Kenya, 2014). Land is the most important resource in agricultural production. It is critical to the economic, social and cultural development of the country. Agricultural production is mainly constrained by limited availability of productive land. However, fragmentation of agricultural land is one of the main problems that limit production in Kenya. This problem has contributed to the declining agricultural productivity, farm efficiency and persistent food security problem in developing countries. The study aims to carry out an assessment of household land size and land uses for sustainable food and livelihood security in the pastoral farming system of Bissil Sub location, Kajiado Central constituency, Kajiado County. The study adopted a survey design and purposively selected Bissil Sub location in Kajiado County which has a total population of 42,172. Data was collected through documents review, face to face interviews, focus group discussions, observations and photography. The research instruments used included a semi-structured questionnaire, an institutional and focus group discussion guide, an observation form and a camera. Respondents from 96 households and 5 key informants were interviewed. Two focus group discussions one for youths and another for women were held. The findings show lack of significant of the land tenure system /arrangement on land fragmentation within the study area. The study also revealed a significant effect of the changing household land size and use on food and livelihood security in terms of livestock production and incomes. The study further indicated that there is a significant effect of pastoral household land allocation ratio on the Enterprise gross margins. Research recommends formulation of comprehensive policies and plans by the government in conjunction with development agencies to promote, protect and enhance pastoralism as a land use and a source of livelihoods. In addition, the pastoral community needs to embrace diversification of livelihoods and gender roles to enhance food security in Bissil sub location, Kajiado County, Kenya.