Urban agriculture as a strategy for poverty and food insecurity reduction: an impact assessment of Njaa Marufuku program in Embakasi district of Nairobi

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess the influence of Njaa Marufuku Kenya in hunger and poverty reduction among households in Embakasi district Nairobi Province. The study was geared to achieve the following specific objectives namely; a) to investigate the characteristics of beneficiaries ofNMK funds b) To establish ways in which beneficiaries of NMK grants utilize the funds to reduce hunger and poverty c) To examine whether beneficiaries are involved indecision making on activities aimed at reducing hunger and poverty. d) To examine whether NMK grant has influenced hunger and poverty reduction. e) To establish the challenges faced by the beneficiaries when implementing activities funded by NMK. The target population for the study was the urban and peri-urban farmers who were the beneficiaries of NMK grants and services in Embakasi district. A total of 60 respondents were sampled .The sample also included six key informants. The study was based on primary data collected from the study site. The main tool of data collection was structured questionnaires which were administered to the identified sample. The use of questionnaires was considered suitable because it eased the process of data collection. Key informant guide was also used to generate additional information for the study. The study further usedFocus Group Discussions with the beneficiaries ofNMK grants. The main constraint of the study was insecurity parficularly in the informal settlements in the area of study. The researcher involved two research assistants to facilitate in data collection. This ensured that the data collection exercise ended before dark. The expansive area of Embakasi made the accessibility of some areas difficult. However, the researcher hired motorbikes to reach the farthest places The data was analyzed based on both quantitative and qualitative approaches using descriptive statistics. The data was analyzed with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Thefindings were presented into tables and graphs to facilitate easy understanding. The study findings indicated that the NMK grants benefited both gender males and females with 52.7 % and 47.3% respectively. Hence there was gender equity. The findings showed that the respondents were from 26 years and above of the sampled population and 83% were married. More than half 52.7% of sampled population were people of primary education. The level of monthly income was indicated with majority 49.1% earning between ksh 10,000-29,999/= Respondents outlined various activities in utilization of NMK funds which included buying of dairy goats, re-investing into groups' activities and personal use. They also said that they were involved in decision making. From the findings 76.4% show that NMK grants has influenced positively reduction of hunger and poverty. The respondents said that they had challenges and ranked them in order of impact; low and declining land productivity96.2%,unfavorable weather conditions 92.5%unfavorable land tenuresystem88.7%,HIVandAIDS pandemic79.2%, Unemployment 64.2% and weak coordination of major stakeholders 24.5%. The study recommends the NMK program to device a strategy that would reach the very poor and vulnerable and find a convenient ways of disbursement cash to approved group projects.