| dc.description.abstract | Makueni district experiences chronic food insecurity and is ranked the highest in food
poverty incidences (71%). Over the past five years, various stakeholders have put some
efforts to improve household food security by promoting the growing and utilization of
drought tolerant food crops in the district. The purpose of this study was to establish
whether growing and utilisation of drought tolerant food crops enhances food and
nutrition security in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among low -income households in
Kasikeu division, Makueni district in August and September 2004. The study focused on
growing and utilization of cowpeas, pigeon peas, cassava, millets and sorghum because
they were the major drought tolerant food crops grown in the area.
Two hundred and sixty (260) low-income households were randomly selected and
interviewed. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect both quantitative
and qualitative data. Nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months was determined to
serve as an outcome indicator of household food security. Qualitative information on
growing and utilization of drought tolerant food crops was obtained through focus group
discussions. Data on household food consumption was collected using a three-day food
list recall method and food frequency questionnaire. Household dietary energy and
protein intakes were calculated and compared to the recommended intake per consumer
unit.
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The study established that 96.2% of the households were food insecure as they did not
have adequate food through the year. Nevertheless, the three-day food record showed that
75.8% and 87.2% households met their Daily Recommended Allowance for energy and
protein respectively. Though each household grew at least a few of the drought tolerant
food crops, the crops did not playa significant role in the household food and nutrition
security as they contributed only 8.5% and 21.7% of the caloric and protein intake
respectively. However only protein adequacy was positively influenced by amount of
calories from drought tolerant food crops among other factors.
The level of malnutrition was high among the children less than five years of age.
Stunting was at 26%, underweight 15.1% and wasting 7.5%. Production and consumption
of drought tolerant food crops did not show any significant relationship with the
nutritional status of the children.
The study c onc1uded that drought tolerant food crops have not played am ajor role in
food and nutrition security in the study area mainly due to low production and utilization.
The over dependence on maize than on other crops still remain a challenge in the
promotion of drought tolerant food crops. It is therefore recommended that the demand
for these crops bee reated and increased in 0 rder to enhance their production. Further
research should therefore focus on establishing factors leading to poor adoption, low
production and consumption of the drought tolerant crops as well as how to increase
utilization of the crops among the poor communities. | en |
