Poverty and food security among female-headed households in Kenya: the case of Nyatike constituency, Migori county, Western Kenya

Abstract

The increase in female-headed households in Kenya has contributed to increased poverty levels leading to deliberate efforts by the national government as well as other stakeholders to develop strategies to help alleviate poverty. However, in spite of substantial efforts to eradicate poverty, studies have shown an increase in prevalence, especially in female headed households both globally and locally.

This paper aims at establishing the causes of poverty among female headed households in Nyatike constituency, Migori County in Western Kenya. The study sought to assess the poverty and food security situation in Nyatike Constituency using a cross-sectional descriptive research design, which adopted both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study population consisted of female-headed households with the unit of analysis based on individual, female respondents. A sample of 29 female heads of households was purposely selected from the clusters identified by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Moreover, questionnaires and a focus group discussion were the primary data collection tools inequality is costly and that by reducing it, both men and women benefit.