A Comparative Analysis of Rural Household Food Security in the High Rainfall Zone of Murang’a, Semi– Arid Lands of Kitui and Arid Lands of Isiolo in Kenya

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Abstract/Overview

Food security is a major global concern. It has insidious effects on the health and development of young children and consequently, adults. The paper assesses the food security status and its key determinants for the rural households of the high rainfall zone (HRZ) of Murang’a, semi–arid lands (SALs) of Kitui and arid lands (ALs) of Isiolo in Kenya. A three stage sampling technique was used for respondents (384) selection. Data collected were: demographics, livelihood strategies, food security and livelihood assets. Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods and descriptive Content Analysis were used. Inferential statistics analytical methods were: ANOVA, PMC, T-test and regression. Overall food insecurity was 48%, but this varied across the agro–ecological zones, with the most affected being the SALs of Kitui at 81% to ALs of Isiolo at 75%. The most food secure was the HRZ of Murang’a at 77%. Food security was significantly different [F (2, 381) = 41.01, P

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