The Contribution of World Vision to Food Security in Baringo District - Kenya

ABSTRACT In Baringo District, food insecurity significantly contributes to the never ending conflicts among the communities. The research carried out a study on the contribution of World Vision to food security in Baringo District. The objective of the study was to find out the causes of perennial food insecurity despite efforts employed by World Vision and other stakeholders in Baringo. The technologies promoted by World Vision in Baringo in addressing food insecurity were also identified. The challenges faced by World Vision in promoting food security in Baringo District were examined. The review of literature indicated that although there are many scholars who have written about food insecurity and how it contributes to conflicts. The contribution of food security projects to conflict resolution had riot been documented. Case study method of descriptive design was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. The study was carried out on the accessible population of the target population. The sample was selected randomly from the survey population. Questionnaires were administered to 630 respondents. Focus group discussions were held with community members and further interviews carried out on 20 stakeholders in the district undertaking food security initiatives. Data was analyzed by aid of Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) computer software. The results were presented in form of tables or bar graphs. The research revealed that poor rains, drought, cattle rustling combined with high food prices, unstable market supplies, environmental degradation and chronic poverty have deepened food insecurity in Baringo district. Livestock diseases heightened livestock mortalities and led to market closures, subsequently, impacts of drought were accentuated. Conflicts and insecurity arising from severe livestock raiding disrupted the pastoral livelihood; the raids resulted in loss of human life and livestock; closure of markets; massive displacements and creation of ‘no-go’ zones that are inaccessible to pastoralists for inhabitation, grazing or market exchanges. In some of the conflict epicenters a livelihood and humanitarian emergency has occurred. From the findings the researcher recommended concerted effort in pooling of resources by the stakeholders in the district to address food insecurity. Promotion of rain water harvesting technologies would have a longer lasting effect in crop and livestock production, the backbone of food security in the district, Advocacy on peaceful coexistence is vital. General insecurity in Baringo district is largely contributed by food insecurity.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS vii

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

Background of the study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the Study 3

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 3

Hypothesis 4

Scope of the Study 4

Significance of the Study 5

Operational Definition of Key terms 6

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction 7

Theoretical Perspectives 16

Conceptual Framework 17

Related Studies 18

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Research Design 31

Research Population 32

Sample size 32

Sampling Procedure 32

Research Instrument 33

ix

Validity and Reliability of the instrument 33

Data Gathering Procedures 34

Data Analysis 34

Ethical Considerations 34

Researcher Limitations 35

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Causes of food insecurity 36

Technologies promoted by World Vision 38

Challenges encountered by World Vision 42

CHAPTER FIVE

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction 45

Findings 45

Conclusions 47

Recommendation 47

REFERENCES 49

APPENDIX ~ 52

BUDGET 52

APPENDIX II 53

TIME FRAME 53

ME FRAME:APPENDIX UI 53

APPENDIX III 5

TRANSMITTAL LETTER 54

APPENDIX IV 55

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 55

RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 71