Food Production and Food Insecurity: Lessons from Small Holder Farming in Ugunja Sub County, Kenya

*Jackson Oloo, Dr. Reginald Nalugala and Dr. Stephen Asatsa
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
*Corresponding Author: Jackoloo.08@gmail.com

Abstract: Food insecurity has been a major global concern since 1940s. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of food production and food insecurity lessons from Ugunja Sub-County in Kenya. Grounded on The High Payoff Input Model, the study adopted a descriptive design while using mixed method of data collection and analysis. The study targeted 21062 households across the Sub-County, from which a sample of 393 households and 7 key informants. Stratified sampling was used to have 131 households per unit while simple random sampling was used to select the 131 household farmers within a ward out of the three wards. On the other hand, purposive sampling was used to pick the 7 key informants were selected. The study used household questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus group discussions to collect data. The results showed that 46.6% of the respondents considered themselves food insecure. The research revealed that though majority 43% of the respondents applied fertilizer in their farms this did not increase the food production most likely because the right quantity was not applied. Those farmers who combined fertilizers and animal manure or compost manure yield more products. The researchers also noted that NGO- One Acre Fund contributed positively to farm production. The study recommended empowerment of the farmers in terms of knowledge and skills on farming. The study recommends development of a proper stakeholder engagement structure to help in knowledge dissemination among the smallholder farmer to reverse the food insecurity story in Ugunja Sub-County.