CS - Food Insecurity in Kenya

Question 1

General facts

Answer 1

• Kenya: a lower income economy is transforming rapidly
• > 1/3 of Kenyans live below the poverty line
• poor access to adequate quantities of nutritious food
  
  • esp. in arid + semi-arid regions (make up 80% of land)

Question 2

Social/demographic causes

Answer 2

• rapid pop growth: 2.9% per yr

Question 3

Environmental causes

Answer 3

• agri. v. vulnerable to climate shocks.
  
  • unpredictable rainfall + recurring droughts contribute to disruption of crops - 95% rainfed - + erosion of soils
• only 20% of land cultivable
  
  • max. yields not reached: potential for inc. in productivity
• locus swarms damage crops

Question 4

Economic causes

Answer 4

• inefficiencies in food systems: lacking market supplies, limiting availability + access to food
• stagnated agri. production in recent yrs amid pop growth
  
  • 2-4M ppl received food aid/yr
• farmers work w/o basic agri. inputs or updated tech. + lack financial or extension services

Question 5

Socio/demographic consequences

Answer 5

• malnutrition remains v. high: 29% of children in rural area + 20% living in cities stunted
• sig. lack of vitamins + minerals: severe public health problem + 1.5M ppl living w HIV have nutritional status reduced by their condition

Question 6

Economic consequences

Answer 6

• high prices due to inefficiencies in the food system