Effects of Resilient Agro-Pastoral Production on Food Security in arid and Semi-arid Regions of Baringo County- Kenya

Abstract

Arid and Semi-arid zones cover 45.4% of the land surface of the earth, support 36% of the global population in which 90% of them live in developing countries.  However, these zones have been characterized by varied levels of food insecurity corresponding to varied levels of environmental variability and related agro-pastoral production. These characteristics have called for improved production of food; or more specifically resilient food production. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of resilient agro-pastoral production on food security. The study was based on a survey research design conducted in three locations of Baringo County, namely: Emining, Salabani and Loboi locations. The population of the proposed study was 3267 households distributed across the three locations. Using Yamane (1967) formula for small population and the table by Krejcie & Morgan, (1970), a sample size of 351 was required. Key data collection method was a structured questionnaire supplemented by Focus group discussion and Key informant guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Results evidenced that all the indicators of resilient agro-pastoral production had a statistically significant and positive relationship with food security. Surprisingly, some of the agro-pastoral practices had even much greater impact in enhancing food security: Crop spacing (R2=34%), weeding (R2=27%), Fast maturing crops (R2=19%), drought resistant crops (R2=17), and improved livestock breeds (R2=17%) and use of machines (R2=17%), all of which were significant at probability of error less than 0.001. The study concludes that resilient agro pastoral production can improve food security by enhancing the adoptive capacities of agro-pastoralists. The study recommends the need to adopt resilient agro pastoral production system that address environmental shocks to promote food security in arid and semi-arid regions.