Influence of Water Management Structures on Household Food Security Status among the Smallholder Farmers in Kilifi Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Inadequate quality-water is a major hindrance to rural development and food security in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya. Technologies that can promote water harvesting and conservation are, therefore, instrumental in increasing resilience in recurring droughts and enhancing food security in these dry lands. A study was carried out in Kilifi sub- County in the coastal areas of Kenya one of the areas where food insecurity incidences are prevalent. The study aimed at assessing the influence of water management structures on food security status among smallholder farming communities. Non experimental design using descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to measure the contribution of water harvesting structures and irrigation to food security status. Water harvesting structures examined were: contour terraces, water pans, trash lines, boreholes, and unploughed strips. The results indicated that 80% of the respondents were food insecure. The respondents who adopted boreholes and unploughed strips were 2% food secure while those who adopted water pans and trash lines were 4% food secure respectively. Additionally, those who adopted contour terraces were (8%) food secure compared to other water harvesting structures. There was a significant (P=0.05) positive relationship between the water management structures and food security This implies that contour terraces, water pans, water harvesting structures being economical, possession of title deed and land size are some of the most significant issues affecting food security in Kilifi Sub-county. To further enhance the understanding of food security and improve food insecurity status in Kilifi Sub-county, adoption of water harvesting structures should be promoted by all stakeholders.