EFFECT OF SOIL DEGRADATION ON HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD SECURITY INRACHUONYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, HOMA-BAY COUNTY, KENYA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66055/h8rcnt30Abstract
This study assessed effect of soil degradation
on food security among households (HHs) of
Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa-Bay
County in Kenya. It examined common
Anthropogenic Practices (ATPs) causing soil
degradation, established the nexus between
soil degradation and food security among the
HHs and identified appropriate strategies for
mitigating the effect of ATPs on soil
degradation to improve food security in the
area. Theory of Praxeology was considered
relevant to the study. While study population
was 32,500 households, Cochran formula was
used to obtain 289 samples identified using
multi-stage together with simple random
sampling techniques for quantitative data. Five
Key Informants were purposively identified
for qualitative data. It was a cross-sectional
survey study design. Data analysis involved
descriptive and inferential statistics using
Binary Logistic Regression Data Analyses
(BLRDA) at 95% CL. Qualitative analyses
were based on opinions drawn from FGDs,
KII, Direct Field Observation and
questionnaire. While the findings linked soil
degradation to ATPs, for the investigated
practices, BLRDA results revealed stone
mining (OR = 2.130, 95% Cl; p < 0.05),
conventional-tractor tillage (OR = 2.613, 95%
Cl; p < 0.05), together with hill slope
cultivation and settlement (OR = 2.227, 95%
Cl; p < 0.05) are more prevalence. Study
concludes that these ATPs are the major cause
of soil degradation resulting to food insecurity
threats among the HHs in the study area. The
study recommends suspension of ATPs on
high elevations in the area particularly Homa-
Hills, review stone extraction and tractor
farming policies, introduce intensive
afforestation and reforestation.
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