CONTRIBUTION OF DEVOLVED AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Devolution of agriculture and extension services in Kenya aimed at promoting food security at household levels. Despite the devolution of these services for more than five years, food insecurity has persisted in some counties. Makueni County had been described as food insecure with food insecurity prevalence above 75% among farmer’s households. Information on the contribution of devolved agricultural extension services on household food security was scanty; hence prompted the need to assess the contribution of devolved agricultural extension services on household’s food security in the study area. The study objectives were to; evaluate the impact of devolved farmers training, investigate the effect of devolved subsidized farm inputs, and to investigate the impact of devolved agricultural advisory extension services on households’ food security in Makueni County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population was 150,697 households. The target population was household heads and ward agricultural extension administrators. A sample size of 388 respondents was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. The study adopted simple random and purposive sampling methods. The research instruments were Key Informant Interviews (KII) and questionnaires that were tested for reliability from pilot study at resultant correlation coefficient of alpha = 0.7. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression models and chi-square), while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study hypotheses were tested at a significant level of (P 0.05). The results of the study showed a positive association between farmers training and household food security (R=.252; P.05). 58% of respondents had ability to access agricultural training. Though, only 54% had been trained. Results of the study also showed a positive association between subsidized farm input and household food security (R=.258; P .05). 79% of respondents agreed that subsidized farm inputs increased food security. However, out of the 72 % that were knowledgeable about different subsidized farm inputs, only 62% had accessed them. There was a positive association between extension advisory services and household food security (R=371; P.05).79% of respondents agreed extension advisory services were offered to farmers although only 58% had accessed the advisory service even though 72% felt advisory services increased food security. Generally, results showed agricultural advisory services had highest (M=4.41, SD=.33) contribution to household food security, followed by subsidized farm inputs (M=4.21, SD=.38) and agricultural training (M=3.78, SD=.41). It was therefore, concluded that devolved agricultural extension services had a positive contribution to household food security. The study outcome informs policy makers in devolved agriculture sector, as well as guiding County governments on their efforts towards household’s food security. Therefore, the study recommended involvement of all stakeholders in the development and implementation of training program, combine research and development in implementation of subsidy program and development of local agriculture trainers who can reach out effectively to the entire community. Further studies were suggested on the role of households in adoption of devolved agricultural extension services