ASSESSMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER ROLES AND FOOD SECURITY AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN BARINGO NORTH SUB COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Agriculture is the main contributor to rural livelihoods and food security in developing economies. However, household agricultural productivity and food security is a function of resource investments that are often subjected to gender influences in decision making process, financial accessibility and ownership of property. To identify gender disparities in agricultural production, this study examines the relationship between gender roles and food security among rural households, with intention to providing information that enhances poverty reduction and economic equality among rural households in Baringo North Sub- County. Descriptive survey design was used to collect data for the study from a target population of 19,734 and a sample of 127 households in the study area using Purposive, proportionate and systematic sampling procedures. The following objectives were investigated; to assess influence of social factors on food security, determine the relationship between gender involvement in farm decision making and food security, describe the constraints of gender inequality on food security and analyze the influence of women empowerment on food security. Questionnaires and observations were used to collect the data. Descriptive data representation was done through frequencies, percentages, tables and charts. Chi- square and regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between the variables while. Results of the study indicated that 51% of the respondents were female and 49% were male and that land ownership influences agricultural production as shown by 98% of the respondents in that it tends to influence access to credit and farming activity to be done. Since most of the land is owned by men (98%), they generally influence the type of farming activity done and financial decisions made. Majority of the respondents (74%) were comfortable with the decision making arrangement in their household while majority of women agreed that it was difficult to access agricultural information, extension services, agricultural credit facilities and difficulty in controlling agricultural finances. It was also evident that women empowerment is a significant factor of food security as agreed by 98% of the respondents. The analysis showed that there is a statistical significance between gender roles and food security (P=0.000), which means that gender in study area affects household food security, hence women need to be financially empowered for improved food security in Baringo. The study concludes that there are differences in men and women farmers in terms of gender roles, land ownership, household decision making, education level, access to credit facilities and production activities. This study recommends that women need to be considered to mainstream agricultural development since maximum productivity cannot be met without involving women. Also household decisions need to be made by either gender depending on their availability in order to improve production efficiencies in the household.