Sustainable Land Use Practices and Food Security Among Women Small Holder Farmers in Shinyalu Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Over the last few decades, climate change and food security aspects have become increasingly important in all societies globally. However, research on climate change, its impact on agricultural production and adaptation strategies is largely focused on large scale farming systems. Furthermore, gaps exist in knowledge of climate change effects and adaptation approaches on smallholder farming systems in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Sustainable Land Use Practices on Food Security among small-holder women farmers in Shinyalu Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted small-holder women farmers in Shinyalu Sub-County. The sample was determined by use of Krejcie and Morgan formula. Pilot study was carried out in the same Shinyalu subcounty; Kenya but on respondents who were not included in main study. The Questionnaire was used as an instrument for primary data collection. The study descriptive and inferential statistics was analyzed by use of SPSS software version 24, further; a regression equation model was developed to test the relationships between the variables. Results of the findings indicated Sustainable Land use Practices had an effect on Food Security among women holder farmers in Shinyalu Sub-County; Kenya. The study recommended for the policy influencers to integrate gender perspectives into mitigation and adaptation actions. Sustainable Land use actions need to be based on consultation with women, in order to build and incorporate their skills and knowledge, and to provide opportunities for improving livelihoods. Comparative studies to be conducted in other Sub-Counties and Counties on the impact of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies on food security of women smallholder farmers.