Effect of Soil Degradation on Households’ Food Security in Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa-Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the 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.