Food and nutrition security status of households in kenya

Food and nutrition security for every household is public concern throughout the globe. Food is a basic necessity of life as it dictates the health status of individuals. Statement of the Problem: Documented evidence shows insufficient food stocks among households in Kenya.  Available literature indicates that Bungoma County is food insecure with a poverty index of 52.9%. The objective of this study was to determine the food security and Nutrition status of households in Bungoma County. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A cross-sectional survey design was used in the study and a cluster sample size of 384 households was selected.  Tools used for data collection were questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussions and observation checklists. The nutrition status of pre-school children was determined by measuring the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) tools were used to determine nutritional status for pre-school children and adults respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The Study revealed households food insecurity was caused by insufficient knowledge and skills on balancing meals. Feeding priority was given to pre-school children than adults.  Households experienced severest food shortage in the month of May.  On food access, majority of the households consumed carbohydrates (ugali) daily while proteins were rare foods in most households. Adults were found to be malnourished while children under five years were well nourished. Conclusion & Significance: The study concluded that households in Bungoma County were food insecure and adults needed urgent nutritional intervention

Author(s): Mary Stella Wabwoba

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