Abstract:
Despite growing research, academic investment and intervention programming on food
security at national and household level, countries are still facing enormous challenges in
attaining food security. In Kenya, albeit plenty food produced at household level, it is
paradoxical that most of these households persistently experience food insecurity. This is
partly blamed on household food-resource handling procedures at consumption stage that
leads to food loss and waste. One of the major perceived reasons for this is the socio-cultural
situation which influences food handling processes at consumption level leading to direct
food loss and waste. This paper interrogates the relationship between household food
consumption patterns and food loss and waste in Gucha Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya.
The paper is an extract from the study that focused on household food-resource handling
procedures and food security in Gucha Sub-County. Mixed research technique was utilized in
collecting data on food beliefs, and its effect on food loss, waste and eventual food
security/insecurity. The study found that different households adopt different food distribution
mechanisms, food preferences, dietary patterns, household food allocation. Understanding
household arrangements, social behavior, and cultural contexts which influence decision
making processes in relation to food consumption behaviour are important in effective food-
resource handling processes. It is the recommendation of the study that consumer education
campaigns should be increased to provide knowledge and awareness on appropriate food
types, food preparation skills, meal planning, using leftovers and food discard behaviour. The
study provides evidence that once people are aware of the value of their losses, then there is
commitment to handle food-resources better.
