Agricultural commercialization and household food security in Kenya

Abstract

Because of the increase in population growth in Kenya over the past two decades, agricultural production in Kenya has remained low with relative food insecurity affecting many citizens in most parts of the country. This study, specifically, examined the effect of agricultural commercialization on household food security in Kenya. Panel data from Kenya 2020 Covid-19 Rapid Response Phone Survey was utilized to determine the nexus between agricultural commercialization and household food security in Kenya. A fractional regression probit model and OLS regression model were used to analyze data and also determine the robustness of the results respectively. The study findings revealed that agricultural commercialization positively and significantly affected the household food security. Although agricultural commercialization was positively related to household food security, other factors were found to be significant in increasing household food security. Gender of the household, number of dependants in the household, marital status of the household head, years of education of the household, and non-farm income had a positive and significant effect on the household food security. Contrarily, farm income and group membership had a negative effect on the household food security. The study concludes that there is a need to support agricultural commercialization to increase household food security. This could be achieved by empowering households through adequate training and education and commercialization and various variety of food diets, improving rural infrastructures such as market centers, roads, and commercial institutions