Determinants of food security among cereal farmers in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in developing nations, particularly in Kenya, where over half of the population faces moderate to severe cases. Despite numerous national strategies, progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger remains limited. Homa Bay County is among the regions most affected by food insecurity, with nearly half of its population considered food insecure. While several studies have examined the determinants of food security in Kenya, limited empirical evidence exists on the influence of agricultural mechanization, digital agricultural information technologies (DAITs), and sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) among cereal farmers. This study bridges that gap by assessing how these three technological and sustainable dimensions affect household food security in Homa Bay County. A mixed-methods research design was applied, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected from 473 cereal farming households across Suba North, Karachuonyo, and Rangwe sub-counties using structured household surveys, 3 key informant interviews (KIIs), and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Ordered Logit, and Poisson regression models, while thematic analysis used on qualitative data to enrich interpretation. Findings presented that 76.1% of farmers had adopted some form of agricultural mechanization, mainly in land preparation, which significantly enhanced household food consumption scores. Mechanized farmers demonstrated higher food diversity, improved yields, and increased income levels compared to non-mechanized counterparts. Results also presented that adoption of DAITs had a positive and significant effect on food security, as digital tools improved farmers’ access to agricultural information, markets, and weather forecasts, enhancing decision-making and resilience. Similarly, the adoption of at least three sustainable agricultural practices significantly improved dietary diversity and food availability, highlighting their role in promoting long-term agricultural resilience and nutritional adequacy. The study concludes that integrating mechanization, digital innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices forms a synergistic pathway toward achieving food security among farmers. Socioeconomic factors such as income, education, farming experience, and institutional support were enablers of technology adoption. The study recommends policies that promote affordable mechanization services, enhance digital infrastructure and literacy, strengthen extension systems, and incentivize sustainable farming adoption. It further advocates for inclusive rural financing, improved market access, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions to foster resilience and reduce food insecurity.

Key words: Food security, Agricultural mechanization, Agricultural technologies, Sustainable agricultural practices, Food Security