Exploring the Role of Universities in Enhancing Food Security and Food Safety in Kenya

Abstract

The number of undernourished people in agriculture and livestock reliant communities in Kenya is on the rise. Hunger has increased not just in traditional arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), but also in agriculturally productive regions. The country has witnessed periodic cases of hunger and malnutrition because of drought and famine. Despite the government’s hatched series of new strategies and establishment of universities in rural areas, the universities have not adequately succeeded in addressing specialised gaps in host regions. However, the higher education reforms have increased higher education access and eased admission crisis that plagued the country in the past, but is struggling to address the specific needs of host communities. The study explored the role of universities in increasing food security and food safety in Kenya. The study evaluated the use of teaching, research and community mobilization, in promoting food security and food safety. It further highlights the course of food insecurity in some regions of Kenya despite abundance in food production in other regions. The study was purely qualitative. Data was obtained through desktop research. Collected data was analysed through content analysis. Analysed data is presented in tables and figures. Conclusions and recommendation for policy are made. The expected outcome of the study indicate that: there are specific factors promoting food security and food safety; that a substantial unmet need persists in cultivation; and that more is required in making food security a reality. It is hoped that the results of the study will improve our understanding on food security and food safety and support policy-makers in designing better future policies.