Empowering Widowed Women with Sustainable Food Security in Tunyai Location, Tharaka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya: A Qualitative Analysis of Their Roles, Challenges, and Resilience

Food security, a fundamental global concern, is intrinsically linked to the pivotal roles, women play in agricultural and food production. This qualitative research, conducted in Tunyai Location, Tharaka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, delves into the significant contributions of widowed women to food security by exploring their roles in agricultural and food production. The research aims to understand the experiences, challenges, and strategies of widowed women in enhancing the local food supply. Using a purposive sampling method, 50 widowed women actively engaged in agriculture were selected for participation in Key Informant Interviews. NVivo software facilitated the data analysis, enabling systematic exploration and thematic identification of patterns, challenges, and strategies employed by these women. The study findings underscore the profound contributions of widowed women to food security, with 56% actively engaged in agricultural activities. These women represent a cornerstone in sustaining local food security through diverse roles encompassing crop cultivation, livestock management, and food processing. Furthermore, the research underscores the need to address the 44% of widowed women not actively involved, emphasizing potential gender disparities and barriers. In conclusion, this study highlights the integral role of women in enhancing food security and the imperative to address gender-related challenges to ensure a resilient and sustainable local food supply in Tunyai Location.