Devolved Subsidized Farm Inputs and Households’ Food Security in Makueni County, Kenya

Devolution of agriculture and extension services in Kenya has been implemented for over five years, yet food insecurity has persisted in some counties. Makueni County is one of the food insecure Counties with a prevalence above 78%. The gap in knowledge on the role of devolved subsidized farm inputs on household food security prompted the desire to undertake the study. The study adopted a descriptive research survey design. The study population was 150,697 households. The target population was household heads and ward agricultural extension administrators. A sample size of 388 respondents was selected. Simple random and purposive sampling methods were used, and data was collected through Key Informant Interviews (KII) and questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (correlation, Linear regression, and chi-square), while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results of the study showed a positive association between subsidized farm input and household food security (R=.258; P= .05). 79% of respondents agreed that subsidized farm inputs increased food security. However, out of the 72 % that were knowledgeable about different subsidized farm inputs, only 62% had accessed them. It was therefore concluded that devolved agricultural extension services have made a positive contribution to household food security. It was further recommended that combining research and development in the implementation of subsidy programs and development of local agriculture trainers who can reach out effectively to the entire community can improve households’ food security in the study area.