Over 2.15 million individuals in Kenya currently face food insecurity, a troubling rise due to insufficient rainfall and resulting malnutrition. The National Drought Management Authority warns about a potential increase to 2.8 million affected by late March. Declining livestock productivity further aggravates the crisis, compounded by ongoing social and economic disparities and the challenges faced by the refugee population.
Recent reports indicate that the number of food-insecure individuals in Kenya has risen to approximately 2.15 million, a stark increase from one million reported in July 2024. This alarming trend is primarily attributed to below-average short rains, which have negated previous agricultural gains and resulted in significant food consumption deficits among households, thereby increasing malnutrition rates.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has projected further deterioration during the upcoming long rains season from March to May, estimating that around 2.8 million people may experience acute food insecurity. The recent short rains have performed poorly, exacerbating the food insecurity across all livelihood zones in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
Declining availability of pasture and water has compelled livestock to trek longer distances, diminishing their productivity, which has led to a 25-40 percent decrease in milk production, alongside rising milk prices especially in the pastoral northwest region of the country.
This alarming report coincides with findings from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which disclosed that Kenya is one of four East African nations expected to endure intensified heat waves soon. According to the United States’ World Food Programme, despite Kenya’s economic transformation, substantial social and economic disparities persist, with over one-third of the population living below the poverty line.
The primary challenges to food security are identified as rapid population growth, climate change, inefficient food systems, and gender inequality. Access to sufficient nutritious food remains particularly difficult in the arid and semi-arid regions, which encompass 80 percent of Kenya’s land area. Moreover, the country is currently hosting around 500,000 refugees, primarily located in remote, food-insecure counties, who rely heavily on international aid due to their limited ability to work or move freely.
In conclusion, Kenya is facing a significant increase in food insecurity due to various compounding factors, including adverse climatic conditions and socioeconomic disparities. The NDMA’s projections indicate a potential worsening of this situation in the coming months, urging the need for immediate attention and action to address the food security crisis. The plight of refugees adds an additional layer of complexity to the issue, necessitating robust international support.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
