Impact of Technology Adoption in Enhancing Food Security in Kenya: A Case of Kiambu County

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to determine the impact of technology in enhancing food security in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: impact of technology adoption on enhancing food availability, technology adoption in addressing food safety concerns and impact of technology use in enhancing agriculture value chain operations. The descriptive research design was adopted in this research study. The sampling technique used was simple random method. The sampling frame consisted of 100 farmers within Kiambu County and 100 consumers within the Nairobi Metropolitan area. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents with a response rate of 81.5% (163 responses). The total responses were 51% male and 41.9% females. The study used descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency and inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis for analyzing the data collected from the respondents. The analysis findings were presented in form of bar graphs, pie charts and tables. Findings under food availability include the preference by farmers’ for potent organic matter in farming instead of fertilizer, agrochemicals with minimum impact on their health and the environment. Despite 100% mobile phone ownership by the farmers, none used the internet or market information services (MIS) apps such as M-Farm to sell their produce and still relied on brokers. However, they used on-net services (calls, texts) to advertise and sell their goods to people in their social circles. On food safety concerns, majority of the farmers strictly observed the safety of their produce before selling. Consumers in the study faced food shortages which resulted in high produce prices, poor quality produce or the unavailability of produce. Consumers expressed constant concern on the safety of the food they consume and proposed legal measures to be taken against producers exposing them to harmful products. On value chain operations, farmers preferred interactive sources of information that offered immediate solutions to their farming issues. Television and radio shows on vernacular stations such as Inooro Fm, Njata Tv proved to be popular among the farmers. Farmers complained about the unavailability of agriculture extension officers in their areas for consultation. Consumer respondents preferred the internet for information on food safety followed by family and friends then broadcast and print media sources. The farmers agreed that digital technology has enhanced access to transport service providers, enhanced traceability and connectivity to consumers. Study showed a strong positive relationship between technology adoption and food availability. Agricultural technology has played a significant role in boosting crop yields and enhancing productivity in the farms. The challenge of irregular food supply will continue to persist in Kenyan markets since most farmers still rely on brokers. Results showed a strong positive relationship between technology adoption and food safety. Kenya’s poor implementation of food safety regulations and policies has resulted in the rampant cases on the circulation of contaminated food in the market that is exposing consumers to fatal health conditions. Technology adoption in the value chain has played a significant role in enhancing market transparency. Mobile phones in particular have empowered farmers by enabling them to bypass brokers who monopolize market information and access basic information such as prevailing market prices. However, more needs to be done in order to enable the farmers to fully adopt the MIS applications in their arming operations. On the first research objective, more research on production practices such as chemical pesticides, fertilizers should be done to ensure compliance to environment sustainability policies. The great reliance on brokers by farmers is still a major hindrance to the achievement of sustainable food distribution system in Kenya. Further research needs to be done to develop software programs and applications that take into consideration farmers’ limitations such as illiteracy, poor perception of digital solutions to help improve their technology adoption rates. On the second objective, the government should form a ‘Food Safety Authority’ body in Kenya that will oversee the implementation of food safety standards in the country. The regulatory body will conduct intensive food safety sensitization programs (HACCP) to ensure compliance to proper food handling measures and take stringent legal measures against non-compliant parties who knowingly expose consumers to harmful foods. On the last objective, research should be undertaken on how potential investors can successfully replicate agriculture technology (agritech) practices applied by Israeli companies for sustainable farming and crop management systems to enhance Kenya’s food security status.