Water shortages and women's workload are starving East Africa's drylands, study finds
A new study in Kenya identifies the specific barriers keeping rural families hungry despite existing aid programs. Researchers say policymakers must address water access and reduce the burden on women—not just distribute food—to break the cycle of food insecurity in dryland regions.
Originaltitel: Perspectives on nutritional resilience in a setting with persistent food insecurity in the drylands of West Pokot, Kenya
<p>In sub-Saharan Africa, food insecurity remains high. In West Pokot, stakeholder perceptions of barriers and enablers to household food security and effectiveness of existing interventions were studied. Data collected through six FGDs and eight KIIs was analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Themes identified were extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, existing interventions for food security, perspectives on the effect of interventions, and resilience. In conclusion, handling barriers identified (e.g. lack of water, maternal workload), enhancing enablers (e.g. women empowerment), and adopting recommendations (e.g. creating enabling policies) are a way forward for food security and nutritional resilience in West Pokot and similar East African drylands.</p>