Economic and Nutritional Conditions at Settlement Schemes in Coast Province
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
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Number of pages:
194
Year of publication:
1991
Print title:
Hoorweg J., Niemeijer R., Foeken D., Okello W. & Veerman W. (1991). Economic and Nutritional Conditions at Settlement Schemes in Coast Province. (Food and Nutrition Studies Programme, Report No. 36). Nairobi/Leiden: Ministry of Planning and National Development/African Studies Centre.
For reference purposes, cite the following link:
https://www.ascleiden.nl/kenya-coast/brd/hoorweg-niemeijer/conditions-settlement-schemes
Summary/abstract:
This study is concerned with land distribution and rural development. It presents the results of a survey carried out in 1985-1986 in four settlement schemes: Diani and Ukunda in Kwale District and Roka and Mtwapa in Kilifi District, Coast Province, Kenya. In each scheme, 100 households were visited and information collected regarding small farm characteristics, off-farm employment, socio-economic differentiation between households, food consumption and nutritional status. Data from a companion survey among the general population were available for comparison purposes.
In all schemes, off-farm employment plays an important role and total household income consists for two thirds of employment income. The variation in income and income composition is large. Food crop production, mostly maize and cassava, covers only 60 percent of the staple food requirements. Scheme households, on average, have higher food energy consumption than the general population as well as a greater variation in diet. As regards nutritional status, there are significant differences between schemes and general population in respect of height-for-age of children. Further analysis reveals a complex pattern of relations between household size, household resources and nutritional status.
It is concluded that the government settlement policy in the districts has been partly successful, partly not. From the point of view of regional agricultural development the results are far from optimal but from the point of view of the settler households the schemes are quite prosperous.