Farming Systems and Food Security in Kwale District
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
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Number of pages:
101
Year of publication:
1989
Print title:
Oosten C. van (1989). Farming Systems and Food Security in Kwale District, Kenya. (Food and Nutrition Studies Programme, Report No.30). 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/oosten/farming-systems-and-food-security
Summary/abstract:
This study examines agricultural production and off-farm employment among the rural population in Kwale District. Research was carried out in two villages in different agro-ecological zones. Kibandaongo is located in the low-potential livestock-millet zone, and has poor connections with Mombasa. The area is inhabited by the partly animistic, partly Islamic Duruma, with a rather traditional social organization. Bongwe is located in the relatively high-potential coconut-cassava zone, and has good connections with both Mombasa and Diani Beach. This area is inhabited by the Islamic Digo who have been highly influenced by the coastal Arabs and Swahili.
The areas show considerable differences with respect to agricultural performance and the role of additional income from off-farm activities. This difference, however, is not primarily caused by differences in agro-ecological potential, but rather by differences in the socio-economic sphere: opportunities for off-farm employment in Bongwe are much larger than in Kibandaongo. The involvement of the population of Bongwe in off-farm activities leads to a neglect of agricultural activities, particularly food production.