Farming systems and food security in Kwale District, Kenya

This study examines agricultural production and off-farm employment among the rural population in Kwale District Kenya. Research was carried out in two villages, located in different agro-ecological zones: Kibandaongo, in the low-potential livestock-millet zone, inhabited by the Duruma; and Bongwe, in the relatively high-potential coconut-cassava zone, inhabited by the Digo. The study shows that the areas differ considerably 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 socioeconomic 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