The Influence of County Government Agricultural Infrastructure Development on Food Security in Trans Nzoia East, Kenya

Abstract

Food security is a prominent concern in Kenya, characterised by a multifaceted interplay of factors that hinder the consistent availability and accessibility of sufficient, secure, and nourishing food for the nation's population. This study examines the impact of county government infrastructure development on food security, specifically food accessibility and availability, in Trans Nzoia East. The study was anchored on Schultz's Schultzian Theory of Traditional Agriculture Transformation. The study employed a descriptive research design incorporating a mixed-methodology approach. The research used both primary data and secondary data. The results show that county government infrastructural initiatives have had a significant positive effect on food security in Trans Nzoia East. Subsidised input programs, such as fertilisers and seeds, have translated into high agricultural production rates with greater household food availability. Additionally, capacity-building programs and extension services have helped increase farmers' knowledge and skills to adopt modern agriculture practices, generating higher yields. Nevertheless, obstacles like a lack of adequate infrastructure, inability to reach markets, and governance have continued to undermine the full realisation of benefits. Although infrastructure development is widely acknowledged as one of the main enablers of economic growth and development, its role in agricultural productivity with respect to food security outcomes remains mostly neglected. This research emphasises that functional infrastructure consisting of road networks, storage facilities, and processing hubs is vital for value chain support and reducing the time spent accessing markets.