Improving Food Security Through Conservation of the Mau Ecosystem in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

The world is experiencing intense hunger; Food production is becoming less each day as global populations continue to grow. Mau and other ecosystems destruction have increased global climate change. The only remaining approach to food security sustenance is conservation of ecosystem globally. Kenya in the year 2017 had declared drought a national disaster with half of the country experiencing intense draught. Recently the Kenyan government has put more effort by issuing a gazette notice to stop any forest degradation activity. The study purpose is to close the gap left by other studies on the effectiveness increasing forest cover towards improved food security. The study also compares approaches used by different countries to mitigate against the destruction of ecosystem while ensuring adequate food production for growing population. The study employed descriptive survey design. The target population were 100 respondents. The study found out ways to ensure healthy population through sustainability of food production, while conserving ecosystems in the rising global climate change. The study took into consideration the Mau ecosystems in Narok, Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection, analysis and presentations were adopted. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20 and presented using frequencies and percentages. The study main findings and conclusions has unmasked several challenges experienced in conservation, restoration and protection of the Mau ecosystem. The major recommendation drawn from this Research shows that human activities in the ecosystem, directly and indirectly, contributes to decline in food security, with major implications for people's livelihoods and wellbeing, particularly for the poor.

Keywords: Food security, Mau ecosystems, Narok County, Population, Food production.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-22-03

Publication date: November 30^th 2019