SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND PATTERNS OF MARKETS USAGE IN SEMI-ARID THARAKA SUB COUNTY: IMPLICATIONS FOR HOUSEHOLD FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

Abstract

Location of markets determine how producers and consumers interact temporally and spatially. In arid and semi-arid lands this is of significant importance because market patronage is largely dictated by availability and the distribution of market facilities. Since close to 67% of population in Kenya live in the most food insecure rural regions often characterised by rain failure and famine, market purchase of food comprise main source of food and nutrition needs for communities living here. To understand how market location and patterns of market use influence food and nutrition security, a case study of Tharaka subcounty was used. Tharaka sub county besides lying in semi-arid region has some of the highest malnutrition rates of 30% compared to the average national rate of 20.9%. To achieve the fore mentioned objective, the study employed mixed method where spatial modelling and statistical analysis was used. Results indicate limited number of households actually used markets for their food and nutrition needs compared to the potential number modeled in the study. It was also discovered that food markets were most used throughout the year compared to livestock markets whose use peaked during the lean months of August and September a period coinciding with food shortage months. Generally, spatial distribution of open-air food and livestock markets as well as geographic isolation of villages from markets influence market patronage in Tharaka subcounty. These observations are closely linked to the perennial problem of food and nutrition insecurity experienced in the area. To reverse the trend, concerted efforts are needed to increase market participation of smallscale livestock and food producers in food distribution and supply chain. Moreover, Initiatives to improve service delivery and build local production capacities for these farmers should be considered.

Keywords

• market patronage
• food and nutrition security
• food
• livestock
• small scale producers