Food security, drought and politics : Kenya's maize crisis before and after elections

Abstract

Climatic catastrophes affect living conditions and especially the agricultural sector. There is recognition that weather is one the main drivers of food insecurity in Kenya. Nations that are politically stable tend to enhance accountability and prepare so that they can respond appropriately to climatic catastrophes. Declining food production when the demand is high will cause deficits which in turn will lead to inflation and high food prices. The gap between demand and maize production has put maize at the center of the food security debate in Kenya. Maize is the most important cereal contributing greatly to food security. The last three Kenyan general elections (2007, 2013, 2017) sparked violence which greatly impacted on the food security of the nation. As a result, many Kenyans were left food insecure, leading to unnecessary deaths caused by hunger and malnutrition. The government represents pillars of change within the food security of the nation and improved agriculture and food security is applauded by citizens. When governance is poor, there may be a hindrance by complex political debates and, if approved, inadequate investments may be made within the agriculture sector. The objective of this study was to assess drought, governance, politics, and food stability within Kenya before and after elections.