10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

In Sub-Saharan Africa, three-quarters percent of the population do not have access to modern energy equipment’s for use in kitchen as a result of exorbitant price per item due to inflation and taxation more so lack heating appliances in their homes instead lead a minimalist type of lifestyle. Energy access has been a topic of discussion in a number of policy and development domains due to the extensive research on the effects of using biomass fuel on the environment and human health. Yet, there hasn't been a thorough investigation of how energy access affects household food security; as a result, the two sectoral policies are still unaligned. Our research goal was to evaluate the societal challenges, such as food and energy security, in Keiyo North sub-county in Kenya. The study was conducted in May 2022. We assessed the socio-economic data through questionnaire administration on community household size, age, gender, employment status, education levels of family members, income levels, and accessibility of health care facilities, schools, and religious places. Soil fertility was assessed through composite sample collection from different areas in the area using a soil auger; the samples were then transported to the University of Eldoret agricultural lab within 24 hours for laboratory analysis. Field observations were also made through crop checks for stunted growth and leaf colorations. A biodiversity field assessment was done by identifying of tree species present in different homes. Energy source diversity was also evaluated through questionnaires to the residents. The data collected was subjected to IBM SPSS version 20 and EXCEL 2016 spreadsheet for analysis. Declining soil fertility, inappropriate agronomic practices, poverty, and illiteracy were observed as the main factors impeding Keiyo from achieving their food and energy security. Climate change sensitization, efficient cropping systems, and adoption of technologies and high-value crops that are resilient to drought were among the main recommendations.