The Socio-Economic Effects of Illicit Local Brews on Household Food Security in Bumula and Kanduyi Sub Counties Bungoma County Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Alcohol use affects approximately 1.3 billion people and contributes to 3.5% of global health problems and disability. In Kenya, 60% of alcohol consumed is illicit brew, despite being declared illegal in 1978 through a presidential decree. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio- economic effects of illicit local brews on household food security in Bumula and Kanduyi Sub Counties Bungoma County Kenya specifically. Methodology: The study was carried out in Bumula and Kanduyi sub counties of Bungoma County. Correlational survey research design was employed. The study targeted 410 respondents comprising of household heads, agricultural officers, NACADA representatives, NGO and CBO leaders as well as religious leaders from Bumula sub counties. Key informants included the provincial administration, education, health, police and probation officers. Stratified random sampling was used in selection of household heads and the key informants sampled purposively. Face to face interview, structured questionnaires and observation was employed as tools of data collection. Data was analyzed using Frequencies, percentages using SPSS statistical software. Data presentation was by use of tables, pie charts, bar charts. Findings: The research findings showed that: Health effects of illicit local brews have no significant effect on household food security. The model was found to be significant and therefore the null hypothesis was rejected on the ground that Health effects of illicit local brews had significant and relatively weak and positive linear correlation with household food security. Based on the findings, it was concluded that consumption of illicit brew is a critical factor in the determining household food security. Recommendations: The researcher recommends that government should facilitate sensitization workshops for community members on consumption of illicit brews and its negative influence on household food security. Government should also involve the community in fighting consumption of illicit brews. The government should map out hotspots for consumption of illicit brews empower he mapped households with alternative sources of income to encourage them abandon the unprofitable trade.