Socio-cultural Determinants of Food Security and Consumption Patterns in Kisumu, Kenya

Food security is an important measure of well-being of a household or community. It takes into consideration three dimensions namely availability, access and utilization. Even though it may not contain all dimensions of poverty, the inability of these households or communities to obtain access to enough food for a productive healthy life is an important component of their poverty. People from diverse backgrounds eat different types of food so as to retain their cultural identity. These communities living in Kisumu are defined by their own food culture. This study looked at production, distribution and storage of food among the communities living in Kisumu. It also examined the food habits, practices and beliefs associated with the households living in Kisumu. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Content analysis was also used in the study. The research revealed that there is a food culture which has rich cultural practices which defines the community. At the same time, different cultures interact with one another and thus interfering with some of these traditional practices and beliefs.