Household food security in semi-arid Africa - the contribution of participatory adaptive research and development to rural livelihoods in Eastern Kenya

The already precarious household food-security situation in many semi-arid areas of Africa may be rendered more so through the implementation of struc tural adjustment programmes that frequently prescribe austerity measures, a long with a safety net to protect the vulnerable. However, longer-term deve lopment policy perspectives on the one hand, and shorter-term food-relief c onsiderations on the other, often conflict. This paper illuminates the poli cy conflicts which arise when local-level research and development initiati ves interface with the effects of macro-policy-initiated changes and safety -net interventions. Using a participatory agricultural research project in Eastern Kenya as a case study, the paper describes specific household food- security problem diagnosis and a range of research interventions planned wi thin a more sustainable rural livelihoods framework. Working with local far mers, the project implemented a range of applied research and linked develo pment interventions that showed promise in easing food security through a b roadening of the livelihood base. Some of these initiatives were carried fu rther through the local farmers' own initiative. The conclusion is that sem i-arid areas, despite views that see these as low-potential and obvious saf ety-net candidates, often have potential for agricultural intensification a nd increased productivity. However, to ensure that research results are uti lised and farmers have access to new technology and markets, there is a nee d for external or public-sector support to integrated longer-term developme nt initiatives. This may require rethinking the scope of research and devel opment approaches, particularly removing unhelpful boundaries between resea rch, extension and development functions, and increasing farmer participati on in the whole process-if possible as part of a less centralised and more household-oriented approach to food-security policy and strategy. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.