Innovative financing mechanisms and enhanced food security in Turkana county, Kenya

Abstract

The study examines how innovative financing mechanisms can enhance food security for pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and smallholder farmers in Turkana County, Kenya. The study addresses a critical gap in the local evidence base regarding the roles of Public-Private Partnerships finance, impact investment, food security insurance, and climate financing in sustainable agricultural development and resilience in dry regions. The target group comprises 1,583 individuals from six wards: Turkwel, Lobei, Kotaruk, Lopur, Loima, and Turkana South, who are beneficiaries of programs administered by TUPADO, Friends of Lake Turkana (FoLT), and Seed Savers Network Kenya. The Yamane formula was employed to determine a sample size of 319 respondents using stratified random sampling methodology. The study used a descriptive study approach, and data analysis was conducted using linear regression modeling to assess both individual and ward-level effects. The research demonstrated that innovative financing mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships financing, impact investing, food security insurance, and climate financing, significantly and positively contribute to food security in Turkana County, Kenya. Public-Private Partnerships and impact investment enhance resource mobilization, technology integration, and agricultural efficiency, whereas insurance mechanisms and climate financing alleviate risks linked to climate unpredictability. The results correspond with Social Impact and Risk Management theories, indicating that strategic financing interventions enhance household income, resilience, and sustainable food production. The research concludes that cohesive and well-organized finance methods are essential for enhancing food systems. Recommendations advocate for governments, NGOs, private investors, and researchers to amplify Public-Private Partnerships finance, encourage impact investments, broaden insurance coverage, and improve climate financing initiatives.