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| Western Region’s Poverty Perspective |
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The Rural-Kenya World Cultural Link (CULINKE) is a tax-exempt, not for profit, non-governmental organisation registered to operate in the districts of Kisumu West, Kisumu East, Siaya, Nyando, Rachuonyo and Vihiga in the western Region of Kenya. Western Kenya made up of two provinces-Nyanza and Western, is of the most densely populated areas of sub-Saharan Africa with a high level of hunger and extreme poverty with a population ranging from 58% to 68% living below poverty line (Republic of Kenya, Central Bureau of Statistics, 2003). Population density of over 1,000 per square kilometre has been described as a stressor that may induce shifts in livelihood strategies (Tittonell, 2008). Potable water, paved roads, electricity, and most other infrastructure are all scarce in western Kenya. Over 21% of the region’s children < 5 years of age are malnourished and underweight. Adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is estimated at 30%, resulting to numerous deaths, a large pool of orphans and several child-headed homes. However, Western Kenya has favourable conditions for agricultural (especially crop) production: a bimodal rainfall regime and relatively deep soils dominated by inherently fertile clay and loam textures (Tittonell, 2008). This notwithstanding, Western Kenya is also characterised by subsistence farming, low crop yields, and low household incomes (Kelly et al., 2003). Average farm sizes are in the neighbourhood of 0.1 hectares. While rural families may adapt to such stresses through different coping strategies, there are thresholds in resource endowment (e.g., land size) below which most families are forced to step-out of agriculture as their main activity (Tittonell, 2008). The elevation in Western Kenya varies from 1134 m above sea level (asl) on the shores of Lake Victoria to 2700 m asl in the highlands, with deep, well-drained soils, and relatively high rainfall (1,200 – 1,800 millimeters per year). The climate is generally mild with minimal monthly variation in air temperatures between 19 and 25oC. Daily temperatures, however, range from 15 to 30oC. Rainfall is governed by a modified equatorial climate characterized by long (March– June/July) and short (September–December) that permits two growing seasons. CULINKE targets Western Kenya because the two provinces, especially Nyanza have the highest incidences of food and abject poverty in Kenya - more so livelihoods activities and status are related to poverty. Three out of five hard-core poverty districts (with 50% of their population living in hardcore poverty) are found in this region. (African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 3 (7), pp. 455-464, July 2008) |
POVERTY
Poverty Reduction
Poverty is malnourishment. Poverty is homelessness. Poverty is inability to access medical care. Poverty is lack of an informed mind, lack of basic general knowledge and basic literacy skills. Poverty is lack of savings and inaccessibility to credit…living from hand to mouth by the day …merely existing, scraping through life, groping for a meaningful co-existence with others, including nature.COMMUNITY
Community Services
This programme is takes care of the Social Development Goals of the MGDs. CULINKE acknowledges that economic growth is essential for poverty reduction, but it is not sufficient. Growth must be accompanied by measures that ensure its benefits reach all segments of the population.HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS
Of great concern to CULINKE is the effect of HIV and AIDS on the productive life of the people. HIV and AIDS induces and deepens poverty. The scourge has emerged as a cause of poverty and is officially recognized as a threat to development in Kenya.ICT
Information & Communication Technology
The Department of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is youth-led and inspired. The department is a part of the social entrepreneurial and sustainability efforts to CULINKE. Under the youth it is referred to as Youth Employment for Poverty Reduction through ICT Services and Resource Centres.HEALTH
Health & Medical Services
Disease is one of the main reasons that stand in the way of the efforts of the people of developing countries trying to overcome poverty. Poverty accelerates the spread of disease and the spread of disease aggravates poverty, creating a vicious cycle. There is a fundamental relationship between health deficits and poverty.AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
Orphanhood, HIV/AIDS and cultural norms like gender discrimination harm agriculture leading to debilitating hunger and extreme poverty. Families scratch out an existence that is brutally difficult, living on the edge of survival and often falling off the edge, leaving them sick and unable to afford medical care.
