The Prospects of Enhancing Food Security in Kenya through the Demographic Dividend
Demography
30
Issue: 2
(11 - 2016)
Kenya is starting to enter its window demographic dividend, under the assumption of declining fertility
rates over the next several decades. The country has the opportunity to exploit the first demographic
dividend by attracting and retaining youth in farming. However, studies show that Kenya is deriving very
little demographic dividend in agriculture with an increasing proportion of the country’s working age
population being inactive. The main objective of this paper is to theoretically examine the demographic
dividend, and how this window of opportunity can be utilized to enhancing food security in Kenya.
Specifically, it examines the relationship between population growth and increasing food security, with
reference to theories against, supporting and neutral. It further, describes Kenya’s youth bulge, and how
the bulge can be utilized to enhance food security. We also identify a number of mechanisms that can
be applicable to propel the youth for food security in Kenya. The paper benefited immensely from
secondary data sources and desk review for evidence.
Keywords: Harnessing demographic dividend, demographic transition, youth bulge, food security,
agriculture
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