The nation of Kenya is in a remarkable contradiction.  It boasts one of the largest and most diversified economies on the continent of Africa, with a solid stream of valuable exports and eminent reputation for tourism (Youngblood-Coleman).  At the same time, a closer look into the nation shows that too many of its people do not have sufficient access to food; in fact, too many of its people are starving.

Lack of access to proper nutrition has led to food deprivation for a significant portion of the Kenyan population.  According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, about one-third of Kenyans have been considered undernourished for at least eighteen consecutive years (“Country Profile”).  The following chart, derived from UN country profiles, shows the number and percentage of people undernourished from the year 1990 until 2008.  The number of undernourished people has increased with population growth, keeping the proportion relatively unchanged.

Fig. 1. Food Security Indicators, from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Oct. 2010; Web; 12 May 2012.

The same information presented in graph form:

Fig. 2. Food Security Indicators, from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Oct. 2010; Web; 12 May 2012.

The obvious question is how Kenya can be a top food exporter, yet the situation of food security within the country remains unchanged.

[to be continued]

The following video clip, aired on the Kenya Television Network, was published March 20, 2012.

Sources:

“Country Profile: Food Security Indicators. Country: Kenya.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (October 2010): 1. PDF file.

“Country Profile: Food Security Indicators. Country: Kenya.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (October 2010): 1. PDF file.

Standard Group Kenya. “Food Security; Agribusiness.” Program. 20 March 2012. YouTube. 12 May 2012.

Youngblood-Coleman, Denise. “Kenya” CountryWatch.com. CountryWatch, March 2012. Web. 23 April 2012.