Rural-Urban Food Security for Urban Youth in an Informal Settlement in Nairobi Linkages, Responses and Policy Implications

This project builds on existing relationships with Mathare Roots, a grassroots youth organization, and focus on the food insecurity experience of youth who have migrated from rural areas to Mathare. It aims to understand how their diet has changed since moving to Mathare and their connection to their rural home concerning food after they arrive in Mathare, while working to identify viable mechanisms for urban farming within the riparian area along the Mathare River. A training platform focused on food security and a ‘waste to fertilizer’ intervention will be co-created with migrant youth. The research questions addressed by the project include: What led the youth to migrate to Nairobi from rural homes in the last seven years? How are the recent migrant youth accessing or growing food? Has their diet changed after migration from their rural homes? What food connections have been maintained between the migrant youth and their rural home? What impact do these connections have on the food security of migrant youth and their rural families? Or is there reciprocity related to food security? What role does gender play in food security for migrant youth? How does training on food systems and ‘waste to fertilizer’ interventions impact migrant and non-migrant youths’ food insecurity or intersect with local food systems? What are the policy implications of youth roles in food systems for informal or unplanned settlements? The project employs mixed-method approaches (key informant interviews (KIIS), quantitative survey, focus groups, food diaries, case studies, human-centred ideation and design of research approach). It also facilitates participatory curriculum design and training package co-creation; best practice assessment and testing of “waste to fertilizer” intervention; and theoretical application and city policy analysis.