Challenges affecting strategic intelligence in addressing food insecurity in Kenya
Keywords:
Food insecurity, strategic intelligence, challengesAbstract
Food insecurity has far-reaching global, regional, and national consequences: it fuels conflicts, affects livelihoods, and endangers public health. It is a multidimensional threat amplified by widespread uncertainty arising from climate change, pandemics, and a ballooning population. This has implications for strategic intelligence and national security. Strategic intelligence is the foreknowledge that forearms its consumers, informs decisions, addresses uncertainties, and necessitates early action. It includes early warnings and forecasts. Despite the numerous interventions, the number of food-insecure people has increased globally since 2014. Studies have indicated a disconnect between availability of strategic intelligence and its translation to early action in relation to ensuring food security. This study sought to bridge the gap by examining the challenges facing strategic intelligence in Kenya as far as ensuring a food secure country is concerned. Complexity theory underpinned the research. The study used a mixed-method, descriptive research design and a multi-staged stratified-purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through interviews and semi-structured questionnaires augmented with secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that strategic intelligence producers were challenged by inadequate data, uncertain indicators and low uptake of these products. In addition, the consumers of the same face resource constraints, political indifference, bureaucracies, and biases in analysing accessed information. The paper concludes that unique challenges constrain strategic intelligence at production and consumption. It recommends leveraging technology to synchronise relevant data and co-production to bridge the gap.
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