Before we can take a deeper look into Kenya and issues of food security we must first get an idea of the background of Kenya. This first post is dedicated to building a solid background and profile of Kenya for us to work off of in the future.
The Basics:
Kenya got its independence from the British in 1963.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. Kenya sits on the east coast of Africa. The landscape of Kenya varies from the low coastal plain in the east to mountainous ridges along the Rift Valley. This vast landscape also brings with it various climates. The climate ranges from tropical all the way to arid. Kenya has some of the best wildlife in Africa.
The population of Kenya sits at 39 million.
Their business/official language is English and their national language is Kiswahili, most also speak their tribal tongue.
Kenya has over 40 different tribes, which at times can cause conflict, though in recent years there has been a uniting movement, stating that people are firstly Kenyan, and then their specific tribes.
Education:
Primary school is free up to grade 8.
The attendance rate is 92% for primary school with the adult literacy rate is between 74-85%.
Population:
42 % of its population is below the age of 15.
22% of the total population lives in Urban areas
Life expectance is about 60 years of age.
1.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDS
Economy:
The GDP is $29.5 billion with a growth rate of 2.6%. Compared to the US at $14.7 trillion with a 2.7% growth rate.
There economy is divided into three sectors: Services (60%), industry and commerce (17%) and agriculture (23%), with only 17% of the land arable.
75% of Kenya’s labor force works in agriculture
Kenya has a 40% unemployment rate
50% of the population is living below the poverty line
Information from:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2962.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ke.html
http://www.ungei.org/infobycountry/kenya.html
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