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Naivasha Virtual Fieldcourse

Employment and Industry

Many people in Naivasha are out of work or poorly paid and this effects their health and wellbeing due to poor nourishment and greater risk of becoming affected by water borne diseases. Especially when underfed, children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. An additional problem that is often found in poor communities is related to insecurity.

Most people employed in the horticultural industry obtain very modest salaries but have better access to health facilities and live within a relatively secure environment. Several large scale farms also provide their workers with food and/or food supplies and accomodation. Especially at times of political unrest or unfavourable seasonal climate (floods or droughts), working for a company can be preferable than farming one's own portion of land. The provision of employment has the significant advantage of stabilising society and local communities, creating a relatively secure social environment, which in turns promotes further social and economic initiatives.