Dynamics of Health Education on Food Security Among the Refugees in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya

Abstract

Refugees and asylum seekers face persistent food security challenges due to their heavy reliance on humanitarian aid, which is increasingly unsustainable amid global crises driven by conflicts and disasters. This study investigates the role of health education in improving food security in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to empower these vulnerable populations. The study adopts Systems Theory and Network Society Theory as its theoretical framework. Systems Theory conceptualizes food security as a dynamic and interdependent system consisting of four pillars; availability, access, utilization, and stability, where disturbances in one affect the entire system through feedback loops. Network Society Theory complements this by framing food security within a complex network shaped by flows of information, power, and resources, where actors play differentiated roles in shaping access, decision-making, and education delivery. Using a concurrent mixedmethods

descriptive design, the study surveyed 385 refugee households, conducted 43 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and held 28 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving refugees, host communities, humanitarian actors, and government officials. Demographically, the sample was dominated by female respondents (69.9%) and long-term residents (70.4%), indicating a relatively stable and feminized refugee population. Most participants were young (18–59 years), economically vulnerable (55.6% had no income-generating activities), and lacked formal education (72.4%), which hinders their engagement with health education and capacity to act on food security strategies. The study revealed that 78.4% of households depended on food aid from the World Food Programme (WFP), indicating high external dependency. However, access to health education particularly through facility-level or technology-based channels was associated with greater understanding of food security issues. Multivariable logistic regression analysis provided statistical evidence supporting these findings. Individuals aware of facility-based (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.95; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.62–5.38; p < 0.001) and technology-based (aOR = 3.06; CI: 1.63–5.75; p = 0.001) health education strategies were significantly more likely to understand food security concepts. Other positive predictors included satisfaction with health education programs (aOR = 2.17; p = 0.015), access to income (aOR = 4.36; p < 0.001), and the ability to procure food beyond aid (aOR = 1.86; p = 0.041). In contrast, prolonged refugee status (aOR = 0.42; p = 0.001) and governance barriers (aOR = 2.86; p < 0.001) were significant constraints. These findings underscore the importance of integrating contextspecific

and accessible health education strategies into refugee support systems. Facility-level outreach and technology-enhanced education (e.g., mobile or digital platforms) can significantly improve understanding and engagement. Moreover, governance structures play a critical role in shaping program effectiveness, suggesting that policy reforms, improved coordination, and funding mechanisms are vital to success. In conclusion, the study recommends a multidimensional approach that enhances governance, promotes income generation, integrates refugee and host communities, and deploys innovative education strategies. Tailored, community-driven solutions are essential to empower refugees in Dadaab to make informed, independent decisions towards achieving sustainable food security