Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Horticultural Farming in Yatta Furrow, Machakos County, Kenya

2023-05-06T11:05:21+00:00

Purpose: The study sought to examine how the prevailing socio-economic factors influence horticultural growth in Yatta furrow. The main objective of the study was to establish the socio-economic factors influencing horticultural farming in Yatta furrow.

Methodology: The study targeted 109 farmers, computed using the Cochran’s formula from the 526 farmers as per the 2019 horticultural report, selected using stratified random sampling across the three wards in Yatta Sub County. The study employed structured questionnaires to source information from the farmers. Interviews were conducted with the key informants being purposively selected. SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were generated and presented in tables and frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented inform of narratives. A regression model as used to examine the effect of the socio-economic factors to the horticultural growth in Yatta furrow.

Results: The research findings of this study identified the major socio-economic factors influencing horticultural farming in Yatta furrow. Generally, the results revealed that there is a significant relationship between a greater number of the socio-economic factors and horticultural farming in Yatta furrow. Among the respondents’ socio-economic factors, age (p-0.001) gender aspects specifically decision making on size of land to be used (p-0.002), types of crops to be grown (p-0.042) and the land size occupied by the crops grown(p-0.042), education level(p-0.0403) access to extension services (p-0.003), household size (P-0.005) and access to market (0.005) were found to significantly influence horticultural farming. This was because these factors have not been addressed and could continue to affect the performance of the sector if not addressed. The results showed no significant relationship between access to credit, p-0.06), farming experience, and gender (p-0.9) and horticultural farming

Unique contributions to theory, policy and practice: The horticultural farmers should be encouraged to adopt high value horticultural activities that would attract higher market value, besides the local markets in order to enjoy more financial benefits, rather than engaging in production of similarly low value-based crops that fetch low market prices and face stiff competition. There is need to clearly inform the youth that agriculture is not for the old, but a sustainable venture like any other economic activity. Information flow should be clear on the benefits of horticultural production compared to other sources of income. The government should provide subsidized farm inputs to encourage farmers application of the necessary inputs to enhance productivity. There is also the need to establish a cooperative society at the farm base, to encourage the farmers market their crops as a group and have a higher bargaining power against the middlemen.

Socio-Demographic and Economic Implications of Immigration into Kitengela Town, Kajiado County, Kenya Between 2011 And 2021

2023-02-09T09:23:51+00:00

This study main objective was to determine socio-demographic and economic implications of immigration in Kitengela Town, Kenya.

A stratified sampling technique was used to select 153 immigrants residing in Kitengela Town (internal/international) and three key informants using a questionnaire and an interview guide. The study employed a descriptive survey design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was organized, cleaned, coded and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS v 25.0) software. Percentages and frequencies were computed and presented in charts and tables. Qualitative data was cleaned and transcribed to bring out important information in the best way.

The study found that there are both positive and negative socio-demographic and economic effects of immigration in Kitengela Town. The study also established that immigration to Kitengela Town is facilitated/motivated by better healthcare facilities, better housing infrastructure, industrialization of urban areas, better employment opportunities as well as good learning institutions. However, some of the problems encountered by immigrants included traffic congestion, weather/climate changes, difference in living standards (either high or unmanageable), struggle to settle in, fluctuating financial status, and insecurity especially at night among others.

From the findings, the study recommended that the Kenyan Government should implement strong and coherent economic reforms that will attract investment in diverse sections of the nation with the goal of strengthening the economy and generating job opportunities to mitigate negative social and economic consequences of migration. The County Government of Kajiado should also increase and improve training platforms and centers to improve the self-sustenance skills of the immigrants in order to minimize unemployment and lack of economic sustainability. Also, spouses, family members and married people are advised to relocate together whenever feasible to protect their marriages, sexual reproductive health and healthy behavioural maintenance.

Global Journal of Geographical Sciences

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Horticultural Farming in Yatta Furrow, Machakos County, Kenya

Socio-Demographic and Economic Implications of Immigration into Kitengela Town, Kajiado County, Kenya Between 2011 And 2021