Strategies Used by Small Scale Farmers in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Abstract
From ancient civilizations, societies have sought to increase agricultural productivity by making
use of farming techniques and strategies. Poverty and declining agricultural productivity are
deeply related problems in Kenya and all are likely to be exacerbated by the impacts of
population increase, land fragmentation and climatic change. The objective of the study was to
establish strategies used by small scale farmers in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The
theories that this study were resource-based view theory and the Schlossberg’s transition theory.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted by the researcher. The target population of the
study was 11,436 small-scale farmers and 4 extension officers located in the Ainabkoi subcounty
department of agriculture. The researcher sampled 390 respondents. The researcher used
stratified random sampling to select the respondents that participated in the study. The study used
self-administered structured questionnaires to collect data. A pilot test enabled the determination
of the reliability of the research questionnaire and ensure its validity. Content validity and face
validity of research questionnaire was achieved through consultations with the supervisor.
Reliability of the research questionnaire was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The
study findings indicate that it was generally agreed that the number of animals stocked,
integration of animal and crop farming has enhanced productivity. There was general agreement
that they practice horticulture crops which have increased income in the farm. The researcher
established that it was consented that the use of automated equipment, internet accessibility, use
of electric gadgets and use of automated machines has boosted productivity. The study found out
that it was generally agreed that type of quality seeds used, type of feeds given to animals, types
of breeds and type of crop inputs has led to increased productivity. Firstly, the study concludes
that farmers have increased number of animals, done mixed farming and practiced horticulture in
transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. Secondly, it is concluded that automation
of equipment and machines, internet access and use of electronic gadgets enhances agricultural
productivity in transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. Thirdly, the researcher
concludes that the use of quality seeds and breeds increases productivity in transitioning from
subsistence to commercial farming. It was recommended that land use transition strategy, use of
modern technology and use of quality seeds and breeds should be enhanced in order to improve
productivity. To future researchers and academicians, this study recommends that a study should
be done in other regions to examine the effectiveness of strategies used by farmers in enhancing
productivity.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
- School of Business [1312]
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