The Impact of Nzoia Sugar Factory on the Socio-economic Development of Kanduyi Division
Abstract
The study examines the various processes of change
resulting from the operations of the sugar factory at Nzoia
and its high level spatial interactions with the surrounding
a re as . The sugar factory is here treated as a possible
development point, from where, favorable processes of
change are expected to emanate and then diffuse to the pertinent
surrounding areas. The related socio-economic variables
are; farm income, improved infrastructure, improved
household living conditions, employment opportunities and
income generating activities.
An examination of the physical and human environments
reveals a high potential for sugar-cane production. The
study uses a scientific research methodology to collect,
analyse, and interpret the research data. From the analysis
the following findings have been made:
(i) the sugar project caused the eviction of many
households which put them on the verge of total
imp 0 ve r ish me n t ;
(ii) the small holder cane farmers are beleaguered by
many short-comings which make cane production almost a
totally unprofitable venture. I
( i i i) the study area doesn1t benefit much from employment
opportunities albeit the so many of them created;
apart from the fact that levels of employment have
been declining for the last six years. ,
(iv) the sugar factory hasn't had growth- inducing effects
on the local economy due to very low incomes farmers
get from their cane crops.
(v) there has been a general improvement in transport
infrastructure network, and;
(vi) there has been an emergence of market centres in
parts of the study area which have become important
central places.
Using a comprehensive welfare approach definition of
development, the study concludes that the sugar factory
project has not had a positive socio-economic impact on the
development of the study area. I t is noted that this is
attributable to both institutional and structural incompetence
that characterise the relevant parties in the sugar
industry. The study further makes several policy recommendations
on a remedial basis to make cane production economically
viable for small holder farmers and the local economy as a
whole. Besides, recommendations are made for further
research on the subject.
Citation
Bachelor of Arts, University of Nairobi, 1988Publisher
University of Nairobi, Department of Geography