| dc.description.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. | en |
