| dc.description.abstract | This study investigated factors that influence Economic livelihoods of the small-scale
horticulturists farming along the Dundori-Olkalou- Njabini road in Nyandarua County. The
small-scale horticulturalists form a major economic component in the economy the Count) and
of Kenya. The Dundori-Olkalou-Njabini road tarmac was built in 2007. The objectives of this
study were to investigate the influence of the: cost of seeds on the economic livelihood of the
small scale horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njabini road: cost of fertilizers on the
economic livelihood 01' the small-scale horticulturists Iarming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini
road; cost of labor on the economic livelihood of the small-scale horticulturists tanning along
Dundori-Olkalou-Njambini road; cost of lease on the economic livelihood of the small-scale
horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini road and capital input on the economic
livelihood of the small scale horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini road. The
data for this study was collected from the small scale horticulturalists. the stockists and the
district agricultural officers in the area of study. The research adopted both survey and
explanatory designs. The total sample size I'm this study was 35X respondents. Descriptive and
explanatory statistics were used. The study established that majority of' farmers lease land for
their farming, with most leasing a maximum of] acres. On cost of seeds, the study noted that the
distribution and supply of the crop seeds such as cabbages, kales, couchettes, carrots and
beet roots were good. The study also found that various fertilizer such as DAP, CAN and Urea,
were available at varying costs. The study found out that most of small scale horticulturalists
were charged interest for any credit advanced, ranging between 12(Yc) and 21 %. Most of
horticulturalist depended on farmers' cooperative Society and investment group for this financial
assistance. The study concluded that land, greatly determines the economic livelihood of
horticultural farmers along Dundori-Olkalou-Njamhini road, as majority lease it. The researcher
concluded that the costs of seeds and fertilizers determines to a great extent, the ability or
farmers to produce the crops. The cost was seen to be relatively high. Further, financial support
is necessary to enable the farmers' access the right quality and quantity of seeds and fertilizers.
Availability of financial capital is a major hindrance in the effort to improve farmers' production
and hence their economic livelihood. The study recommends that the stakeholders need to come
up with policies on lowering of prices for seeds 811d fertilizers, and their distribution. Providing
subsidies to the small scale horticulturists on the seeds, fertilizers and Iinancial capital will
directly improve the livelihood of' the small-scale horticulturalist. The study recommended that
the stakeholders explore the possibilities of farmers diversifying into other economic ventures
such-livestock to improve on their incomes. | en |
