| dc.description.abstract | Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy. It is the single most important sector in the economy, contributing approximately 25% of the GDP, and employing 75% of the national labour force (Republic of Kenya 2005). Over 80% of the Kenyan population live in the rural areas and derive their livelihoods, directly or indirectly from agriculture. Given its importance, the performance of the sector is therefore reflected in the performance
of the
whole
economy.
The
development
of agriculture
is also
important
for
poverty
reduction since most of the vulnerable groups like pastoralists, the landless, and subsistence farmers, also depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihoods.
Growth in the sector is therefore expected to have a greater impact on a larger section of the population than any other sector. The development of the sector is therefore important for
the
development of
the
economy as a
whole.
This
study
was
addressing
the
following
research
questions;
what were
the
factors that
influenced
implementation
of agricultural
projects in arid and semi arid areas in Kenya? What were the measures that were taken to
overcome
the
challenges?
In methodology,
the
study
adopted a
descriptive
survey.
The
target population for this study was the small scale farmers of Habaswein district in Kenya. The study employed stratified sampling technique to select the respondents of the study. This study utilized a questionnaire as the data collection tool. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS.
The findings indicate that small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas endeavor to excel in their farming practices for social economic sustainability regardless the challenges. It is concluded that if proper mechanisms are put in place in arid and semi arid areas, small scale farmers will realize increased productivity for local and international market consumption. It
can
be conclude
that if
the
Government
of Kenya
puts
in place
appropriate
farming
technologies by encouraging Kenya Agricultural research Institute staff to go for further trainings in developed countries in terms of agriculture, Small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas in Kenya will excel. Also if the Government of Kenya is in a position to introduce modern farming technology, adequate of inputs and subsidies in farm input costs (fertilizer, pesticides and seeds), small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas will prosper in the changing farming environment globally and locally.
The study found out that quite a number of Factors influence implementation of agricultural projects in arid and semi arid areas in Kenya. Therefore, this study recommends that small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas should embrace modern farming practices for them to survival in the dynamic farming environment. The study found out that little emphasize is put on modern farming technology by small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas in
Kenya
hence
poor
agricultural
productivity.
Therefore,
this
study
recommends
that
the
government should recognize the importance of the small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas by providing modern farming equipments to small scale farmers in arid and semi arid areas since their efforts contribute to food security initiatives | en |
