Emerging Linkages Between Small Scale Farmers and Mnc's in the Marketing of Horticulture Produce in Kirinyaga District

Abstract

The studv set out to investigate on the problem statement on the role of Multinational Companies in relation to the efforts of small-scale horticultural farmers establishing themselves in the global market. The study took a representative of horticultural farmers in Mwea division in Kirinyaga District. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of globalized agriculture on local small-scale horticultural producers. This was made possible by examining the set up links that have existed over the years in the export of French beans. The objectives were further analyzed by establishing the success and failures of upcoming linkages set up between Multinational companies and farmers. Quantitative data was collected through survey research from a sample of 90 small-scale farmers. Qualitative data was collected from key informants and secondary data in form of relevant books. The study findings reveal that horticultural farmers for a long time have suffered through the manipulation and mishandling of the work of middlemen better known as brokers. The study also established that farmers are uniting to work together in order to enter in contractual agreements with Multinational companies. The linkages between companies and farmers are defined by written down contracts that are monitored by the European importer of the French beans. The study concluded that the farmer has had some set backs in trying to establish a niche in the international horticultural market. But in the wake of contractual farming, farmers are getting some benefits in the marketing of their products in the international market through multinational companies. Based on these findings the study recommended that there is need for better government involvement in the support of the farmers in the rural areas. The study also recommends the need for cohesiveness within the farmer groups.