| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the influence of structural and functional arrangements on the
effectiveness of collective action, even as groups develop overtime. A survey was conducted
with 195 farmer groups in Kenya and Uganda, these was supplemented with focus group
discussions and key informant interviews. Results indicates that farmer groups have been
changing differently by adjusting their structural and functional arrangements; even though the
changes varied hence some changes were much more pronounced than others. Results shows that
there is a significant relationship (P<0.05) between number of leadership positions, frequency of
replacing leaders, replacement system, having bank accounts, auditing of accounts, system of
regulating conduct, having additional committees, frequency of committees meetings and
number of records kept with the effectiveness of collective action. On the other hand, there was
no significant relationship (P>0.05) between group type, gender composition, area of operation
with the effectiveness of collective action. Analysis of variance indicates that there was no
statistical difference (P>0.05) between group size and age with the level of collective action and
ability of the groups to meet their objectives. Principal components analysis (PCA) results show
that trainings have a significant relationship with effectiveness of collective action. Principal
components that influence effectiveness of collective action in Bungoma County were identified
to include the level of trust, leadership skills, unity and effective participation. In Kapchorwa
District on the other hand, the principal components that were identified to influence
effectiveness of collective action were leadership skills and Effective participation. This study
concludes that effectiveness of collective action can be attributed to many factors such as, having
effective leadership and governance structures in place, level of commitment of members to
group activities, group capacity which is acquired from capacity development support from
various partners such as; government, Non Governmental organizations and other farmer groups.
This study recommends that as farmer groups progress overtime, they should focus on structural
and functional changes that increase their effectiveness. Group members should also be
committed to group activities and strive to meet their objectives and serve their collective
interests. Finally, partners that support groups should focus on building capacity of group
members through trainings to ensure that they are able to effectively run their group activities
and achieve their objectives. | en_US |
