Factors Influencing Performance of Small Scale Horticulture Farmers in Thika District, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in incorporating non-financial measures in an organization’s performance measurement system, it is important to note that performance measurement and performance management are not the same. Each segment in a large organization may develop highly specific performance measurement information for its own operations and this will allow that segment to operate effectively. The main objective of this study was to establish the factors influencing performance of small scale horticulture farmers in Thika district, Kenya. Through a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered using a structured questionnaire which was administered to the sampled 60 farmers. It was established that the main factors influencing performance in small scale horticulture farming include farm management, market factors, investment climate, government policies and cost factors. Some of the key findings are that the market for the farm produce is not fully developed and also that the skill levels of the farm workers need to be improved. It is recommended that the Kenya government expands both the domestic and regional markets for Kenyan horticultural produce as it maintains a favourable legal and regulatory environment. This will help integrate the country’s small scale farmers into profitable supply chains that will satisfy these markets. In return improved investments in the areas of technical production will ensure improving quality of the horticultural produce.