Factors Influencing Horticultural Production in Kenya: a Case of Farmers Sponsored by Non-governmental Organizations in Muranga County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the factors influencing horticultural production in Kenya with respect to farmers sponsored by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Muranga County. This study was guided by the following specific objectives; To establish how training programs offered by NGOs influence horticultural produce for farmers in Muranga County, To examine how financial support by NGOs influence horticultural produce for farmers in Muranga County, To analyze how market information provided by NGOs influence horticultural produce for farmers in Muranga County and to determine how horticultural production technology promoted by NGOs influence horticultural produce for farmers in Muranga County. A cross-sectional research design was used to carry this study in Murang’a County. This study targeted NGO officials and collaborating farmers in Muranga County. Simple random sampling was used to select participants from a sample size of 230 respondents. A pilot test was administered to 10% of the study sample size. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation schedules were used to collect primary data. The analyses were done using descriptive analysis and the results presented in tables. Study findings showed that training programs, financial support, market information and horticultural production technology influenced horticultural production. Therefore, this study concluded that training programs, market information and horticultural production technology significantly influenced the quality and quantity of horticultural produce. This study recommended for NGOs sponsoring farmers to improve horticultural production through mechanization promotion, avail dynamic market information system, develop alternative budgetary sources and finally to develop comprehensive training programs through holistic approach.