Responsiveness Of Horticultural Production To Infrastructure Development In Kenya

Abstract

Empirical evidence indicates that development of infrastructural such as irrigation, education, roads and electricity, has a positive effect on agricultural production. In Kenya, road transport, electricity and irrigation are key components of agricultural development. However, literature on their impact on horticultural production are scant especially in developing countries. This study investigated how horticultural production responds to infrastructure development in Kenya. It relied on secondary data from Tegemeo Institute covering 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2010for analysis. The study used Fixed effect model to estimate results. Findings show that the value of horticultural production responds positively to the developments in paved roads, and irrigation infrastructure. Similarly, the size of a farm under horticultural farming influences production positively. Conversely, horticultural production was found to have a negative response to unpaved roads and daily labour hours on the farm. The study recommends increased investment in the construction of paved roads by both national and county government. In addition, the government needs to emphasize on irrigation facilities especially in rural areas.