Strategies Used by Small Scale Farmers in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

From ancient civilizations, societies have sought to increase agricultural productivity by making use of farming techniques and strategies. Poverty and declining agricultural productivity are deeply related problems in Kenya and all are likely to be exacerbated by the impacts of population increase, land fragmentation and climatic change. The objective of the study was to establish strategies used by small scale farmers in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The theories that this study were resource-based view theory and the Schlossberg’s transition theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted by the researcher. The target population of the study was 11,436 small-scale farmers and 4 extension officers located in the Ainabkoi subcounty department of agriculture. The researcher sampled 390 respondents. The researcher used stratified random sampling to select the respondents that participated in the study. The study used self-administered structured questionnaires to collect data. A pilot test enabled the determination of the reliability of the research questionnaire and ensure its validity. Content validity and face validity of research questionnaire was achieved through consultations with the supervisor. Reliability of the research questionnaire was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The study findings indicate that it was generally agreed that the number of animals stocked, integration of animal and crop farming has enhanced productivity. There was general agreement that they practice horticulture crops which have increased income in the farm. The researcher established that it was consented that the use of automated equipment, internet accessibility, use of electric gadgets and use of automated machines has boosted productivity. The study found out that it was generally agreed that type of quality seeds used, type of feeds given to animals, types of breeds and type of crop inputs has led to increased productivity. Firstly, the study concludes that farmers have increased number of animals, done mixed farming and practiced horticulture in transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. Secondly, it is concluded that automation of equipment and machines, internet access and use of electronic gadgets enhances agricultural productivity in transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. Thirdly, the researcher concludes that the use of quality seeds and breeds increases productivity in transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. It was recommended that land use transition strategy, use of modern technology and use of quality seeds and breeds should be enhanced in order to improve productivity. To future researchers and academicians, this study recommends that a study should be done in other regions to examine the effectiveness of strategies used by farmers in enhancing productivity.