THE INFLUENCE OF FARMER CHARACTERISTICS ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL FARMERS IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Journal Title: European Journal of Business and Social Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 3
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of farmer characteristics on performance of commercial farmers in Kiambu County, Kenya. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the respondents were males aged 40 years and above. The respondents had acquired a minimum of secondary level of education and had over 5 years experience in farming fresh fruits and vegetables. Majority of the farms were 2 acres and below and were owned by either families or individuals. The main sources of funding were table banking and farm sales income. The study established a statistically significant relationship between farmer characteristics and performance of commercial farmers. The study was limited by the narrow scope which focused on few constructs and self reported data with no collaborative evidence. The study recommends that farmers should enhance their abilities by joining associations, improving their education and agricultural training and increasing their funding so as to improve their performance. The government should set up the requisite infrastructure and provide the facilitation and resources required to enlighten and support farmers in their farming initiatives. Future research should target other fresh agricultural products; increase the variables and constructs being investigated and target other counties with differing social economic and climatic conditions. A study designed with farmer characteristics as the independent variable and branding practice as the dependent variable would add new dimensions to observed interactions and unveil extra interactions and relationships.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Isaac M. Nkari (PhD)| Lecturer in the Department of Business Studies, Chuka University, Kenya, Kenya. Tel. +254722978836. Box 64687 Code 00620 Nairobi Kenya. Email: isaacnkari@yahoo.com, Prof. Francis N. Kibera (PhD)| Co-Author Professor of Marketing, Department of Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya. Tel. +254722513259. Email: profkibera@gmail.com
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