Strategies to Promote Market-Oriented Smallholder Agriculture in Developing Countries: A Case of Kenya

• DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.52105
• Publication Date: 2008-11-01
• Authors: John Omiti; David Jakinda Otieno; Ellen McCullough; Timothy O. Nyanamba
• Keywords: Market access

Sm allholder Agriculture is key to livelihoods of many rural households in developing and transition economies. In Kenya, small farms account for over 75% total agricultural production nearly 50% the marketed output. Despite favourable trends global development drivers such as rising population, per capita incomes emerging urban dietary preferences, most smallholder farmers remain poor. This study sought characterize commercialization trends, identify prioritize constraints participation markets, analyse determinants percentage output sold, explore strategies promote market-oriented production. A participatory Rapid Rural Appraisal approach, household survey a Truncated Regression model were used. sample 224 farmers: 76 them growing maize, 77 involved horticulture (kales tomatoes) 71 practising dairy, interviewed one peri-urban district (Kiambu Kisii, respectively). Results show that areas, lower levels are sold fewer participate markets compared areas. Opportunities profitable commercial agriculture observed demand, food preferences intensive farming. At village-level, market hampered by poor quality high cost inputs, transportation costs, charges unreliable information. household-level, producer prices, information arrangement, output, distance market, share non-farm income gender. Strategies suggested improve input supply, institutional regulatory framework, enhance value addition strengthen provision.