Influence of Selected Socio-Economic Factors on Commercial Production of African Indigenous Vegetables among Smallholder Farmers in Bobasi Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

African Indigenous vegetables (AIVs) play a significant role among smallholder farmers by promoting food and nutrition security and improving income. Despite the benefits, the production of AIVs in Bobasi Subcounty, is fairly low as most farmers primarily produce for subsistence. This study focused on selected socio-economic factors that may have an influence on the commercial production of African indigenous vegetables among smallholder farmers in Bobasi. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age, income level, size of farm, and education level on the commercial production of AIVs. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study targeted 6,341 smallholder commercial AIVs farmers from two wards in Bobasi Sub-County. The accessible population was 2,363 Commercial AIV farmers. Proportionate random sampling was used to select 154 commercial AIVs farmers from two purposively selected wards. Data was collected using a semi- structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussion which were validated by research experts from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension of Egerton University and Department of Agricultural Sciences of Kisii University. Reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study that was conducted in Kitutu Chache South Sub-County, Nyakoe Ward, where a questionnaire was administered to 30 smallholder commercial AIVs farmers. Cronbach Alpha was used to estimate the reliability. An alpha coefficient of 0.745 was obtained and accepted, as it met the minimum threshold of 0.7 recommended for social sciences. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study found that 49.4% of farmer respondents perceive education as a significant factor in influencing the decision to participate in AIV commercial production, 71.4%, agreed that their education significantly influenced their capability to analyze market demand trends. The study also found that 71.4% perceived that income level influences farm size for AIV production, 85% acknowledge that farm size significantly influences choice to engage in commercial AIV production and 64% acknowledge age’s positive influence in regard to AIV production. Based on the study's findings, education level, age, income level and farm size positively influence commercial production of AIVs. It is therefore recommended that private and public stakeholders should collaborate to provide training aimed at improving farmers' knowledge, Extension officers should organize knowledge sharing sessions between younger and older farmers, county should establish value-adding projects, market links, and financial services accessibility, Policy makers should formulate policies that will increase market demand, manage resources, and make informed decision regarding farm size.