Influence of selected factors on choice of livelihood strategy among peri-urban smallholder farmers in Lanet Division of Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Smallholders’ farmers in Kenya have over the years been faced with challenges that constantly put pressure on their livelihoods. However, the greatest threat to agriculture as a source of livelihood in the developing countries is rapid urbanization due to population growth, urban expansion and informal settlements. This study investigated market accessibility, land size, credit accessibility and social status among factors that influence peri-urban smallholder farmer‘s choice of livelihood strategy as an adaptation to reduced land holding. The study focused on Lanet Division of Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. Lanet Division was purposely selected based on its rapid population growth rate and its proximity to rapidly growing Nakuru Town, Kenya. The study used ex post facto correlation design. Out of 2,410 smallholder farmers in Lanet Division, a sample of 137 smallholder farmers was selected through simple random sampling technique. The study was guided by Rational Choice Theory. Data was collected using a questionnaire which was administered to the household heads. Validity of the data collection tool was ascertained by consulting two experts in the Department of Applied Community Development Studies. The instrument was piloted using a sample of 30 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Barut Division in Nakuru West Sub-County. Cronbach Coefficient was computed yielding a value 0.7725 which was accepted. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics used were percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviation, while inferential statistics used was Logistic Regression. The level of significance for acceptance or rejection of the hypotheses was set at P<0.001 level. The study established that credit accessibility, land size and social status were significant factors influencing small holder farmers’ choices of livelihood strategy in Lanet Division, Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. However, market accessibility was found to be statistically insignificant in smallholder farmers‘livelihood strategy choices. The result of the study is envisaged to give a pointer to link between factors influencing livelihood choices strategy. This information will offer insights adding to the body of knowledge to Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, policy makers and peri-urban planners. It will also provide useful information to scholars in community development.