Factors influencing women pineapple vendors on their household livelihoods in Bureti Sub County, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to establish the factors that influence women pineapple vendors on their household livelihoods. The informal sector is a source of livelihood to women pineapple vendors. This study was motivated by the fact that women pineapple vendors try to provide for their household needs even though majority have challenges. However, little was known about the factors influencing women pineapple vendors in earning a living for their families. The study was carried out in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County. The following specific objectives guided the study: to assess the social factors influencing household livelihoods of women pineapple vendors; to evaluate the economic factors influencing household livelihood of women pineapple vendors; to determine the strategies used by women pineapple vendors to improve their household livelihoods in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya. The study was informed by Rational Choice Theory and Collective Action Theory; and the sustainable livelihoods Approach (SLA) model that complement each other. A Descriptive research design was used for this study. The sample size of the survey was ninety-eight respondents. Moreover, the study interviewed twelve (12) key informants. The unit of analysis was women pineapple vendors in Bureti Sub County. This study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The study used interview schedule method. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for the windows was an aid in data analyses. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics where frequencies and percentages were computed and presented in tables, graphs and pie charts while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study findings showed that the majority of women pineapple vendors obtain their source of livelihoods from self-employment at 85.7%. Also, the majority of women pineapple vendors attained primary education and were aged between 40 to 46 years. The livelihoods of women pineapple vendors have improved food security, income, and payment of school fees for their children. The challenges that the vendors face include inaccessibility to credit, lack of storage for their ware, decision making, inadequate capital, little income, lack of training, environmental problems and conflicts. The study recommends women pineapple vendors to venture in other businesses like retail shop; training; access to credit to improve on their livelihoods. In addition, women pineapple vendors should be promoted and protected through support and passing legislation to preserve informal sector and in general contribution towards household livelihoods