Factors that influence growth of small-scale farming. A case study of small-scale vegetable farming in Ruiru Division

Abstract

Small-scale farming is becoming very important in meeting the financial needs of many families in Kenya today. Small-scale farming has been incorporated into the Micro and Small Enterprises Sector. This suggests that even the government has appreciated the importance of Small-scale farming towards poverty alleviation and wealth creation. Despite the importance of small-scale farming, it's a sector that is experiencing constraints just like the overall Micro and Small Enterprises Sector.

To investigate the kind of constraints and their effects on Small-scale farming, a sample of 47 farmers were randomly selected and interviewed in Ruiru Division of Thika District. The results of the study indicate that lack of credit is a major constraint in Small- scale farming. Other constraints include lack of pricing strategies, land ownership and lack of market information.