MST-Department of Geography

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    Socio-Economic Drivers of Agroforestry in Kaiti Watershed in Makueni County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-04) Ngila, Vallary Mutave
    Forests and trees are essential resources for sustainable provision of goods and services. They provide social, economic and ecological benefits. However, increasing human population has led to reduction of forest lands for agriculture and settlement. Trees have not only been depleted in reserved forests but also on agricultural lands. Several measures have been formulated to improve forest cover in Kenya. One of such strategies is implementation of Agriculture (Farm Forestry) Rules, 2009. This requires farm owners to set up at least 10 per cent of the land under agroforestry. Existing literature on agroforestry studies focus on factors affecting agroforestry adoption and benefits and challenges in agroforestry. This study aimed at bridging the knowledge gap by examining tree density on farms and determining the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households and tree density on farms. This study was carried out in Kaiti watershed, Makueni County, Kenya and assessed (1) types of agroforestry practices and tree species diversity (2) tree density on farms (3) socio-economic characteristics of households and (4) determined the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households and tree density on farms in Kaiti watershed. The study targeted a sample of 100 households. Cluster sampling was used to divide Kaiti watershed into 3 clusters: Machakos Town, Kaiti and Makueni sub-counties. In each sub-county, locations were purposively selected. Further, households were proportionally distributed across locations and simple random sampling was applied where households were randomly selected from each location. Quadrats were used to determine tree species diversity and tree density on farms while questionnaires were used to record socio-economic characteristics of households and benefits and challenges of agroforestry. Data files were prepared in the Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20 software where descriptive and inferential statistics were used. One-Way ANOVA determined whether the mean of species diversity differed across the study area while Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test ascertained where significant differences in species diversity occurred across the study area and multi linear regression determined the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households and tree density on farms. The study found 8 agroforestry practices and the most dominant were multipurpose trees on croplands, orchards, trees on pasture and windbreaks. Fifty two tree species were found where 55.8% are indigenous and 44.2% are exotic. Tree species richness range was 2 to 28 and the mean was 6.86. The results of One-Way ANOVA for both Shannon Diversity Index and Simpsons’ Index of Diversity showed significant difference in species diversity in Kaiti watershed with p-value of 0.00023 and 0.00012 respectively. The mean of tree density was 104.5 trees per acre where 54% of farms had less than 40 trees per acre below the recommended number of trees per acre while 46% of farms had more than 40 trees per acre. This study found that household income, land tenure, household farm size, sex of household head, secondary occupation and household age composition (18 to 60 years) had significant influence on tree density on farms with p value of < 0.05 and household income was the most significant. The study recommends sensitization of farmers about importance of trees and suitable tree species for growing in arid and semi-arid areas. Further, supply of certified seedlings close to farmers and at affordable prices would improve tree species diversity and tree density on farms. There is also need for private land ownership for households to promote sense of ownership of trees.
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    Effects of Coffee Production on Food Security of Small –Scale Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Momanyi, Wycliffe Masongo
    Food production has decreased in Kenya in general and in particular Kisii County as a result of the switch from food crops to cash crops. In Kenya Kisii County, Nyaribari Chache Sub-County, this study was conducted. The County's 60% of population experiences household food insufficiency. The purpose of the study was to look into how coffee farming in Kisii County affects food security. The specific objectives of the study were ; To analyze small-scale coffee production since 2017 in the study area; To establish the sources of food consumed by coffee farming households in Kisii County; To determine the level of food insecurity among coffee farming households in Kisii County; To establish the statuses of food consumption among coffee farming households in Kisii County; And to determine the coping mechanisms employed by coffee farming households during times of food shortages in Kisii County. The research used a descriptive survey approach. After utilizing Cronbach Alpha's measure of internal consistency to represent the results, the questionnaire data produced a reliability coefficient of 0.9. The study used Sloven's method on the 3378 people it was trying to reach in order to arrive at a sample size of 100. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. Analyses of correlation, logit regression, and descriptive statistics were applied. Household consumption patterns, the Household s Food Access Scale (HFAS), and the Coping Strategies Index were used in the quantitative study (CSI). The findings show that R Square, Chi-Square, and Log Likelihood are all positive. According to the study's findings, there is a 114.873 Log probability, a 37.964 Chi-Square, and a 0.381 R Square. These suggest that food insecurity levels in the study area are strongly impacted by coffee growing. According to the model's summary, independent factors account for 68.7% of the variance in the degree of food insecurity. The study calls on the Kisii County Government to increase access to markets for both food and coffee products, access to flexible inputs, and improvement in market pricing in order to improve household food security situation in the study area. To lower food insecurity, it is necessary to improve food consumption habits, access to food, and availability of food among the households.
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    Influence of Geography Teachers’ Competencies on Students’ Map Reading Achievement in Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-03) Omodu, Paul Mollay
    Teacher competencies and student achievement have contributed significantly to society’s social, political, and economic growth and development. We expect competent teachers to guide learners more productively, potentially increasing students’ self-efficacy. The objectives of the study were to i) establish the type of competencies Geography teachers displayed in the classroom, ii) identify factors that influence students’ achievement in teaching and learning map reading, iii) establish the link between teachers’ competencies and students' academic achievement in map reading, and iv) establish gender differences in the performance of students in Map reading. The study was guided by the teaching model of knowledge acquisition, as well as Locke's (1981) and Shulman's (1987) theories of goal setting and task performance. The study employed a descriptive survey method, a mixed research (qualitative and quantitative) method, and simple random and purposeful sampling to select 221 students from a group of 2076 students, 14 geography teachers from a group of 56 geography teachers, and seven heads of department from a group of 28. A sample of seven public secondary schools in the study's location was chosen, and data was collected through questionnaires, assessment tests, interview schedules, and observation plans. Content analysis was employed to extract qualitative data, central tendency measures were implemented to analyse quantitative data, and descriptive statistics were implemented to review the characteristics of the collected data. Infographics and bar graphs were implemented to illustrate the findings. The results indicated that geography educators exhibited pedagogical content knowledge, as well as technological content knowledge and self-efficacy. The P-value (.001) of the test was below the significance threshold (α=.05), indicating a statistically significant correlation between instructor competency and student map reading achievement. The competence of instructors in performing their duties was the determining factor in the success of students in map reading, according to more than half of the respondents (71.4%). Nevertheless, 28.6% of the instructors indicated that, although competency was a significant predictor of academic success, it was not the sole factor influencing performance. We identified the classroom environment, instructional material availability, and the attitudes of students and teachers towards outdoor learning as factors that influence academic achievement. Learning achievement was not affected by gender disparities among students. The research suggests that school administrators should guarantee that geography teachers receive regular seminars, workshops, and in-service map reading training. Instructional tools should be accessible to facilitate effective learning. We concluded that the recommended method for teaching map reading to partially theoretical principles, which involves exposing students to outdoor learning, would be advantageous. The study recommends additional research be conducted to determine the impact of pedagogical and technological content comprehension on academic achievement.
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    Sand Harvesting and Its Social Economic and Environmental Effects on Household’s Livelihoods in Homabay County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2023) Buke, Mercy
    Sand harvesting is an economic activity that has social, economic, and environmental effects on people's lives. The magnitude of the effects varies from place to place based on the prevailing circumstances in such places. This study, therefore, sought to find out the socio-economic and environmental effects of sand harvesting on residents of Homa-Bay County. Subsequently, the key objective of this study was to explore sand harvesting and it’s social, economic and environmental effects on household’s livelihoods in Kobala sub-location in Homabay County. The findings of the study are instrumental in creating public awareness of the sustainable way of managing these socio-economic effects and improving the standards of living of Kobala residents. This study was guided by the Local Economic Development Theory and Driving Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) model. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and used questionnaires and key informant interviews as the instruments of data collection. Using Yamane formula, the study sampled 370 respondents from the residents of the Kobala sub-location. Purposively, 15 key informants were selected; ten residents of Kobala engaging in sand harvesting activities and five NEMA officials of Homabay County. Data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze and report data from key informant interviews. The findings of the study revealed that sand harvesting in the Kobala sub-location has had negative social effects on the residents by increasing the rate of education wastage among teens, an increase in domestic violence, an increase in prostitution which has, in turn, increased the HIV/AIDS burden in the area. Further, the findings have established that the cost of treatment for the residents has risen due to increased mosquitos breeding in open valleys as well as in the management of waterborne diseases. The net economic effect of sand harvesting has been established to have been overshadowed by the negative social effects of the activities in the area. The study therefore, recommends that mitigation measures be taken to tame the negative social effects of sand harvesting by ensuring that teens are not allowed to participate in sand harvesting activities to avoid education wastage as well as the need to institute conflict mitigation measures in ensuring that tensions arising from land use are amicably addressed. The NEMA officials need to work closely with the local administration in addressing issues of increased health management costs resulting from sand mining activities by developing policies that would help reduce the gaping valleys that trap water for mosquito breeding and the chances for the spread of waterborne diseases.
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    An Investigation on How Savings and Internal Lending Communities Affect Household Welfare in Shangai Informal Settlement-Mpika-Zambia
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-05) Chewe, Margaret
    The study aimed at assessing how Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) affected household welfare in Shangai informal settlement. SILC is a kind of informal social security mechanism which is widely practiced by low-income households. In the informal economy, traditional and informal mechanisms provide social protection due to inadequate provision of formal social protection programmes. Shangai informal settlement has had experienced increased levels of SILC participation, however, how it affected their household welfare had not been researched. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of SILC participation as a social security mechanism on the welfare of Shangai informal settlers. The specific objectives of the study were to; determine demo- socioeconomic characteristics, know reasons for joining SILC, establish the challenges faced by SILC members and assess the effects of SILC on households’ welfare in Shangai informal settlement. The study used descriptive research design. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were used for qualitative data. Study sample size was 112 which was arrived at through purposive sampling. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics by use of SPSS version 22 and results were presented as means, frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data collected from 8 key informants interviewed was analyzed by content and classified according to major themes that were covered in the study. Examination on effects of SILC participation and household welfare was done by use of independent t test while examination of influence of SILC participation on socioeconomic empowerment was through use of paired t-test and chi square test with a p<0.05 as criterion of Statistical significance. Saving money, access to loans, and access to social funds were major reasons study participants joined SILC in Shangai informal settlement. This study established that SILC participation had positive effect on households’ welfare through asset accumulation of phones (p=0.044), bed (p=0.016), sponge mattress (p=0.014) and breakable plates (p=0.054). Main challenges faced by SILC study participants were non-repayment of SILC loan funds, late repayment of SILC loan funds, late reporting and poor attendance at SILC meetings. Study results further revealed that participation in SILC empowered informal operators with increased household monthly income (p=0.001) and funds for emergencies (p=0.054). Therefore, this study recommends to the government to capacity build SILC groups as viable social protection cover for the informal sector. Furthermore, comparative studies should be conducted between SILC participants and non-SILC participants in Shangai informal settlement as to determine if SILC could be an alternative financial intervention.
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    Socio-Economic and Technological Factors Affecting Macadamia Farming among Small-Scale Farmers in Meru County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-02) Mwendwa, Fridah Nkirote
    The global market demand for macadamia has risen rapidly over the last two decades due to its high nutritional value. In Kenya, many farmers from areas previously predominated by coffee cultivation have diversified to macadamia farming. However, farmers in Meru County have not achieved optimal returns, with a yield of 35kg against the potential of 70 to 100 kg per tree per year. This study was prompted by the persistence of low macadamia yields among farmers. The study examined the socio-economic and technological factors affecting macadamia farming among small-scale farmers in Meru County. The objectives included: To determine the social factors affecting macadamia farming among small-scale farmers in Meru County, to determine economic factors affecting macadamia farming among small-scale farmers in Meru County, to evaluate technological factors affecting macadamia farming among small-scale farmers in Meru County, to determine the benefits experienced by small scale macadamia farmers in Meru County, and to determine the challenges experienced by small-scale macadamia farmers in Meru County. The study was informed by Cobb-Douglas production theory and adopted a descriptive survey research design, employing the stratified sampling technique to select respondents, with the four wards of Central Imenti sub-county serving as the strata. The sample size of 98 respondents was proportionally distributed across the four wards, and a simple random sampling technique was employed for their selection. Purposive sampling technique was used in selection of key informants. The data instruments included observation schedule, questionnaires for small-scale macadamia farmers, and an interview guide for key informants. SPSS v28 was used in processing the data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Cobb-Douglas production function was used for inferential statistics for the first three objectives. The findings indicated that social, economic and technological factors affect macadamia farming. Significant social factors include household size, education level, marital status and gender. Significant economic factors encompass household income, farm size, number of macadamia trees, access to credit, labour and market type. Significant technological factors include cultivation of improved varieties, pesticides usage, application of inorganic and organic fertilizers, irrigation practices and access to agricultural technology extension. Further, the study revealed that macadamia farming offers various benefits to farmers, including high returns, low dependence on external inputs, and opportunities for long-term investment. Additionally, the study identified several challenges encountered by macadamia farmers, such as pests and diseases, theft of macadamia nuts, fluctuation of market prices, exploitation by middlemen and inadequate access to market price information. The study recommends that the County Government of Meru support young farmers and promote gender equality through training, financial aid, and mentorship. It also suggests that farmers form cooperatives to improve access to credit and market opportunities. Extension officers should assist with the adoption of modern technologies and, in collaboration with the government, facilitate market linkages and value-added processing. Additionally, enhanced security measures and pest management training should be provided to ensure productivity and prevent theft.
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    Heavy Metals Concentration in Sediments and Characterization of Hydrochemical Facies in the Surface Water In Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Lusweti, Elizabeth
    Surface water contamination due to heavy metals has become a great concern to the health of human beings. Thus the research examined the concentration of heavy metals in water sediments and the characterization of the hydro-chemical facies of the surface wa-ter in the Lokichar basin. The key objectives included the investigation of the selected physical and chemical properties in surface water, determination of the level of concentra-tion of selected heavy metals in sediments and characterization of the hydro-chemical fa-cies of surface water in the Lokichar basin. Water and sediment samples were collected by the typical method, processed and analyzed. The parameters which were sampled insi-tu are Temperature, pH, Turbidity and Electrical Conductivity while BOD,COD, D.O, pH, Sulphate, Nitrate, Magnesium, Chloride, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Cadmium, Arsenic and Lead were sampled and analysed in the laboratory. ANOVA was used to determine the variations between water quality parameters. Piper and Durov dia-grams were used to determine the hydro-chemical facies of water. Finally, samples of sediments were analysed using geo –accumulation (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) to determine the heavy metal concentration and sources. The results showed that there was no significant difference in each site (p ˃ 0.05) in all physical-chemical water quality parameters in different sampling sites. The hydro-chemical analysis revealed the water types in the region as; 40 % Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl-SO42- type, 40% Ca2+Mg2+-HCO3-, 20 % Na+-K+-HCO3-, with no Na+-K+-Cl--SO42- water type in 50 % of the sample. Durov and Piper diagrams illustrated that a simple mineral dissolution or mixing process is mainly respon-sible for variation in the hydro-geochemistry of surface water in the study area. Igeo re-vealed that Lokichar Basin was practically uncontaminated with anthropogenic sources with values ranging between 0-1. The CF indicated that the pollution intensity ranged from low to moderate in Lokichar Basin. Overall, it can be concluded that oil exploration has not interfered with the quality of the surface water resources in the Lokichar Ba-sin.The study recommends continuous monitoring of surface water resources in Lokichar Basin,
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    Effect of Coffee Prodution on Food Security of Small –Scale Famers Iin Kisii County , Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-10) Mommanyi, Wcliffe Masongo
    Food production has decreased in Kenya in general and in particular Kisii County as a result of the switch from food crops to cash crops. In Kenya Kisii County, Nyaribari Chache Sub-County, this study was conducted. The County's 60% of population experiences household food insufficiency. The purpose of the study was to look into how coffee farming in Kisii County affects food security. The specific objectives of the study were ; To analyze small-scale coffee production since 2017 in the study area; To establish the sources of food consumed by coffee farming households in Kisii County; To determine the level of food insecurity among coffee farming households in Kisii County; To establish the statuses of food consumption among coffee farming households in Kisii County; And to determine the coping mechanisms employed by coffee farming households during times of food shortages in Kisii County. The research used a descriptive survey approach. After utilizing Cronbach Alpha's measure of internal consistency to represent the results, the questionnaire data produced a reliability coefficient of 0.9. The study used Sloven's method on the 3378 people it was trying to reach in order to arrive at a sample size of 100. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. Analyses of correlation, logit regression, and descriptive statistics were applied. Household consumption patterns, the Household s Food Access Scale (HFAS), and the Coping Strategies Index were used in the quantitative study (CSI). The findings show that R Square, Chi-Square, and Log Likelihood are all positive. According to the study's findings, there is a 114.873 Log probability, a 37.964 Chi-Square, and a 0.381 R Square. These suggest that food insecurity levels in the study area are strongly impacted by coffee growing. According to the model's summary, independent factors account for 68.7% of the variance in the degree of food insecurity. The study calls on the Kisii County Government to increase access to markets for both food and coffee products, access to flexible inputs, and improvement in market pricing in order to improve household food security situation in the study area. To lower food insecurity, it is necessary to improve food consumption habits, access to food, and availability of food among the households
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    Performance of Small-Scale Commercial Fish Farming Supported by Economic Stimulus Program in Nyericounty, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2022-06) Kariuki, Mwangi Richard
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    Effects of Produced Water on Physicochemical Properties of Groundwater in Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2023-07) Mbugua, David
    Globally, there has been an increase in wastewater generation from oil mining activities that pollutes freshwater resources. Inadequate handling of oil mining wastes in Africa has caused water bodies to become contaminated. The advent of oil exploration and mining activities in south Lokichar basin in Turkana County, Kenya (Ngamia 1 oil well pad) has led to the generation of wastes such as drilling muds, drilling cuttings, and Produced Water. In Kenya, there are relatively few studies that have been done on the effects of the oil mining wastes on the environmental resources since oil exploration is a new phenomenon in the country. This study's goal was to determine if Produced Water from oil mining operations at Ngamia 1 oil well pad leads to contamination of the groundwater resources in the study area. The specific objectives were to: 1) determine the physicochemical properties of Produced Water; 2) determine the physicochemical properties of boreholes water; and 3) determine the effects of Produced Water on groundwater quality. To achieve these objectives water samples were collected from ten boreholes within the catchment divide, and one sample collected from outside the divide as the control of the study in the month of August 2020. Data on the selected physicochemical water quality parameters for both the Produced Water and groundwater was obtained from the field measurements and using standard laboratory procedures at Kenya Water Institute (KeWTI), Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) and the National Materials Testing and Research Division (NMTRD) laboratories. The outcomes were compared to the established requirements for drinking water quality by both WHO (2017) and NEMA (2006). Produced Water was found to be highly contaminated with heavy metals and salts whose levels were found to exceed the set drinking water quality standards by WHO and NEMA as follows: Lead by 15,680%, Zinc by 22%, Iron by 16,567%, Chlorides by 8,128%, Fluorides by 2,500%, and Nitrates by 480%. This was attributed to the usage of production chemicals to enhance oil recovery through hydraulic fracturing. The heavy metals present and salts in levels not within the set drinking water quality standards by both WHO and NEMA were observed at the following boreholes: Nalemsekon borehole whose Iron level exceeded these standards by 250%, Chloride level by 10.4%, and Fluoride level by 148%; RCEA borehole whose Lead level exceeded these standards by 1,500% while Fluoride level exceeded by 56%; Nakwakipi borehole whose Lead level exceeded by 5,180% and Nitrate level by 287%; Nakukulas 10 borehole whose Zinc level exceeded by 51% and Nitrate level by 111%; Nakwakitela borehole whose Fluoride level exceeded by 36% and Nitrate level by 428%; Nitrates levels at Irir 1, Chinese 1 and Nawoyatira boreholes exceeded these standards by 604%, 463% and 322% respectively. The study discovered that the high concentrations of salts and heavy metals observed in these boreholes could be as a result of contamination from Produced Water. Therefore, strategies on safe handling and disposal of Produced Water should be put in place to safeguard the study area's groundwater supplies.
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    Seasonal Rainfall Variability Effects on Maize Yields and the Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptive Strategies in Nyeri County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2022-08) Kabata, Lilly Njeri
    Agriculture |s_Kenya's economic backbone and a source of income for the vast majority of the: population. The primary goal of the agriculture sector is to achieve national food security. Beca}lse. most agricultural activities in Kenya rely on rainfall patterns, short- and long-term val'}311011§ in rainfall patterns affect crop productivity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of seasonal rainfall variability on maize yields and assess the adapuv_e strategies of smallholder farmers in Nyeri County's Kieni East subCQunly. Th_e s.p'emf_'lc objectives were to determine the inter and intra seasonal temporal -rainfall Val‘lab.lhty in Kieni East sub-County between 1988 and 2018, analyze the effects of seasonal rainfall variability on maize yields in the sub-County between 2009 and 2018, au'd assess_smallholder maize farmers' adaptive strategies to the effects of seasonal rainfall val:lability. The following data sets were used in the study: rainfall data (1988- 2918), maize data (2009-2018), a household survey (N=223), and in-depth interviews with VMoA, meteorological personnel, and local administration (N=8). Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from smallholder maize farmers in the subCounty. Rainfall data was evaluated using trend analysis, standard deviation, correlation of variation, running means, and the variability index, to assess if there is variability in rainfall annually, within and between the two rainfall seasons. Similarly, maize yield data acquired from the MoA in Nyeri County was used to conduct trend analysis and calculate the variability index on an annual and seasonal basis. A correlation analysis was carried out.to investigate the relationship between annual and seasonal rainfall and maize yields. According to the findings, yearly rainfall mean was 780.07mm, a standard deviation (SD) of 156.38mm and a correlation of 0.20.For the long rains, a mean of 260.86mm, an SD of 84.49mm and a correlation of 0.32.The short rains mean was 276.55mm, an SD of .126.09mm and a correlation of 0.46. The Karl Pearson Correlation test revealed a relationship between annual rainfall and annual maize yield of r (10) = 0.821, p = 0.004. Similarly, the Karl Pearson Correlation test found r (10) = 0.634, p = 0.009 for rainfall and maize yield under the long rains. The Karl Pearson Correlation test between rainfall and maize yield following short rains yielded r (10) = 0.918, p= 0.000, showing a strong significant positive relationship. According to the findings of the study, most farmers in Kieni East sub-County respond to rainfall variability by planting maize varieties that are early maturing (82.9 %) and drought tolerant (57.5 %), high yielding (77 %), disease resistant (57.6 % ), use manure and fertilizers (92 % ), seek extension training.(29.6 %), and employ various water harvesting strategies. The outcomes of the research will be used by the MoA, other policy-makers and stakeholders to develop policies that address rainfall variability. The information will be used by smallholder maize _t'armers to evaluate their adaptive tactics and develop successful techniques for dea'ling with extreme rainfall variability. This will increase food yield and reSiliC{lCE to rainfall fluctuation, supporting the country in meeting the L.Jn{ted Nations' Sustainable Deve!opmem Goals (SDGs) 2 and 13, which aim to eliminate hunger and address climate change, _respectively.
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    Socio-Economic Determinants of Horticultural Farming in Yatta Furrow, Machakos County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-02) Muema, Victor Muli
    In many African nations, including Kenya, horticultural gardening has been regarded as one of the primary pathways to eradicating poverty and alleviating food insecurity. Nevertheless, despite the favorable climate, focused policy and program implementations through a number of technical advancements, its development has not been as anticipated. The sector ensures food security as well providing employment which raises income to many households in the country. Despite several production-improvement initiatives, small-scale farmers' expansion in horticulture farming inside domestic markets has lagged behind. Horticultural farming is still a significant part of Kenya's economy, but it has become stagnant, endangering domestic food security and household income. Majority of the studies have focused on technical aspects of adopting modern farming technologies among the farmers with little attention being given to the social and economic aspects that would improve innovation mechanisms to improve production among the farmers. In Kenya, socio economic factors are major concern affecting horticultural productivity. In attempt to address this, efforts have been fruitless. The sector has failed to expand and little has been done to solve the challenges arising from the socio-economic factors within the farmers. Specifically, in Yatta furrow, horticultural farming has declined significantly, with the farmers turning away from the sector to other viable economic ventures. The studies conducted only concentrated in climatic hazards, ignoring the human socio-economic part. This study therefore sought to examine how the prevailing socio-economic factors influence horticultural growth in Yatta furrow. The main objective of the study was to establish the socio economic factors influencing horticultural farming in Yatta furrow. The study targeted 109 farmers, computed using the Cochran’s formula(1963) from the 526 farmers as per the 2019 horticultural report, selected using stratified random sampling across the three wards in Yatta Sub County. The study employed structured questionnaires to source information from the farmers. Interviews were conducted with the key informants being purposively selected. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS. Tables, frequencies, and percentages were used to create and show descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis and presentation of tables using qualitative data. The impact of socio economic determinants on the horticultural growth in Yatta furrow was investigated using a regression model. The findings of this research revealed that factors specifically age (p-0.001.), income, gender (p-0.911) education level (p-0.0403), household size (p-0.005) access to extension service (p-0.003),were statistically significant at 5% significant level. The study recommended that, of great concern is the creation of platform from which the socio-economic challenges can be addressed if horticultural growth was to be attained. Men and women should have equal access to training opportunities so they may learn about efficient manufacturing techniques. The study concluded that socio economic factors are significant components that continue to affect horticultural growth in Yatta furrow, and under whatever reasons, the effects are undesirable and therefore, there is the need to improve on socio economic aspects through the services of the relevant bodies.
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    An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Street Vendors Associations among Women Street Vendors in the Central Business District, Nairobi City County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Dudi, Mercy
    The search for employment opportunities in urban centers has led to the rise of the informal sector which comprises of street vendors with a large proportion being women. Women street vendors have formed or joined street vendors association to help them navigate street vending. This study was occasioned by the disparity gaps between allied associations supporting the rights of stre`et ven`dors to oper`ate in pub`lic spa`ces, the membership of street vendors into street vending associations and street vendors being incorporated in urban planning. The study assessed the effectiveness of street vendors associations among women street vendors in N`airobi C`ity County basing on the following obje`ctives; to examine fac`tors influ`encing mem`bership in street vendors associations, to assess the functions of street vendors associations, to evaluate the benefits and the challenges of street vendors associations. The study ado`pted descri`ptive sur`vey desi`gn to coll`ect qualitative and quantitative data using questionnaires, interviews and content analysis from published materials, journals, and magazines. Snowball samp`ling was used in selecting women street vendors from the streets creating a sample frame of 204 vendors for the research. Quantitative data was filtered, coded, and anal`yzed usi`ng the Social Sciences Statis`tical Pac`kage (SPSS) while qualitative data was analyzed using verbatim quotes. The standard deviation and computation averages were performed to show the rankings for benefits and challenges of women street vending associations while the Likert scale was used to determ`ine the future of wo`men stre`et ven`dors in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). A chi-squ`are test was performed to show the relation`ship bet`ween benefits accrued from street vendor associations and membership and challenges faced in str`eet vend`ors associations and membership. Fin`dings of the computation averages showed that leadership opportunity was the highly ranked benefit (mean=0.913). while poor leadership was the most highly ranked challenge in street vendors associations (mean=1.651). The findings of the chi-square revealed that all benefits of street vendor associations influenced membership as their p-values were less than 0.05; Leadership opportunity (p=0.000), Welfare and access to credit (P=0.002), training in business (P=0.001) and networking (P=0.003). Challenges such as poor leadership (P=0.001), wrangles within street vendors association (P=0.001) and unfavorable working conditions (P=0.03) were found to influence membership in street vendor associations. Lack of childcare services (p=0.061) was the only challenge which insignificantly influenced membership The study concludes that street vendors associations among women street vendors in Nairobi city county have been very effective as a in creating synergy that is greater than individual effects of each member, they have also been a platform where members can get briefs on important issues such as new legislative rulings, and market trends. The study recommends associations leaders to acquire leadership and management skills to enable them fully carry out their mandate.