Devolution of Agriculture and its Effects on Mango Marketing by Small-Scale Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Vamba, Mary Kaluki
Kibutu, Thomas
Musau, Jackson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EANSO
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the devolution of agriculture and its effects on mango
marketing by small-scale mango farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. It utilised a
descriptive research design and collected data in narrative and numerical formats from
mango farmers in the county. The study used a semi-structured questionnaire and
interviews; data was collected using a stratified random sampling technique.
Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, and correlation
analysis in the SPSS (V27) package, while qualitative data from interviews was
analysed using thematic analysis. The findings hold significant implications for
policymakers, farmers, and researchers. Furthermore, the study informs small-scale
farmers about the benefits of adopting good agricultural practices to improve the
quality of their mangoes. Key indicators of devolution identified in the study include
improved marketing guidelines, farm cooperatives, processing of farm produce,
infrastructure development, improved bargaining power, provision of farm inputs,
funding/soft loans, and training and capacity building. The benefits of devolution for
mango farmers encompass increased decision-making authority, subsidies for farm
inputs, and overall improvement in their lives. Some of the challenges faced by mango
farmers are limited marketing options, restricted credit availability, and low prices for
their produce. Based on the findings, there is a significant positive relationship
between agricultural devolution and mango marketing. The correlation analysis
indicates a positive relationship between devolution and the marketing of mangoes (r
= 0.572, p = 0.000). The study concluded that although mango marketing cooperatives
helped farmers, the Makueni County government lacked sufficient marketing options
for mango producers. This resulted in limited market access, restricted credit
availability, and low prices for their produce. The study recommends collaboration
between the county government and mango farmers to increase demand and marketing
approaches for mangoes.
Description
Article
Keywords
Devolution, Agriculture, Mango, Marketing, Small Scale Farmers, Makueni County
Citation
Vamba, M., Kibutu, T., & Musau, J. (2023). Devolution of Agriculture and its Effects on Mango Marketing by Small-Scale Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 6(1), 271-284. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1326