Factors affecting implementation of government strategies in agriculture to reduce poverty in Kenya - a case of Meru Central District

Abstract

Strategies are a critical element in institutional functioning, but whereas most organisations have good strategies, successful implementation remains a major challenge. The notion of strategy implementation might seem quite straightforward, but transforming strategies into action is a far more complex, difficult and challenging undertaking than one would assume. This objective of this study was to establish and document factors that affect implementation of government strategies in agriculture to reduce poverty in Kenya. The findings of the study indicate that the government as the implementing agency, the extension officers as the strategy implementers and the farmers as the beneficiary, all have a role to play if strategy implementation is to result in reduced poverty levels. All the three play an important role in strategy implementation, and challenges in strategy implementation emanate from these three sources. Inadequate human, physical, financial and technological resources were established to be the main barrier limiting implementation of government strategies. Low morale and an organisational culture not supportive of strategy implementation was the main factor affecting extension workers, while low farmer perceptions and decreasing agricultural land sizes was found to be the limiting factor with farmers. A number of recommendations have been put forward to address the situation. The government should increase its budgetary allocation to agriculture, enact policies that effectively regulate the sector, put in place staff training and development programme, develop an effective monitoring and evaluation system that links performance to rewards and improve rural infrastructure. All the stakeholders at the district level should harmonise their activities and have a common front in approaching farmers' challenges. The gap between research and extension should be bridged to bring information and technology to farmers, and the community should be involved during strategy formulation and implementation. The strategies implemented should have sustainability in mind and should be holistic to cover the major challenges faced by farmers. Lastly, the research puts forward recommendations for further research, in order to shed more light on the factors that hinder development of the agricultural sector in Kenya and consequently poverty reduction.