The Impact of Nzoia Sugar Factory on the Socio-economic Development of Kanduyi Division

Abstract

The study examines the various processes of change resulting from the operations of the sugar factory at Nzoia and its high level spatial interactions with the surrounding a re as . The sugar factory is here treated as a possible development point, from where, favorable processes of change are expected to emanate and then diffuse to the pertinent surrounding areas. The related socio-economic variables are; farm income, improved infrastructure, improved household living conditions, employment opportunities and income generating activities. An examination of the physical and human environments reveals a high potential for sugar-cane production. The study uses a scientific research methodology to collect, analyse, and interpret the research data. From the analysis the following findings have been made: (i) the sugar project caused the eviction of many households which put them on the verge of total imp 0 ve r ish me n t ; (ii) the small holder cane farmers are beleaguered by many short-comings which make cane production almost a totally unprofitable venture. I ( i i i) the study area doesn1t benefit much from employment opportunities albeit the so many of them created; apart from the fact that levels of employment have been declining for the last six years. , (iv) the sugar factory hasn't had growth- inducing effects on the local economy due to very low incomes farmers get from their cane crops. (v) there has been a general improvement in transport infrastructure network, and; (vi) there has been an emergence of market centres in parts of the study area which have become important central places. Using a comprehensive welfare approach definition of development, the study concludes that the sugar factory project has not had a positive socio-economic impact on the development of the study area. I t is noted that this is attributable to both institutional and structural incompetence that characterise the relevant parties in the sugar industry. The study further makes several policy recommendations on a remedial basis to make cane production economically viable for small holder farmers and the local economy as a whole. Besides, recommendations are made for further research on the subject.