The Growth and contribution of the sugar industry in rural development: a case study of Ramisi in Kwale District, Kenya

Abstract

The problem that prompted this study is that, Kwale district is faced with the problems of rapid growing labour and land pressures already scaring parts of eastern sections of the district among many others. This calls for establishments that can both create on and off farm employment opportunities. This study examines the strength of the linkage structure of the sugar industry and its contribution to rural development. In particular, the study is on the Ramisi sugar industry. This industry was chooser with the view that when well planned, it is development inducting, hence could create more employment opportunities that could absorb part of the rapid growing labour force of the district and at the same time trigger development of the region. The study has been presented in order of introduction of the study, Analysis, findings, proposals and synthesis of the study. In general the study established that the sugar industry has fairly strong linkage structure but there exists problems weakening linkage strength. This has affected it contribution to rural development. Proposals to the solutions of the problems both in the short and longrun have been given to strengthen the linkages and hence make the industry contribute fully to development of the region.