Horticultural Marketing Problems in Kenya: a Case for Small-scale Farmers of Ndia Division, Kirinyaga District

Abstract

The survey of the study reported here was carried out between May and July 1998. The study sought to determine the horticultural marketing problems facing small-scale farmers of Ndia division in Kirinyaga district. The population of interest was all the small-scale farmers of Ndia division. The information sought was collected using a questionnaire, which was completed by twenty-seven farmers. The findings of the study suggested that the small-scale farmers of Ndia division suffered from many horticultural marketing problems. The major problems were; lack of market information on prices and market opportunities, low and poor prices and exploitation by brokers. Others included high transportation costs, due to poor infrastructure, high market fee charges, and perishability of the produce, among others. As a result, the farmers perception of the horticultural markets and marketing was very low and negative. In addition, the farmers had a negative attitude towards the brokers whom they felt exploited them greatly. However, this was an evil they could not do without. The research findings also suggested what farmers perceived as possible solutions to their problems. These included monitoring market prices, proper and careful handling of the produce, conducting simple market research, engaging in personal selling and selling as a group to have a stronger bargaining power. In conclusion, an important implication of this study is that the government and other . private bodies should intervene in solving the horticultural marketing problems facing the small-scale farmers of Ndia Division. With proper support, this sub-sector of the economy may be expected to be a big source of income for farmers and would also provide employment to a host of unemployed Kenyans