Factors Influencing Economic Livelihoods Of The Small Scale Horticulturists Farming Along The Dundori-olkalou-njambini Road In Nyandarua county

Abstract

This study investigated factors that influence Economic livelihoods of the small-scale horticulturists farming along the Dundori-Olkalou- Njabini road in Nyandarua County. The small-scale horticulturalists form a major economic component in the economy the Count) and of Kenya. The Dundori-Olkalou-Njabini road tarmac was built in 2007. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of the: cost of seeds on the economic livelihood of the small scale horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njabini road: cost of fertilizers on the economic livelihood 01' the small-scale horticulturists Iarming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini road; cost of labor on the economic livelihood of the small-scale horticulturists tanning along Dundori-Olkalou-Njambini road; cost of lease on the economic livelihood of the small-scale horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini road and capital input on the economic livelihood of the small scale horticulturists farming along Dundori-Olkalou-Njarnbini road. The data for this study was collected from the small scale horticulturalists. the stockists and the district agricultural officers in the area of study. The research adopted both survey and explanatory designs. The total sample size I'm this study was 35X respondents. Descriptive and explanatory statistics were used. The study established that majority of' farmers lease land for their farming, with most leasing a maximum of] acres. On cost of seeds, the study noted that the distribution and supply of the crop seeds such as cabbages, kales, couchettes, carrots and beet roots were good. The study also found that various fertilizer such as DAP, CAN and Urea, were available at varying costs. The study found out that most of small scale horticulturalists were charged interest for any credit advanced, ranging between 12(Yc) and 21 %. Most of horticulturalist depended on farmers' cooperative Society and investment group for this financial assistance. The study concluded that land, greatly determines the economic livelihood of horticultural farmers along Dundori-Olkalou-Njamhini road, as majority lease it. The researcher concluded that the costs of seeds and fertilizers determines to a great extent, the ability or farmers to produce the crops. The cost was seen to be relatively high. Further, financial support is necessary to enable the farmers' access the right quality and quantity of seeds and fertilizers. Availability of financial capital is a major hindrance in the effort to improve farmers' production and hence their economic livelihood. The study recommends that the stakeholders need to come up with policies on lowering of prices for seeds 811d fertilizers, and their distribution. Providing subsidies to the small scale horticulturists on the seeds, fertilizers and Iinancial capital will directly improve the livelihood of' the small-scale horticulturalist. The study recommended that the stakeholders explore the possibilities of farmers diversifying into other economic ventures such-livestock to improve on their incomes.