Factors influencing the quality of hides and skins, a case of Kajiado County of Kenya

Abstract

Hides, skins and leather industry is one of the key agricultural sub-sectors in Kenya and has a high potential towards commodity development that has a positive economic-socio trickle effect on rural development, wealth creation and employment. Full potential of the sector is yet to be realized in Kenya and other Africa countries due to poor quality of raw hides and skins leading to low demand for semi-processed leather in both domestic and export markets. Most pastoralists still view hides and skins as by-product, therefore yet to maximize income from the sale it This study investigated factors contributing to poor quality of hides and skins in Kajiado County and suggest possible actions for improving quality to meet the needs of domestic and export markets, hence improve income for pastoralist in the County. A survey was used to collect and collate data. Data processing, analysis included data preparation~ editing, coding, classification and analysis were carried out. The returned questionnaires were checked for consistency, cleaned, and the useful ones coded and analyzed using MS excel computer software. The researcher analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statistics and presented through percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. The study found that all the independent variables were significantly affecting the quality of hides and skin in Kajiado County. As part of improving the quality of hides and skins in the County, the research has made recommendations to be effected which includes: policy review, capacity building for local farmers and further studies on value addition.