Determinants influencing sustainability of agricultural projects: a case of Mwala Sub county, Machakos county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants influencing sustainability of agricultural projects in Mwala Sub County, Machakos County by looking at the extent at which these variables influences sustainability of agricultural projects. These include: how credit access influences sustainability of agricultural projects; to establish how input supply influences sustainability of agricultural projects; to establish how training influences sustainability of agricultural projects and to determine how adoption of technologies influences sustainability of agricultural projects in Mwala Sub County, Machakos County. Kenya’s agriculture is mainly rain-fed and is entirely dependent on the bimodal rainfall in most parts of the country. Kenya’s agriculture is predominantly small-scale farming mainly in the high-potential areas. Production is carried out on farms averaging 0.2–3 ha, mostly on a commercial basis. This small-scale production accounts for 75 per cent of the total agricultural output and 70 per cent of marketed agricultural produce. In Mwala Sub-County of Machakos County, agriculture is relatively low compared to other parts of the country due to the aridity of the land, only 10.5 per cent can be used for crop production, and only 3 per cent is considered high potential land.45 per cent of the population suffer under the yoke of poverty and starvation not just because of failed rains but because of poor planning and lack of farmer’s unity. To achieve this purpose, a descriptive survey research design was carried out. The target population of this study was 275 farmer groups because they are well organized with rules and regulations to govern them with a membership of 7150 farmers, consisting of a sample of 74 farmers. Primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaire which was administered by drop and pick methods. Data from questionnaires was summarized, coded, tabulated and analyzed. Editing was done to improve the quality of data for coding. Coded data was then fed into the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Linear Regression Analysis was used to determine the relationship between the variables and sustainability of agricultural projects in Mwala sub-county Machakos County. The study found out that it is not that the area under study does not have enough rainfall but it is the farmers who do not have enough finances to buy the necessary farm inputs, certified seeds, the right skills, and do not adopt the new technologies which farmers are using to increase harvest in their farms. Multiple regression analysis was conducted as to determine the relationship between sustainability of agricultural projects and the four variables: Y = 0.260 + 0.512X1 + 0.170X2 + 0.051X3 + 0.048X4. The study recommends that more trainings to farmers by extension officers needs to be conducted as way of building their capacity thus increased productivity also it is through the trainings where farmers can be able to learn about new technologies this adopting to save time and money while increasing on production hence realizing higher profits. Finally a credible financial institution or a farmers’ Sacco needs to be brought on board to give credit to farmers to purchase farm inputs and also expand their acreages under farming