Abstract:
Many households are consistently turning to Urban and Peri-urban food production for consumption and
commercial purposes. However, there is limited research, if any, that has been conducted to explore the
influence of farmers’ access to the market on the food produced in this areas. A descriptive research design was
used in this study that examined factors influencing farmers access to the market on the food produced on urban
and peri-urban areas of Kericho County of kenya. The targeted population was a total of 3487 Urban and periurban agriculturalists in Kericho County. A sample of 341 Urban and peri-urban agriculturalists was sampled
using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling methods. Data was collected using a structured
and unstructured feedback form. Data werethen analysed using frequencies and proportion while hypotheses
were confirmed using Chi-square at 0.05 alpha level. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated
using SPSS Software Version 21.0. The study concluded that access to market directly correlate with household
food security in Kericho County.The study also recommends that farmers should be educated on the need to
access the markets directly within their locations. It further recommends that the county government of
Kerichoshould establish a good market network for farmers by identifying markets for local production. Finally,
comparative research studies should be conducted among different counties in Kenya to find out on how urban
and peri-urban farmers are accessing market for their produce. This is because the present study concentrated
only on towns within Kericho County.
