Factors influencing farmers’ access to the market on food produced on urban and peri-urbanareas of Kericho County, Kenya

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.