PhD in Social Transformation
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Browsing PhD in Social Transformation by Subject "THE CONTRIBUTION OF RURAL NON-FARM ENTERPRISES ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES"
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- ItemTHE CONTRIBUTION OF RURAL NON-FARM ENTERPRISES ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES: A CASE STUDY OF KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA(Tangaza University College, 2022-08-31) MUREITHI, ANN MUGUREThis study sought to investigate the contribution of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) on rural livelihood outcomes, with special reference to Kiambu County. The specific study objectives entailed determining the different kinds of RNFEs in Kiambu County that support agriculture and the relative success of each kind of these RNFEs; determining the factors influencing the success of these RNFEs from an agricultural perspective; determining the adequacy of support that government and other agencies are providing to RNFEs; and finally discovering the additional financial, technical and other support that RNFEs need to be more successful. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in this research. Simple random sampling technique was relied on to sample successful diversified small-medium enterprises from the 12 sub-counties that support agricultural activities in Kiambu County. Thus, 157,704 which were all the registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) business permit holders in Kiambu County was the total population targeted by the research. The sample size of 398 respondents was apportioned according to the population in the 12 sub-counties. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. One-on-one interview schedules and questionnaire distribution using KoBoToolbox was relied upon as the key instruments for collecting data. Questionnaires were administered to help in data collection from selected diversified small-medium enterprises, while the interview schedules came in handy in collecting key informants’ data. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were applied. Descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation) was employed in analysis of the quantitative data. Inferential statistics was used where regression and correlation tests were applied to establish the relationship between the research variables. The results indicated that the RNFEs contribution are categorized in three sectors that comprise the primary sector which are natural resources, secondary sector which involves manufacturing of goods, and the tertiary sector which makes work easier. These sectors support the agricultural sector, either directly or indirectly. They contribute to livelihood development by providing advice on best farm products and on-farm activities. The transport enterprise facilitates transportation of farm products from one area to another, while the construction enterprises avails equipment that make farm work easier. Through this contribution, farmers are able to improve the agricultural sector and the rural livelihood of the country. The results indicated that most of the rural non-farming widely covered exchange of goods and services, agro-handling, extractive, craftsman and service provision. The biggest challenge while engaging in the rural non-farm business was accessing capital. Further, most rural areas do not have access to electricity and communication networks. There was not enough support that is acquired for positive rural livelihood outcomes. The study recommended on the need to study the effect of RNFEs on Kenya’s agricultural economy as a whole which will highlight the differing effects of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) on the country’s agricultural productivity. This should be extended out in different counties. Further, an effective strategy for secure livelihoods will need to simultaneously address three components – employment opportunities, skills and job security