Influence of Seed Cotton Marketing on Cotton Production among Smallholder Farmers in Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme, Kenya
Keywords:
Cotton Marketing, Cotton Production, Cotton Seeds, Seed Cotton, Smallholder.Abstract
Kenyan smallholder cotton production has remained low despite the spirited effort to revive the sector. Several factors combined seem to be responsible for this perpetual low production. Among the factors are constraints ranging from, inadequate extension services, limited access to information on production and poor marketing systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate how seed cotton marketing influence cotton production among smallholder farmers in Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme. The study utilized descriptive survey research design to collect data from farm households, while secondary data was collected from government agencies in the Scheme. The study population was all smallholder cotton farmers in Bura Irrigation Scheme. Proportionate simple random sampling method was used to select 120 farmers who were included in the study.
Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data using Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.0. The findings showed that on channels of marketing, all the respondents sell their seed cotton individually. All of the respondents admitted that seed cotton brokers exist within the scheme and 67% indicated that they have sold seed cotton to brokers. 63% indicated that they do so since brokers are usually available to buy.
80% of the respondents indicated that they do encounter several challenges during marketing. 61% of the respondents recommended that a ginnery should be established within the Scheme. 98% of the respondents stated that the current price of seed cotton offered in the market has led to the decline in cotton production. Analysis of secondary data revealed that an increase in the price of seed cotton would result into an increase in cotton production. The study revealed that the selling price of seed cotton had a significant impact on cotton production. Lack of storage and ginning facilities enhanced the activities of brokers.
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