Market Participation of Smallholder Pigeon Pea Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya

This study sought to assess the factors that influence market participation of the smallholder pigeon pea farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. A stratified sampling procedure was used to obtain information from 198 respondents and the information was captured through the use of a structured questionnaire. Results show that 70% of the farmers in the study participated in the market as sellers. A Tobit Model was used to analyse the socio economic and institutional factors affecting participation. The results revealed that gender of household head, household size, off-farm income, price, membership to a farmer’s organization and access to market information influenced market participation. This study recommends first, the intensified use of improved pigeon pea cultivar to increase the marketable surplus. Secondly, strengthening and transformation of the existing farmer organisations into marketing groups so as to enhance market linkages to more lucrative markets and reduce transaction costs. Thirdly, investment in telecommunication platforms so as to ensure timely market information such as price, quantities and varieties required are disseminated to the farmers e.g. through mobile phones. Keywords: market participation, smallholder farmers, pigeon pea DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-16-12 Publication date : August 31 st 2019