Effects of government maize policies on structural transformation for sustainable maize farming in Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of government maize policies on structural transformation for sustainable maize farming in Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a mixed-method research approach that aimed at employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. For quantitative data, the study employed a cross-sectional research design, while for qualitative data, the phenomenological research design was employed. The study targeted a total population of 16,669 farmers. To achieve the sample size, the study used a sample size determination formula for finite populations. Both probability and nonprobability sampling methods were used to obtain the study sample. A purposive sampling procedure was used to pick a sample of 10 small-scale maize farmers and 5-Agricultural officers as key informants for in-depth interviews. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select the 237 subjects that took part in the study. Both questionnaires and an interview guide were employed for data collection. Data was validated, edited, coded, and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 and further presented using figures and tables. Chi Square test for independence was used to determine the significance of the association between the variables. Qualitative data was edited, coded, and reported using descriptive narratives. The study established a statistically significant association between government maize policies and sustainable maize farming (≤ 0.05). Government maize policies were positively related to sustainable maize farming.