Effects of Small Holder Maize Farmer Associations on Sustainable Maize Farming in Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Small Holder Maize Farmer Associations on structural transformation for sustainable maize farming in Kitui County, Kenya. The study used sample size determination formula for finite populations to get the sample size. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were used to obtain the study sample. Purposive sampling was administered to pick a sample of 10-small holder maize farmers and 5-agricultural officers as key informants. Stratified random sampling  was utilized to select the 237 subjects that participated in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides.  Quantitative data was validated, edited, coded, and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 and further  presented using figures and tables. The Chi Square test 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 Small Holder Maize Farmer Associations and sustainable maize farming (≤ 0.05. Qualitative findings from the interview further  revealed that there are no farmer groups and cooperatives for farmers.