CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINANTS OF SMALLHOLDER PIGEON PEA FARMERS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Pigeon pea is a protein-rich legume grown in semi-arid areas. It ranks third among the pulses in Kenya and grows in different climates and soils. Characterizing pigeon pea farmers is important in formulating relevant policies for the farmers who differ from farmer to farmer. The study aimed at examining the characteristics of smallholder pigeon pea farmers. Using a cross-sectional survey of 310 pigeon pea farmers in Machakos, Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis were used to characterize the pigeon pea farmers and to identify their determinants. Results showed that farmers could be grouped into three clusters described as low agricultural production, average agricultural production, and high agricultural production farmers. The clusters were mainly shaped by variations in main occupation, type of roads, distance to the market, land size, source of agricultural information, and group membership. The study recommends reforms in land ownership policies that would increase financial accessibility and the infrastructure required by smallholder pigeon pea farmers.

Keywords

• pigeon pea farmers
• characterization
• principal component analysis
• cluster analysis
• determinants
• variation