DETERMINANTS OF INTENSITY OF SOYBEAN COMMERCIALIZATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BUTERE, KENYA

Abstract

Research background: Soybean commercialization plays a vital role in enhancing the livelihoods, and income of small-scale farmers. Despite the government efforts to boost agricultural commercialization in Kenya, the intensity of soybean commercialization in the Butere Sub-County has remained low for unknown reasons. Purpose of the article: This study investigates factors influencing the intensity of soybean commercialization in Butere Sub-county with an aim of recommending policies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the soybean commercialization process to improve rural livelihoods as well as realize major economic goals. Methods: A sample of 201 smallholder soybean farmers was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Face to face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a double hurdle regression model. Findings & Value added: The results revealed a relatively low soybean commercialization level (56.72 %) among soybean-producing households in the study area with schooling years, the number of extension contacts, and total land size under soybean production positively and significantly influencing soybean commercialization decisions. Similarly, schooling years, the number of extension contacts, and total land size under soybean production positively and significantly determined the intensity of soybean commercialization. The study, therefore, recommends equitable access to agricultural resources by all gender, the creation of exclusive land ownership rights, and the structuring and strengthening of the extension system.

Keywords

• soybean
• intensity
• commercialization
• double hurdle model