FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF AGRIBUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE OF RABBIT FARMING IN KIAMBU COUNTY
Godfrey N. Karanja
Student, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
ABSTRACT
Agriculture is the most important sector of the Kenyan economy, and is dominated by a vibrant private sector comprised mainly of small and medium-sized farming and processing operations. Despite so much effort to promote the rabbit industry, economic and socio-cultural factors remains a hindrance to widespread adoption of rabbit keeping. This study therefore set out to explore the factors influencing the sluggish growth of rabbit farming on Kiambu County. Specifically, the objectives of this study were: to explore the influence of access to finance in rabbit farming, to assess the effects of agro-industrial research services in supporting rabbit farming, to examine extension services supporting rabbit farming and to establish the effects of availability of market for rabbit meat and other products. This study therefore focused on rabbit farming in Kihara Division of Kiambu County. Purposive sampling technique was employed to conduct the study amongst the rabbit farmers in Kihara Division, Kiambu County, and to select the study sample, probabilistic sampling technique was employed. A sample of 30 rabbit farmers out of possible total of 120 rabbit farmers was selected. 20 farmers representing 66.7% responded by handing in the questionnaire. Data was processed using descriptive statistics. The tools used to process data were SPSS V20 and Ms-Excel spreadsheet. The main method used to present data was frequency tables, tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study found that market availability remained the major challenge. Secondly, very little research has been done in this sector therefore; research should be undertaken by players both in the academia and industry. Most of the financial resources were generated from rabbit farmers self savings which was inadequate. There were minimal extension services. The study recommended that government should spearhead promotion campaign to create market, encourage research and extension services.
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