Land Sub-Division Effect On Agricultural Productivity In Trans-Nzoia West Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

In most societies, land forms the basis for providing and sustaining peoples’ livelihoods. In Kenya for instance, over 80% of the population derives its livelihood from land. The continued overreliance on land whether directly or otherwise has greatly increased the desire to own the same resource. This has resulted in land sub-division that has impacted greatly on agricultural productivity. Land sub-division especially in agriculturally dominated rural set-ups has been a blessing in disguise with no clear outcome on the agricultural sector. This study was therefore undertaken with a main objective of assessing the effect of land sub-division on agricultural productivity in Trans-Nzoia West sub-county. The specific objectives of the study were to: -assess the land sub-division situation in Trans-Nzoia West sub-county, examine the determinants of land sub-division in Trans-Nzoia West sub-county, and evaluate the effect of land sub-division on agricultural productivity within the sub-county. The study was guided by a conceptual framework developed by the researcher to examine the relationship between land and agricultural productivity while assessing the influence of government as well as other factors such as technology, weather conditions and demographic factors. A descriptive research design was employed and it targeted a population of 84,277 households of Trans-Nzoia West sub-county. Multi stage and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of 125 households for the study. Instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist. Data from questionnaires was subjected to SPSS software version 21 and analyzed descriptively and results obtained presented in form of tables, percentages, means, graphs and charts. Information from interview schedules was presented thematically while those from the observation schedules were presented in form of photographs. Arising from the study findings, land sub-division is indeed an evident occurrence in the study area despite the fact that it is being seen to be stabilizing over the last ten years. The sub-division is determined by a number of factors including financial, cultural and social factors. The study established that land sub-division negatively affects agricultural output. The study findings therefore underscores the need to have government intervention to enforce legislations to prevent worsening of the problem. Future studies could examine strategies that could be employed to increase agricultural output on small farm sizes.