dc.description.abstract |
Urban vegetable production is critical in supplementing food, saving on food expense,
income generation and improving the livelihood of farmers. However, minimal
research has been done to establish whether youth participation in vegetable
production could improve livelihoods. This study focused on the extent of youth
participation in vegetable production towards improvement of livelihoods in
Kakamega Town, Kenya. It specifically aimed to: establish the contribution of youth
to vegetable production, assess the farming resources accessible to youth, establish
the benefit of vegetable production to livelihoods, and identify the major constraints
to vegetable production and livelihoods. This study employed the Theory of Planned
Behaviour, Sustainable Livelihood Approach and a conceptual model to understand
the problem. A survey research design was adopted whereby 159 households were
randomly selected and data was collected by use of structured questionnaires,
interview schedules, and photography. It was established that youth mainly engaged
in land preparation, planting, weeding, pest and disease control and harvesting of
vegetables mainly in the afternoon on weekdays. It was revealed that more than 90%
of the youth would continue engaging in vegetable production in future. Youth
engaged in other livelihood activities due to the higher and quick returns, interests,
academic qualifications and job satisfaction obtained. Vegetable plots were mainly
obtained through negotiation with the county government officials. Most youth were
accessible to water for irrigation. Personal savings were the main source of finance
while the farm inputs were mainly bought. Parents were the main alternative source of
labour and the extension services were mostly sought from agricultural shows. Parents
and older siblings influenced the youth to start engaging in vegetable production.
Youth participation in vegetable production enhanced food supply, saving on food
expenses, income generation and involvement in social activities. The main vegetable
production constraints included: chicken destruction of vegetable; insect pests and
diseases; vegetable theft; inadequate land and insufficient finance. Some of the
vegetable production constraints were managed by: fencing of vegetable gardens;
applying insecticides; reporting theft cases to the administration and hiring of more
land. In conclusion, youth participation in vegetable production promoted food
supply, reduction on food expenditure, income generation and participation in social
activities. It is recommended that access to farming resources should be enhanced and
production constraints minimized to promote youth participation in vegetable
production. Urban planners and scholars should focus on youth participation in
vegetable production on community lands in Kakamega or other urban centres
towards improvement of livelihoods. |
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