Rural Non-Farm Enterprises Needs towards Positive Rural Livelihood Outcomes in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Rural non-farm activities contribute to the agricultural value chain. These activities include agro-processing, breeding, transport, distribution, marketing and retail. The need to recognise the factors that influence people to engage in diversified rural non-farm activities in the agricultural sector has been noted to be crucial, as it can act as a guide to strategising and promoting the agricultural sector. Therefore, this study sought to assess the support that RNFEs need to ensure positive rural livelihood outcomes. The study adopted an epistemology philosophy. The target population was all non-farm small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kiambu County who have prevailed by supporting agrarian related exercises. This population of RNFEs came from every one of the 12 sub-areas: Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Thika, Juja, Githunguri, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kiambaa, Kabete, Kikuyu, Lari and Limuru. The study investigated five rural non-farm undertakings occupied with the accompanying regions: agribusiness activities, rural industrialisation ventures, transport services, the travel industry activities and development ventures. The study used questionnaires and interview guides for primary data collection. The inferential model indicated that there was a strong relationship between government and farmers. Many enterprises were not able to obtain finances for start-up businesses and/or expansion of their businesses. The main contributory factors to rural livelihood outcomes were (a) to have access to income and (b) to be able to gain employment. RNFEs is a way of improving rural infrastructure development, which allows production and growth of basic goods and services. Forms of government support that have been experienced include legislation, financing, empowerment of the marginalised and improvement of infrastructure, with the most important support coming from improvement of infrastructure. The major support that RNFEs are able to access are improvement of infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and learning institutions, which enable quick development and growth. The study further recommends on the need for a support mechanism procedure for RNFEs. The study recommended on availability of cheap loans with low interest rates for farmers. The lending interest rates were unaffordable for RNFEs, thus making it challenging for the growth of rural livelihood outcome from an entrepreneurship perspective.