Factorial Analysis of Challenges Encountered By Smallholder Cotton Growers in Eswatini (Published)
Cotton is the second most important cash-crop in Eswatini, yet production continues to decline. This study identifies the challenges and solutions for ameliorated productivity. Data were collected through questionnaire-guided interviews from 308 growers and 5 key informants. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. The production-related challenges include drought, inflators of production cost, lack of credit, poor input and mechanical technology supply, ineffectual cooperativism and low-yielding varieties. Market-related challenges include low prices, monopsony, limited market channels and lack of value addition options. Gender, location, farm size and household size revealed significant effects on production-related challenges at p<0.01. Labour, location and age revealed significant effects on marketing-related challenges at p<0.01, and p<0.05, respectively. Identified solutions include subsidies, credit funding and high-yielding varieties under irrigated-farming. Establishment of stakeholder-inclusive regulatory organ is recommended to address the identified challenges. Further redress of cooperativism is recommended to promote cotton productivity.
Keywords: Challenges, Eswatini, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Smallholder Farmers, cotton production, perceived solutions
Government’s Strategic Responses On Management Of The Challenges Facing Small Scale Famers In Kenya. A Survey of Potato Farmers in Nyeri County (Published)
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the strategic responses by the government on the management of the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the county. The study employed the survey research design. Descriptive research was used. All the farmers in this area were targeted. The researcher used questionnaires and face-to-face interview to collect data. Data was analysed SPSS. On the provision of technical skills, affordable farm inputs, business information services, accessibility to credit and the management of the marketing challenges, the government had done very little about them
Keywords: Business Information, Challenges, Farm Inputs, Marketing, Technical Expertise