The Influence of Selected Factors of Motivation on Women’s Participation in Contract Sugar Cane Farming in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Challenges facing women are a major source of inequality often discriminating against them specifically in the agricultural labour market. Unless women farmers in households are motivated to be actors in contract farming activities and programs, the impact of such interventions remain insignificant in transforming their lives and the lives of others.As the contribution of women in contract farming diminishes in the rural households where they form the majority in crop production within the regional and national economy, family livelihoods are severely affected. This paper examines the influence of selected factors on women’s participation in contract sugarcane farming in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study used cross-sectional design. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 118 women engaged in contract sugarcane farming in the households.  In addition, two-focus discussion groups (FGDs) each comprising eight women were selected purposively. Data was collected using interviews and FGD guides. The validity and reliability of the instruments were ascertained using content validity and Cronbach’s coefficient alpha respectively. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the study indicated that most of the women were highly influenced by property ownership, membership in advocacy bodies, and representation in investment institutions with a significance of 0.000, 0.000 and 0.000 respectively. The study recommends that sound policies and mechanisms by sugar Industry management and government be adopted. This would serve to ensure that the energy of women that is directed into contract sugarcane farming to upscale Industry production indeed benefits the women’s livelihoods at household level.

Keywords: Women, contract sugarcane farming, households, livelihoods, participation