Rural Non-Farm Enterprises Supporting the Agricultural Sector and their Relative Success in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Rural areas encounter numerous challenges, which include poverty, food insecurity and unemployment. Declining productions in agribusiness plays a critical impact in having more individuals to partake in agricultural non-farm activities in the rural area to support their livelihoods. This study sought to identify the different kinds of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) that support the agricultural sector in Kiambu County and their relative success. Ann epistemology philosophy was adopted. 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 findings indicated that what made most of RNFEs to begin the business was to bring in cash and utilized as a type of revenue. The study correlation results between the diversity of RNFEs that support the agricultural sector and rural livelihood outcome was positive and significant. The regression model depicted a positive and significant relationship between the various kinds of RNFEs that support the agricultural sector and rural livelihood outcomes. The inferential statistics demonstrated that the relationship between various types of RNFEs that help the effect of country non-farm undertakings on rural business results are significant. Therefore, is the study concluded that the help of RNFEs occupied with farming does affect rural business results in rural regions. Besides operating related rural-based commercial activities including agro-processing and ancillary commercial, it is possible to introduce activities to provide services to facilitate the adjoining agricultural commercial activities such as sale of fertilisers, insecticides or improved seeds. Keywords: Rural Non-Farm Enterprises, Agricultural Sector, Kiambu County, Kenya