The Influence of Infrastructure Development on the Utilization of Markets in the Small Holder Market Access Program by Horticulture Micro Enterprises: A Case Study of Imenti South Sub County

Abstract

Agriculture underpins social economic development in Kenya. The rural economy of Kenya is driven by Agricultural micro enterprises where the small holder farmer plays a key role. Horticulture is currently the most profitable of all the Agriculture sub sectors in Kenya. The Government collaborates with development partners to develop this sub sector by designing and implementing various initiatives. Small Holder Market Access Program [SHoMAP] is such a collaboration between the Government of Kenya and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This study investigated the influence of infrastructure development on the utilization of markets in the Small Holder Market Access Program by horticulture micro enterprises in Imenti South Sub County. The case studies were Nkubu and Miruriri SHoMAP markets in Imenti South Sub County. Analysis of the findings showed that infrastructure development influences utilization of markets in the Small Holder Market Access Program by horticulture micro enterprises. It was recommended that the effects of this factor be addressed to ensure optimal utilization of SHoMAP markets and all other markets serving small holder farmers’ value chains. Further studies were recommended to understand the effect of devolution in agriculture project management.