Some socio-economic factors behind roadside farming in Kiambu District, Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing the continued existence and intensification of roadside farming - the growing of food, cash and fodder crops and livestock grazing - in some parts of Kikuyu and Limuru Divisions, Kiambu District, Kenya. Primary data for the study were collected through a questionnaire between November 1986 and January 1987 from a sample of 120 farmers in both districts. The results indicate that demographic factors, landlessness, unemployment, the need to grow food crops for domestic consumption and for sale to obtain cash income have motivated farmers (mainly females) to encroach on roadside reserves as a means of sustaining their livelihood. The findings of this study point to strategies such as land resettlement programmes to ameliorate the plight and constraints facing roadside farmers.