Effect of Farm Input Facilitation of Non-Governmental Organization Agricultural Credit Facilitation on Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/jde.2963Keywords:
Farm Input Facilitation, Food Security, Smallholder Farmers, Agricultural, Credit Facilitation, Non-Governmental OrganizationAbstract
Purpose: The uniqueness of agricultural sector and perception of the sector as high-risk by financial institutions cut off the smallholder farmers from the much-needed agricultural credit financial services. The difficulty in accessing and absence of customized agricultural credit financing products for smallholder farmers is characterized by high level of uncertainty resulting from drought, unreliable input, price fluctuations, screening models, and lack of storage facilities compels the traditional commercial banks to shy away from availing agricultural credit and in the rarest circumstance charge high interest rate.
Methodology: This study examined the effect of farm input facilitation of non-governmental organizations agricultural credit facilitation on food security among smallholder farmers in Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 343 smallholder farmers selected through purposive and stratified proportionate sampling from a population of 417,494 farmers registered under One Acre Fund across seven counties of Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisii, Siaya Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia. This Study is predominantly grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and the Transaction Cost Theory. These theories provide a comprehensive understanding of how farm input facilitation influence household food security in Kenya. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework emphasizes the role of livelihood assets in achieving food security while Transaction Cost Theory explains how the reduction of logistical and transaction barriers in farm input facilitation increases productivity, thereby improving food security.
Findings: Descriptive results showed general agreement that inputs are timely available, certified, and of acceptable quality, though affordability remains a concern. Correlation findings indicated a positive association between quality of input and meal frequency (r = 0.141, p < 0.01), while input availability was negatively associated with children’s food availability (r = -0.210, p < 0.01). Regression results revealed that the model for children’s food availability was significant (F = 6.970, p = 0.001; R² = 0.039), with quality of input positively influencing food security (β = 0.139, p = 0.011) and availability of input exerting a negative effect (β = -0.172, p = 0.002). The adult model was not significant. The study concludes that while access to quality farm inputs enhances food security, financial constraints associated with acquiring inputs may reduce short-term household food access, particularly for children. The findings highlight the need for integrated interventions that balance input access with household consumption needs.
Recommendations: The study recommends enhancing local farm input production and distribution systems to ensure affordability to improve food security through affordable farm input access. Additional research on farm input facilitation could focus on exploring the relationship between the manufacture and local production of agricultural inputs and their availability and accessibility to smallholder farmers.
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