The Influence of Enterprise Diversification on Household Food Security Among Small-scale Sugarcane Farmers: A Case Study of Muhoroni Division, Nyando District, Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines the levels of household food security and the influence of enterprise diversification on household food security among small-scale sugarcane farmers in Muhoroni division, Nyando District, Kenya. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The population consisted of small-scale sugarcane farmers who grow sugarcane in Muhoroni zone. Proportionate sampling followed by simple random sampling was used to select a study sample of 363 farmers. Questionnaires with open and close-ended items were used to collect the data. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, the study showed that there was a strong relationship between enterprise diversification and household food security. About 47% of small-scale sugarcane farmers were found to be food secure and farm enterprise diversification contributed positively towards household food security status. The practice of enterprise diversification needs to be promoted more intensively, as it increases food security among small-scale sugarcane farmers. The paper has identified characteristics of small-scale farmers who are at risk of food insecurity and outlines the role of education and enterprise diversification in promoting food security. It is helpful to both policy makers and extension workers in understanding on-farm enterprise diversification in the balance between food and cash crops production.