Understanding Factors Leading to Farmer Non-compliance with Agri-food Safety Regulations in Kenya: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study that examined the factors that influence farmers’ compliance decisions concerning agri-food safety laws in Kenya. A total of 160 farmers in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya were surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Twelve variables were used to test the associations between farmer demographics, instrumental and normative factors as independent variables and agri-food safety regulatory compliance as dependent variable. Regression analysis revealed that deterrence factors, farmer training and extension services, and legitimacy factors are significantly related to farmers’ compliance with agri-food safety regulations. These findings suggest that regulators should not only focus on enforcing and tightening regulations but also improve the provision of training and information on agri-food safety regulations for farmers. Furthermore, additional efforts should be directed to making laws simpler, clearer, relevant and appropriate for farmers.