Population Growth as a Socio-Economic Factor Affecting Small Scale Sugarcane Farming in Bumula Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The sugar industry in Kenya is mainly supported by the small holder farmers who supply 92% of the sugarcane milled in the country. This paper considers the effect of population growth on plot sizes of arable land as a socio-economic factor that affects sugarcane farming among the small-scale farmers of Bumula Sub County, Bungoma County Kenya. The study was based on three objectives: to evaluate how population growth affects plot size of the arable land; to establish if small scale farmers know the measures for birth control and the available technology used to increase yields. Descriptive survey method was used in the study because the researcher was to collect data from members of a given population with respect to one or more variables in the study. A total of 327 farmers were sampled using stratified random sampling while five extension officers and three area leaders were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using interviews for the extension officers and area leaders while questionnaires for the farmers. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was transcribed, categorized and reported in themes relevant to the study. Findings from this research have provided recommendations to the concerned stakeholders in the sugar industry so that necessary control measures can be taken. The findings are of great importance to the sugarcane farmers, sugarcane millers, and the sugar industry in Kenya. Appropriate recommendations have been made to relevant bodies for action.