Commercial Soya Bean Farming and Livelihood of Members of Alito Joint Farmer’s Cooperative Society Limited: A Case of Alito Sub-County, Kole District

Abstract

Background: This study established the contribution of commercial soya bean farming to livelihood of AJFCSL with specific objectives to established the contribution of commercial soya bean farming in promoting saving culture; Strengthening social networks; building social trust; and analyzing relationship between commercial soya bean farming and family stability. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive research design and used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Conducted in Alito sub-county, a sample size of 155 respondents was considered in the study that had more farmers (96.77%) who were mainly married (74.84%) and comprising of more females (56.13%). Data was analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative study, and IBM SPSS version 23 for quantitative study from which a linear regression analysis helped in establishing how commercial soya farming contributed to social capital of farmers in Kole district. Findings: The findings reveal that saving culture is -0.2 points and -0.178 points lower among soya bean farmers who do not use modern technology and do not own storage facilities, respectively; that social network is 0.637 and 0.423 points high among farmers who cultivate soya bean on acres between 1-5 and 5-10, respectively; and is 0.326 points higher for average yields of over 6,000kgs; that social trust is -0.298 points lower among soya bean farmers who do not use of modern technology; and that family stability is 0.440 points 0.475 points higher among farmers who cultivate soya bean on between 1-5 acres and 6-10 acres. Conclusion: The study concludes that non use of appropriate technology and non-ownership of storage facilities lowers the household prospects in saving culture; that planting more acreage; and getting better yields of soya bean strengthen social networks of farmers; that non-use of modern technology reduces social trust for farmers; and that there is a positive relationship between more acreage of soya bean cultivation and family stability. Recommendations: The study recommends the introduction of subsidized tractor-hire services; building of storage facilities; and awareness creation among members of AJFCSL. Further research can be considered on the relationship between commercial soya farming and other forms of livelihood capitals of farmers. Key words: Commercial Soya Bean, Farming, and Livelihood of Members.