Interventions in Place and How They Affect the Sustainability of Cotton Production and Development in Kisumu County, Kenya

Omollo Rose Agina Atieno, Peter Gutwa Oino & Godfrey Ungaya
Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies,
School of Arts and Social Sciences, Kisii University
Email: roseagina@yahoo.com

Abstract: Cotton farming in Kenya, particularly around Lake Victoria, once flourished, producing about 100,000 bales annually and supporting numerous families. However, production has significantly declined, raising concerns about sustainability. This study assesses the effectiveness of current interventions and their impact on cotton farming sustainability in Kisumu County, Kenya. Guided by functionalism theory, the study employed a mixed-method approach with descriptive and correlational designs. A total of 293 respondents, selected from a target population of 600 farmers aged 18 to 65, participated through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Key findings revealed that 68% of respondents were aware of government interventions, yet only 52% had benefited from subsidies or support programs. While research introduced better farming techniques, only 43% of farmers adopted them due to low engagement. Policy frameworks supporting cotton farming were acknowledged by 60%, though 45% cited challenges in implementation. Cotton cooperatives improved production for 55% of farmers, but financial and infrastructural constraints remained barriers. Moreover, 62% of respondents identified inadequate training, and 58% highlighted poor market prices as key obstacles to sustainability. The study concludes that while interventions exist, they are insufficiently coordinated to ensure long-term sustainability. More comprehensive efforts in policy enforcement, farmer training, and infrastructure development are critical to revitalizing cotton farming in Kisumu County, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).