Infrastructure and its Impact on Agricultural Development. A Case Study of Matsangoni Ward, Kilifi County, Kenya

Miraji Kibwana Suleiman, Dr. Beatrice Ndiga & Dr. Tiberry Nyakwana
Tangaza University College, Kenya
Mail: suleimankibwana@yahoo.com

Abstract: It is generally accepted that infrastructure can have a big impact on any kind of development. This includes agricultural development, where a good infrastructure can quickly improve the ability to convey yields to market, store it properly if required and even enhance the capacity to produce more. This study’s goal was to find out how infrastructural conditions affect development of agriculture in Matsangoni Ward., Kilifi County, Kenya. The sample size for the study, which comprised 200 farmers and one Agricultural Officer, was determined using the Yamane formula. Stratified random sampling was used. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The highest number of farmers had murram roads access but generally, farmers do not have good access roads. Lack of proper storage facilities is also a major challenge. There are no water storage facilities too. These conditions have had a slowdown effect on transformation of agriculture, in an area where the large majority of farmers are smallholders. The study can initiate policy initiatives towards addressing rural agricultural infrastructural management in Kenya. The information from this study will be disseminated to the stakeholders and wider audience through publishing the findings in various academic platforms and agricultural journals.