Determinants of Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Maize Production Among Smallholder Farmers for Enhanced Food Security in Bungoma-North Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Maize production plays a critical role in enhancing food security, income generation, and rural livelihoods in Kenya. Smallholder farmers contribute a substantial proportion of national maize output, yet their productivity remains below potential due to various socioeconomic constraints. This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing maize production among smallholder farmers in Bungoma-North Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya, with a view to enhancing food security. The study was guided by the Theory of Production, which explains how variations in production inputs and resources influence agricultural output. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting smallholder maize farmers within Naitiri, Mbakalo, and Kabuyefwe wards. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The socioeconomic variables examined included credit accessibility, land ownership, labor availability, educational attainment, income levels, and demographic characteristics. Findings revealed that socioeconomic factors significantly influenced maize production among smallholder farmers. Access to credit enhanced the ability of farmers to purchase improved inputs and adopt modern farming technologies. Household income levels positively influenced investment in agricultural production, while educational attainment improved farmers’ capacity to adopt recommended agronomic practices. Land ownership and farm size were also found to significantly affect maize yields due to their influence on production scale and resource allocation. Regression analysis demonstrated that socioeconomic factors significantly predicted maize production outcomes, indicating that improvements in access to financial resources, education, labor, and productive assets could substantially increase maize productivity and strengthen household food security. The study concludes that socioeconomic factors remain fundamental determinants of maize production among smallholder farmers and should be prioritized in agricultural development programs. The study recommends strengthening rural credit systems, promoting farmer education and training, improving access to agricultural inputs, and supporting income-generating activities that enhance farmers’ production capacity. These interventions would contribute significantly to sustainable maize production and improved food security in Bungoma-North Sub-County and similar agricultural regions.