Social Status as a Determinant of Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Information Chuka Sub-County, Kenya: A Case Study

Abstract

Aim: The study was intended to generate information that would clarify the likelihood of farmers in Chuka Sub-County to access agricultural information based on their social status. Study Design: Using correlational research design, data was collected through an expert-reviewed semi-structured questionnaire. Place and Duration of study: Chuka Sub-county and was conducted between April and May, 2024. Methodology: The study involved a sample of 377 farmers. Out of the 377 farmers who participated in the research, 197 were male (52.0%), and 180 were female (48%). The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression via SPSS. Results: The study revealed that most respondents were of average social status. This is because 53.2% had either secondary or college education and 50.6% owned between 3.0 and 6.9 acres. The social status of the farmer (educational level, farm size, and farm income) had a significant association with access to agricultural information, F (3, 373) = 9.81, p = 0.05, R2 = 0.07. Conclusion: Social status predicted access to agricultural information. The social statuses of the farmers in the sub-county were generally low as indicated by farm size and income. Farmers are thus encouraged to improve their social status through land registration, diversifying income sources, adult education, and acquiring agricultural funds.