MARKET ACCESSIBILITY AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY: THE CASE OF KEIYO NORTH SUB- COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) is increasingly regarded as a sustainable agricultural enterprise with notable social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is considered a promising strategy for improving food and nutritional security, fostering gender inclusion, and reducing poverty in rural Kenya, particularly in counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet. Due to their adaptability, low input requirements, and cultural acceptability, IC are well-suited for smallholder farmers. However, market access for IIC products remains fragmented and transient. This study evaluated the accessibility of IIC markets and adoption levels among smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County, focusing on Keiyo North Sub- County across three topographic zones. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 816 farmers, with 371 sampled using stratified sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and regression analysis. The findings revealed that 76% of respondents had access to breed information, and adoption was significantly associated with factors such as education, gender, household size, and agriculture-based income. While most farmers practiced regular feeding, the high cost of commercial feeds (reported by 68.1%), disease burden, and limited veterinary access constrained productivity. Only 45% had direct contact with poultry buyers, and market prices varied significantly by location and season. PCA results demonstrated a strong relationship between market access and the adoption of improved IIC practices, underlining the role of structured markets and extension services in enhancing uptake. Economic Resources (β = 0.314) had the strongest positive influence, suggesting that farmers with greater financial capacity, land, and education were more likely to adopt improved practices. Production Practices (β = 0.278) and Market Access (β = 0.211) also had significant positive effects, emphasizing the importance of technical knowledge and access to reliable markets. Disease Control (β = 0.167), though relatively weaker, remained a significant factor, highlighting the need for enhanced veterinary extension and vaccination programs. Despite the potential of IIC farming to boost household income, nutrition, and resilience to climate shocks, barriers such as unstructured markets, limited access to market information, and inadequate disease control reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends that county governments intensify extension outreach, support local feed formulation, improve veterinary services, and structure poultry markets to scale adoption and maximize the socio-economic benefits of improved indigenous chicken farming.