Agricultural Cooperatives Pricing Policies Effects on Small Scale Potato Farmers Livelihood Outcome in Selected Counties in Kenya

This study aimed at determining the effect of agricultural cooperatives pricing policies on small scale potato farmers livelihood outcome in selected counties in Kenya. The study was conducted in six selected counties which are: Bungoma, Nyandarua, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Markwet and Nandi, that have well established potato cooperatives and serving many small-scale farmers. The research design used by the study was study cross-sectional survey research design. Theories such as Rural livelihood framework and social capital were utilized as key theories in the study. Literature review was also undertaken and a conceptual framework that showed the link of variables was also developed. A conceptual framework Stratified sampling was used to take care of the sample from the different counties. Data was collected using collection questionnaires administered to the farmers. Interviews were also used to help collect qualitative data. The total sample for this study was 353 small scale farmers from the different cooperatives in the stated counties. Data was analyzed inform of descriptive and inferential statistics, summarized and presented using percentages, means, and standard deviations which helped present quantitative research findings. Qualitative research was also conducted and findings presented. Assessment of the relationship between agricultural cooperative policies and livelihood outcome was undertaken using regression. Correlation was also done to further asses the relationship of variables. The findings indicated that pricing policies had positive effect on the livelihood outcome of the small-scale potato farmers in the selected counties. The findings imply that for cooperatives to continually benefit their members, they must ensure that they implement these policies as envisaged in their design. Key words: Counties, Policies, Livelihood, Potato, Farmers, Small scale, Pricing