Between Policy and Practice – a qualitative study on smallholder commercialization in Chepareria and Kongelai, West Pokot (Kenya)

摘要: In Kenya, the commercialization of smallholder agriculture has become an inte¬gral part national strategy to address problems economic and food poverty. Despite extensive governmental efforts promote transition smallhold¬ers from subsistence-based commercially-oriented livelihoods, a broad based transformation sector not yet materialized. The thesis is on empirical case study in semi-arid areas Chepareria Konge¬lai (West Pokot County, Kenya). Between September October 2014, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions participant observations were conducted order understand why smallholders research area have poorly responded commercialize agriculture. addi¬tion, explores role community relation dynamics smallholder’s level. Based analysis qualitative data, it argued that governments been unable create enabling environment for commercialize. persistence often rain-fed production sys-tems makes livelihoods highly vulnerable climate shocks environment. addition, low towards com-mer¬cial are also linked lack willingness change small-holder’s At present, many seem perce¬ive market-oriented as risk rather than opportunity. Address¬ing these challenges imperative bring about lasting change.