The Influence of Resource Mobilization on Aquaculture Production in Kisumu West Constituency

Abstract

James Owek Ochieng

Food and nutrition insecurity is a concern for the Kenyan government. As a result, various policy interventions have over time been implemented to deal with food and nutrition challenges within the country. Economic Stimulus program is one such intervention with specific objectives to create employment opportunities, improve nutritional status of the constituents and contribute towards rural development across the 140 selected constituencies, Kisumu West Constituency being amongst them. Despite the significant investment of resources by government, small holder aquaculture production showed a decline both nationally and within the area of study. Production within area of study was below the national average despite having suitable conditions alongside farmers being trained and capacity built on pond management skills. This awakened the necessity to evaluate the influence of resource mobilization on production of aquaculture production. The study results could inform stakeholders as agents to come up with appropriate corrective measures to address the emerging issues affecting aquaculture performance. A total of 389 farmers were administered with questionnaires in person, through the snowball sampling method from a population of 417 farmers. A descriptive research design was employed through a survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data was collected using questionnaire, key informant interviews and observation. Secondary data was collected from peer-reviewed publications, and journals. Quantitative data generated frequency tables, then analyzed to percentages, mean, Chi-square, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the variables. Qualitative data was coded to create themes and categories. Thematic analysis was done for themes and contingency tables developed for categories. The analyzed results were then presented using text, tables, pictorials and graphs. Personal-financed farms experienced better production levels and fewer dropout rates compared to those funded by the government. The study recommends that future capitation of the aquaculture smallholder farms should be modelled with a percentage of farmer own contribution towards the enterprise. To realize project effectiveness and efficiency in attaining its core objectives, the stakeholders involved should ensure end to end beneficiary funding and at the right time. The County Government should increase budgetary allocation for aquaculture and enlist extension officers for in-service training on aquaculture professional development and capacity building on resource mobilization skills. The study results would be beneficial to planners and policy makers for management and implementation of future projects and interventions.

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