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Socioeconomic and farm Structure Characteristics of Potato Farmers
in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya
Yegon Fancy Chepkemoi
University of Eldoret
DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.1010000095
Received: 10 October 2025; Accepted: 15 October 2025; Published: 10 November 2025
ABSTRACT
It is vital to understand the socio-economic characteristics of farmers as it aids in solving multiple challenges
that farmers undergo. This study analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of potato farmers in Kuresoi North
Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select 395 smallholder potato farmers who participated in the
household survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic data from the
respondents. STATA version 15.0 aided in analyzing data and results presented in the form of frequencies,
percentages and charts. The results posited that farmers were middle-aged (a mean of 49 years), experienced in
potato farming (11 years on average), and literate with basic secondary education (11 years on average). They
possess a household land size of 1.6 hectares with 0.71 hectares dedicated to potato farming. Most farmers (77%)
were married. Aside potato production, farmers practiced livestock keeping (67.59%) and production of other
crops (4.56%). Only few farmers, 19.24% accessed certified seeds while the rest purchased seeds from open-air
markets and neighbors. A large proportion of farmers (72.15%) diversified their agricultural production with
27.85% sticking to potato production. The observed socio-economic profile posit that farmers are literate,
experienced and diversified. However, there is need to capacity build farmers to venture into profit-oriented off-
farm activities such as value addition which will enhance their earnings.
Moreover, farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives that will simplify access to high-quality inputs
and ready market that will further translate to better productivity and profitability.
Keywords: Socio-economic characteristics, smallholder farmers, agricultural diversification, value-addition,
Kuresoi North
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture plays a crucial role in contributing greatly to job creation, rural livelihoods and food security. The
sector contributes up to 33% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) directly and a further 27%
indirectly via linkages with other sectors including manufacturing, trade and transport [1]. Agriculture remains
the primary source of income in the rural areas for over 70% of households, most of whom are smallholder
farmers managing less than 2 hectares of land [2]. As it stands, more than ten million people suffer from severe
food insecurity and dietary inadequacy where an approximately 3 million people on average require urgent food
supply at a given point in time [3].
Potato stands out as the second most important food crop after maize in the country, both in terms of production
and consumption with more than 800,000 small-holder farmers involved in its production [4]. Amongst the
areas dominated by potato farming are the Rift Valley region, Central Kenya and parts of the Eastern region.
Within the Rift Valley Region is Nakuru County which is among the potato-producing counties. Many parts in
the county produce an average yield of 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare whereas the potential yields under favorable
conditions are estimated as 25 tonnes per hectare using improved agronomic practices [5].
Kuresoi North Sub County, one of the sub counties in Nakuru county has been acknowledged as a key potato
growing zone owing to its conducive agro-ecological conditions i.e. reliable rainfall, cool temperatures and
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fertile volcanic soils. The sub county is largely dominated by smallholder farmers who rely greatly on potato
farming both for household food security and cash income [6]. Despite potato being of great essence, its farming
has remained underexploited both in Kuresoi North and Kenya at large. The crop’s yields have continually fallen
below the potential levels owing to a myriad of factors including; improper soil fertility management practices,
high production input costs, inadequate access to certified inputs (seeds), susceptibility to diseases and poorly
structured marketing systems [7].
These mentioned challenges are not solely technical, they are strongly associated with the socio economic and
farm structure characteristics of farmers including; age, gender, education level, household size, access to
extension services, land tenure system, farming experience and gender. For instance, while a large household
tends to provide cheap and available labour, they end up placing higher demands on food consumption [8].
Several studies have put forward the aspects of agronomic, economic and marketing of potato with only few
systematically profiling socioeconomic and farm structure characteristics of farmers, specifically in Kuresoi
North sub-county. This less-researched area is very essential in understanding the diversity of potato farmers
across various regions and thus aids in coming up with targeted interventions addressing various farmer category
needs [9].
Moreover, absence of this knowledge may render interventions being generalized and thus lacking effectiveness
in addressing unique challenges affecting farmers in diverse socio-economic conditions. This study thus focuses
on the socio-economic and farm structure characteristics of potato farmers in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru
County. By assessing demographic factors, farmers’ asset base, agricultural practices and access to institutional
support, the study looks forward to providing empirical insights into the prevailing conditions of potato farming.
Findings from this study will inform not only academic literature but will also play a significant role in shaping
policies aimed at enhancing potato productivity, profitability and sustainability in the country’s most important
potato-growing zones.
METHODOLOGY
Area of study
The study was done in Kuresoi North Sub-County. It is one of the administrative units lying within Nakuru
County with a land size of 618.1sq.kms. The sub-county has an aggregate population of 175,074 and a population
growth rate of 3.5% per annum as per the 2019 census results [10]. It is located on the west Mau escarpment and
borders Molo constituency to the East, Kuresoi South to the south-east, Kipkelion East to the west and Eldama
Ravine to the north [11]. The sub-county exhibits temperate climatic conditions favoring agricultural production,
in particular, horticultural crops and temperate fruits, including; cabbage, kale, peas, plums and pears [12]. The
average altitude in the area is 2500m above sea level [13].
Table I Kuresoi North Sub-County Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs)
Altitude (meters)
Avg Rain (mm)
Temp (⁰C)
AEZs areas
2400-2700
1500-1800
8⁰C-18⁰C
Forest, Kiptororo,
2100-2400
1300-1500
10⁰C -28⁰C
Kamara, Kuresoi,
Source: Kuresoi North Sub-County Agricultural Reports
Potatoes do well in areas with an altitude of 1500-2800 meters above sea level, under well-distributed rainfall
patterns ranging between 850-1400 mms per annum, with a temperature range of 16-20⁰C for tuber development
[14]. The soils supporting excellent performance of potatoes should be well-drained, loamy-sandy soils with a
PH of 5-6.5 that are rich in organic matter concentration [15].
This therefore makes Kuresoi North one of the suitable areas supporting the growth of potatoes.
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Page 1118
Figure 1 Area of Study Map. Source: Modified from (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission)
IEBC 2013
Research design
The study adopted a descriptive design. A descriptive research design often aims to precisely describe a
phenomenon, population or situation [16]. It will therefore, allow for the description of socio-economic factors
attributed to the potato farmers at a given point in time [17].
One of the benefits attached to this study design is that it coincides with the cross-sectional research data which
enables the researcher to make comparisons amongst a large number of variables at the same time or at a specific
point in time.
Target population
The study focused mainly on potato farmers in Kuresoi North Sub County. Kuresoi North Sub County was
selected precisely since it is a major producer and a potential area for potato production. According to the
Ministry of Agriculture, Kuresoi Sub County 2023, there are approximately 23,949 potato farmers in the sub
county which made up the target population for this study.
Sample size determination
The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula as it is suitable for determining samples from large
populations [18].
n =
N
1 + N(e
2
)
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n = 23949/1+23949(0.05
2
) = 393. 4289≈ 394 farmers
The sample size in each ward was determined as shown
Table II Sample Size Determination
S.No
Ward
Population of farmers
Sample size
1
Kamara
5,686
94
2
Kiptororo
9,150
150
3
Sirikwa
5,800
95
4
Nyota
3,313
55
Total
23,949
394
Source: Author
Sampling Procedure
Kuresoi North Sub-county was first stratified into its administrative wards. Proportionate sampling was then
employed to determine the number of farmers to be selected from each ward. Finally, simple random sampling
was used to select individual respondents within each ward.
Data collection instruments
Both primary and secondary data were gathered to meet the objective of this study. Primary data was collected
using a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews. Secondary data was collected from previous studies and
reports conducted by scholars and institutions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Continuous variables
Table II Sampled Potato Farmers’ Socio-Economic Characteristics
Variable
n
Mean
Std. Dev.
Min
Max
Age (years)
395
49.02
13.0
18
80
Potato farming years
395
11.89
7.58
1
40
Household size (number)
395
6.61
2.39
1
16
Education years
395
11.04
2.86
1
20
Household land size (ha)
395
1.60
1.03
0.05
8.09
Potato land size (ha)
395
0.71
0.47
0
4.04
From the results, the mean age of potato farmers was 49years ranging from 18 to 80 years with a standard
deviation of 13.04years.These findings coincided with those of [19] , [20] and [21] who reported that majority
of their respondents were middle-aged. In contrast, [22] posited that sampled potato farmers had an average age
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of 39years suggesting that a majority of them were at their prime stages of life.
However, from the current study results, the majority of potato farmers in the study area were experienced and
in their mid-years. The survey results put forward that farmers had 12years of experience on average in potato
farming. Similar results were reported by [23] and [24] who obtained the farmers’ years of experience to be 13
and 12 respectively.
The more experienced a farmer is in agricultural production, the higher the possibility of an increase in
production. This will further translate to better decision-making with regards to farming thus minimizing losses.
The number of family members on average was found to be 7. [25], [26]and [27] reported similar results of
seven family members on average among the sampled potato farmers. However, these results were contrasted
by [28] who obtained a mean of 3 members per household. Family size is very key as it plays a critical role in
providing family labour. This in extension implied that a farmer’s household size may have an influence on the
production level via labour supply. On average, farmers possessed 11 years of formal education indicating a
literate group with secondary education where the least and most learned farmers had 1 and 16 years of study
respectively.
This further portrayed the presence of basic education among the sampled potato farmers. [29] presented similar
results emphasizing on the vitality of education in farming as it enhances decision making. However,
controversial results were depicted by [30] who obtained an average of 8 years of study suggesting an attainment
of primary education. The household land size on average was obtained to be 1.6ha, implying that the farmers
in the area of study were practicing small-scale farming. These findings coincided with those of [31] who posited
that on average, farmers possessed an average household land size of 2 hectares.
From an average land size of 1.6ha, these farmers dedicated 0.71ha, on average, to potato farming explaining
how essential it is to venture into potato production. These results were concurrent with those of [32] and
[20]who revealed that 66.7% and 40.8% of the sampled farmers respectively 0.8ha of their land to potato
production.
Categorical variables
Gender of the respondents: The highest number of respondents were male constituting 71% of the farmers
while only 21% were female as depicted in figure 2.
Fig. 2 Gender of the respondents.
Despite the females being much involved in agricultural production, they have considerably less access to
resources and essential services thus impeding their increased productivity and income-earning capacity. [33]
who obtained the male percentage to be 89.3 and just 10.7% being females presented similar arguments.
Female
29%
Male
71%
GENDER
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Marital status of the respondents: Figure 3 indicates the marital status of the farmers where majority (303)
being married and the least number of farmers (4) as being divorced.
Fig. 3 Marital status of the respondents
Married couples play a crucial role in farming as they aid each other in decision-making as well as spreading
risks involved in production. They further utilize additional labour for enhanced profitability. These results
concur with those put forward by [34] and [35]who realized that a large proportion of the sample farmers were
married.
Land under potato farming: The findings as depicted by table 4 indicate that a majority of the farmers (365)
cultivated potatoes on their own pieces of land with just 30 of them renting in land for potato production.
Table III Land Under Potato Production
Land under potato production
Frequency
Percent
Rented land
30
7.59
Own land
365
92.41
Total
395
100
Large portions of land being allocated to potato farming out of the total household land indicated how crucial
potatoes were to the farmers in the area of study. A Similar argument was put forward by [36] who posited that
92.7% of the farmers carried out potato farming on their own land while only 7.3% of the sampled potato farmers
rented in land for potato production.
Land ownership: A large proportion of farmers (88.1%) claimed ownership of their lands via title deeds with
only 11.9% missing title deeds. This is illustrated clearly by the results in figure 4.
39
303
49
4
395
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Single Married Widowed Separated/divorced Total
Marital status
Frequency
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Fig. 4 Land Ownership status
Possession of title deeds eases farmers’ ability to access credit facilities thus enhancing their productivity which
translates to increased returns [37] and [38].
The results obtained were in agreement with those of [39], [40], [41] and [42] who further emphasized the vitality
of cultivating lands with title deeds.
Use of certified seeds: The results presented in table 5 indicate the ability of potato farmers to access certified
potato seeds.
Table IV The Use of Certified Seeds
Certified seeds
Frequency
Percent
Lack of access
319
80.76
Access
76
19.24
Total
395
100
A majority of the farmers, 80.76% were not in a position to access certified seeds with only 19.24% reaping
bumper harvests from cultivating certified potato seeds.
This is an indicator of a critical challenge in addressing poor agricultural productivity and food insecurity. It
therefore exercabate the already worsened state of poor yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases. [43]
presented similar results where only 36% of the farmers were in a position to access certified seeds indicating
how challenging it was for the potato producers.
Engagement in other farming activities: The results in table 6 illustrate the rate at which farmers engaged in
other farming activities other than potato production.
Table V Engagement in Other Farm Activities
Other farm activities
Frequency
Percent
Animal production
267
67.59
Withouttitle deed
Withtitle deed
0
200
400
Frequency Percent
47
11.9
348
88.1
Land ownership
Withouttitle deed Withtitle deed
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Crop production
18
4.56
285
72.15
No other farm activities
110
27.85
Total
365
100
It is presumed that up to 72.15% (285) of the farmers were in a position to get involved in other farm activities
with only 27.85% concentrating on potatoes.
Amongst those that ventured into additional farm duties, the lion’s share was taken by animal production with
67.59% of the farmers and only 4.56% engaging in the production of other crops alongside potatoes. Similar
results were presented by [44] and [45] thus placing more emphasis on the essentiality of diversified agriculture.
Involvement in off-farm economic activities: The extent to which sampled farmers took part in off-farm
economic activities is as stipulated in table 7.
Table VI Off-Farm Economic Activities
Business
Informal
Formal employment
Frequency
Percent
No
No
No
145
36.71
No off-farm
145
36.71
No
No
Yes
19
4.81
No
Yes
No
5
1.27
Yes
No
No
173
43.8
Yes
No
Yes
46
11.65
Yes
Yes
No
6
1.52
Yes
Yes
Yes
1
0.25
Off-farm
250
63.29
Total
395
100
It was revealed from the findings that quite a significant portion of the farmers were in a position to venture into
other economic activities aside from farming. The majority of the growers, 250 (63.29%) managed to take part
in off-farm economic activities while 36.71% of them just majored on agricultural production. Very few of them
19 (4.81%) were formally employed.Quite a number of them 46 (11.65%) were formally employed and in
business. Those who managed to take part in informal economic activities were 5 (1.27%). Several famers
majored on doing business and this constituted (173) 43.8% of the respondents.
Just one farmer (0.25%) managed to take part in informal economic activities and business in addition to being
formally employed. Similar arguments were put forward by [46], [47] and [48] who placed more emphasis on
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the criticality of diversified income sources as it aids in cushioning risks and losses.
Mean potato production/ha per ward: Results depicted in figure 5 display the quantity (in 50kg bags) of
potatoes produced per ha in each ward in the area of study.
Fig. 5 Mean potato production/ha per ward
Sirikwa had the highest number of bags produced per ha constituting approximately 17 bags. From that, Sirikwa
was rated as the most productive with Kiptororo depicting least productivity with only 8.03 bags per ha.
However, this output was way much below the standard output of potato production per ha which is often
expected to be 64.75 (50kg bags) per ha as opined by [49].
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study assessed the socio-economic and farm structure characteristics of potato farmers in Kuresoi North
sub-county, Nakuru county. The results put forward that potato farming in the region is largely composed of
middle-aged, literate farmers with substantial farming experience.
Farmers had 12 years of potato farming experience on average, reflecting deep knowledge in the venture. An
average of seven members was obtained for each household posting a high potential for family labour availability
to support farming activities.
An average of 1.6 hectares was the size of landholdings, with 0.7 hectares dedicated to potato production thus
placing the crop at a crucial position in the study area. Seventy-one percent of the potato farmers were men
highlighting persistent gender disparities in access to and control over productive resources. With 88% of farmers
holding title deeds is a clear indication that access to credit was not a toll order. However, the remaining 12%
had a limited ability to leverage land for financial services. A total of 81% of the farmers relied on uncertified
seeds making it a key constraint to potato productivity. In extension, potato yield was significantly undermined
as it exposed farmers to the risk of pests and diseases.
Potato productivity levels varied across wards with Sirikwa and Kiptororo being the most and least productive
wards respectively. However, production was below national and research station averages indicating intra-
regional variability and an overall productivity gap.
More than 63% of the households diversified their incomes, and this involved engagement in other farm and off-
farm economic activities. This was a clear indication that, whereas potato production was central, farmers rely
on diversified livelihoods to mitigate risks and stabilize income.
Kamara,
15.60
Kiptororo,
8.03
Nyota, 10.19
Sirikwa,
17.00
TOTAL POTATO QUANTITY/ HA
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The study generally concludes that potato farming in Kuresoi North is characterized by experienced but resource-
constrained small holder farmers who cultivate small plots with limited access to improved inputs, specifically
certified seeds thus contributing to suboptimal productivity.
The study recommends that seed multiplication and distribution systems should be strengthened at the local level
through farmer cooperatives. Gender inclusivity should be promoted and thus enable women to have access to
land, credit, extension services and training to address gender disparities in productivity. Intensification
strategies such as intercropping and soil fertility management should be promoted. Moreover, county and
national governments should promote agricultural credit facilities linked to land ownership and group collateral
mechanisms.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author gratefully acknowledges farmers’ cooperation in Kuresoi North Sub-County who provided data for
this study.
Funding
This study never received any specific grant from funding agencies in the government, private or non-profit
sectors.
Conflict Of Interest
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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