Marketing Institutional Arrangements on Livelihood Outcomes of Conservation Agriculture Farmers in ASAL Areas in Kenya.

Agriculture is the main livelihood source for most rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa, making improved farming practices essential for poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. This study examined the effect of marketing institutional arrangements on livelihood outcomes among Conservation Agriculture (CA) farmers in Makueni and Machakos Counties, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that CA farmers access both direct and indirect marketing channels, with direct marketing being the dominant approach. Both marketing arrangements positively contributed to livelihood outcomes by enhancing market access and income opportunities. The study concludes that marketing institutional arrangements play a significant role in improving livelihood outcomes among CA farmers. It recommends that national and county governments, together with development partners, strengthen market linkages, particularly through contract farming, to expand commercial opportunities and improve livelihoods of Conservation Agriculture farmers.

Livelihood outcomes, Conservation agriculture, Marketing institutional arrangements, direct marketing, indirect marketing.

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