Drivers of farm enterprise diversity among small-scale farmers in Makueni and Nyando Sub-Counties, Kenya

Agriculture has the potential to improve dietary diversity through farm enterprise diversity if farming households consume what they produce. This paper evaluated the drivers of farm enterprise diversity among small-scale farmers in Makueni and Nyando Sub-Counties, Kenya. Data from 320 small-scale farmers’ households was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Simpson’s Index and crop and livestock count were used to measure farm enterprise diversity. The results showed that farm enterprise diversity was positively influenced by age and education of the household head, land tenure, land size, slope of the land, access to irrigation, number of trainings attended and number of groups household members were engaged in. The study recommends formulation of policies that favour access to land and capital to young farmers and enhanced knowledge on education which will likely improve the use of technology and information which can go a long way in helping the farmers diversify their farm enterprises. Key words: Drivers, Farm diversity, Kenya, Makueni, Nyando, small-scale farmers