Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of market participation among
the small-scale Mango farmers in Imenti South Sub-county, in Meru County. The specific
objectives of this study were: to investigate the group characteristics that influence market
participation of small-scale mango farmers in Imenti south Sub-county, to determine farmers’
characteristics that influence the extent of market participation of small –scale mango farmers
in Imenti south Sub-county and to determine the market conditions that influence the extent
of market participation of small –scale mango farmers in Imenti south Sub-county. This study
may be significant to; Mango small-scale farmers as it will provide a framework for
development of effective marketing strategies that will lead to enhanced market participation
and the government will benefit from the findings in its quest to attain economic stability and
poverty alleviation goals which are embedded in sustainable development goals framework.
Multistage sampling procedure was employed to contact 150 respondents. Semi-structured
questionnaires was the main data collection instrument and was used to collect data from
small-scale mango farmers who were the target population of this study. The data was
analyzed using the descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables, pie charts and bar
graphs. The results showed that age, gender, education level and mango yields significantly
influenced the decision to participate in mango marketing. Gender, price information, group
marketing, marketing experience, vehicle ownership and marketing under contract
significantly influenced the extent of market participation. Further, gender, group marketing,
mango yield, price information, marketing under contract and vehicle ownership significantly
influenced the choice of mango marketing outlets. The study recommends that, for holistic
market participation among small scale mango farmers, proper market infrastructure like
mango hub must be put in place. The government and other policy makers should increase
the marketing information and ability of mango farmers through avenues like mass media,
extension service, and other means of capacity building.
