Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of socio economic factors on sorghum
production in Kibwezi East Sub County. This was because researchers had mainly done their
studies on climatic factors, marketing and pricing of sorghum thus leaving socio-economic factors
on sorghum production not well addressed. The study used cross sectional survey design and
questionnaires to collect data. The questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers. The
research therefore intended to come up with possible ways to increase sorghum production as well
as productivity that will furthermore increase farmer’s income as well as addressing food security
not only in Kibwezi East but also in Kenya. Fifty farmers were used as a sample. Data was
collected using questionnaires, analyzed using quantitative techniques such as frequencies and
percentages. Karl Pearson correlation and linear regression determined the relationship and effect
between dependent and independent variables by aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that majority
of farmers were aged, had less access to certified seeds, low level of education and had large tracks
of land that were underutilized for agricultural purposes. The research concluded that certified
seeds, human assets (training) and land size affected sorghum production. There was also a strong
positive relationship between production and age as size of land. The study recommended that
government should provide certified seeds to farmers and train them. Farmers should also be
encouraged to participate at training sessions as well as youth encouraged to take part in
agricultural activities for better production and also maximize land use.
