MMA Theses and Dissertations (2024)

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Browsing MMA Theses and Dissertations (2024) by Author "Wahome, A. W."

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    Effect of record keeping practices on dairy farming business performance in Kiambu County: a case of Kiambaa Constituency
    (Strathmore University, 2024) Wahome, A. W.
    Studies have revealed that maintaining accurate farm records is a prerequisite for improved business performance irrespective of the nature of the farming activity that a farmer engages in. This study examined the existing record-keeping practices and their impact on business performance among smallholder dairy farmers in Kiambaa constituency of Kiambu County. The practices examined were the types of records kept, the methods used to keep them, and the frequency of recording. Business performance was measured using annual milk revenue. The study was underpinned by the profit maximization and competition-based theory as well as the Porter’s generic strategies. The study targeted a randomly selected sample of 400 farmers out of a population of 4800 dairy farmers drawn from the Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society. Factor analysis and regression analysis were used to model the relationship. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The general conclusion was that the type of record kept, frequency of record keeping, and method of record keeping had a positive and statistically significant effect on dairy farming business performance. The study recommended that the County Government of Kiambu conduct intensive smallholder dairy farmer training on the importance of record keeping and digital literacy through the extension department since agriculture is a devolved function. Also, financial institutions like Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society sensitize the farmers on the importance of good record-keeping practices. System developers should come up with simple, economical and standardized digital systems for recording to enable the smallholder dairy farmers maintain different types of records and update them on a daily basis in order to accrue the benefits that come with use of real-time information. Keywords: Record keeping; Smallholder farming; Dairy farming; Kiambaa Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society; Kiambu County