School of Social Sciences

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    A history of sisal farming in Makueni, Kenya 1965 – 2018
    (Mount Kenya University, 2023-05) Kivuva, Mark Kisangi
    According to ADRA, the global sisal production declined by 50% in the year 2018. This is the largest decline recorded since the inception of the crop, therefore this justifies the researcher’s choice of the period between 1965-2018. The purpose of this study was to document the origin, growth and decline of sisal farming in Makueni, Kenya between 1965 - 2018. The objectives of the study aims at examining the origin of sisal farming, the growth of sisal farming and documenting the decline of sisal farming in Makueni. The significance of this study is that the study will add knowledge to the sisal farmers which in turn will earn foreign exchange through exportation this research used few theories for instance theory of historical inquiry which gives a detailed explanation on the history of sisal farming in Makueni, Kenya 1965-2018. The study used qualitative research design. The sample size was determined using Morgan and krejice (1970) sample size determination table. The target population of the study is 210 respondents therefore a sample of 136 respondents was used as per Morgan and krejice sample size determination table. Secondary data was obtained through text analysis. Secondary documentary material was assembled from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi. In - depth interviews was used to collect primary data from two government agencies who have been involved in marketing of sisal. In depth interview guide was used to take forward a conversation with each respondent, raising questions and exploring key issues and areas of interest. It includes open questions, which was completely unbiased. Secondary data collected through text analysis and Primary data collected through in depth interviews and group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis. The recorded data interview guide was transcribed, anonymized and coded then subjected to thematic analysis. When new themes was identified, the already coded materials were to ensure that the themes identified are consistent across the respondents. Data was presented thematically i.e. according to the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that sisal farming in Makueni have their origin in the colonial era. Liberalization of the sisal sector in the 1990s exposed sisal estates to competition among themselves and other firms which was resulting from entrance of new firms into the sisal sector.. This study is significant to the government, policymakers, researchers and sisal farming especially in regard to understanding origin, growth and history of sisal farming in Makueni and in comprehending the effects of liberalization on the sisal farming.