Livelihood Dynamics from Bamboo Utilization and Commercialization in Busia and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Bamboo has the potential to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, generate employment and promote community development. Despite government and institutional initiatives aimed at promoting bamboo utilization in Kenya, its full potential remains underexploited. This study investigated the livelihood factors influencing bamboo utilization and commercialization in selected regions, aimed at identifying support strategies to maximize its benefits within local communities. The study employed descriptive research design. Using the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census data, the study targeted 32,213 and 27,029 households in Butula and Keiyo South respectively. The household sample of 398 was calculated using Taro Yamane’s (1967) formula, with 205 households (51.3%) drawn from Butula Sub County and 193 households (48.7%) from Keiyo South Sub County. Simple random sampling was used to select households in various villages. Data was coded into SPSS and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated high awareness of bamboo benefits among respondents (91.2% in Busia and 92.7% in Elgeyo Marakwet), with 87.3% and 37.8% actively utilizing bamboo within their households, respectively. Gender, age, education level, household size, and land ownership significantly influenced bamboo utilization (p < .001). ANOVA results showed that bamboo utilization was significantly influenced by adoption (F = 42.816, p < .001), livelihood dynamics (F = 57.675, p < .001), and gender (F = 7.321, p = .001) however, socio-cultural factors did not significantly affect utilization (p = .189). Further, commercialization was more prevalent in Busia (39.5%) than Elgeyo Marakwet (2.6%). ANOVA results indicated that bamboo selling was significantly influenced by adoption (F = 7.655, p = .001), livelihood dynamics (F = 4.911, p = .003) and socio-cultural factors (F = 8.801, p < .001), but not by gender (p = .249). In conclusion, bamboo adoption and utilization are shaped by socio-economic, gender, and cultural factors, but it remains promising due to its economic and ecological potential. Targeted awareness and financial support are recommended to promote its broader adoption and commercialization.