Sustainable Agricultural Development in Developing Countries: Regional Approaches

[2F204] Self-efficacy Development of the SHEP Approach and Its Impact on the Livelihood Improvement of Vulnerable Farmers. Insights from Kenya.

*Peter Nyamwaya ORANGI¹, Hisako Nomura, Yoshifumi Takahashi, Mitsuyasu Yabe, Lydiah O. Nyambok² (1. KYUSHU UNIVERSITY, 2. JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

Keywords:EFA, PLS-SEM, Self-efficacy, SHEP, Vulnerable farmers

Inclusiveness for vulnerable farmers could increase their self-efficacy, thereby positively impacting their agricultural productivity. While the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) intervention is recognized for its empowerment initiatives, there is limited understanding of its impact on self-efficacy among vulnerable farmers and its sustained effects. Thus, our objective is to examine the effects of SHEP on the self-efficacy of vulnerable farmers and the long-term changes in their food stocks. This study targets 136 farmers comprising disabled, widows, and caregivers, within a randomized controlled trial framework in Kenya. Data is collected on key variables influencing self-efficacy and the status of food stocks at the project's start, its conclusion, and four years post-completion. We employ Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify key factors contributing to self-efficacy, followed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for in-depth analysis of the relationships between variables. Our findings reveal that access to resources and involvement positively influence production self-efficacy, while inclusivity, leadership, and support enhance management self-efficacy. The SHEP intervention has direct positive effects on both types of self-efficacy and long-term food stock changes. Notably, production self-efficacy impacts food stock changes, with this relationship strengthened when inclusivity is considered. Additionally, food stock changes during the intervention period positively influence long-term food stock levels. There are however no significant differences in food stock changes among the disabled farmers, widows, and caregivers, suggesting a uniform treatment effect across these vulnerable groups. This research highlights the importance of inclusive practices in boosting self-efficacy and ultimately improving long-term food stocks, offering valuable insights for future agricultural development programs targeting vulnerable populations in similar contexts.