Determinants of farmers choice of fodder market outlets in Laikipia County, Kenya

Commercial fodder farming is rapidly expanding in Laikipia County, Kenya and there is an emerging market formation involving different market actors. Several market outlets are at the farmers’ disposal for channelling their fodder to consumers. The purpose of this study was therefore, to determine the factors which influence choices of fodder market outlets in Laikipia County. Using data from 204 fodder farmers, the Multivariate Probit model was used to estimate the determinants of farmers’ choice of fodder market outlets. Findings revealed that, the choice of local livestock farmers, local traders and buyers from other counties’ outlets was significantly influenced by age, experience, commercialization index, fodder quality, marketing costs, market agreements, market distance, market information, proactivity and price in varied directions and intensities. Therefore, collective action is recommended for easy access to market information, better prices, reduced marketing costs and proactive uptake of fodder business by fodder farmers. Policy interventions should focus on improving fodder quality and strengthening market linkages through contract farming and promoting access to fodder markets. To improve fodder productivity while simultaneously augmenting the amount of fodder offered for sale at various fodder outlets, stakeholders should take advantage of farmers’ experience and entrepreneurial orientation to guide their investments.