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This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing coffee yields within the smallholder sector of Kirinyaga County, Kenya. It also assessed the influence of coffee prices on re-investment and yields. A total of 251 farmers were selected from the study area using the stratified random technique. The data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics, regression and correlation analysis using Stata (version 11). The results indicated that the mean age of the farmers were 52.95 years and the average yields were 2.31 kg of cherry per tree. The multiple regression analysis showed an R2 of 0.5217 for all variables investigated which means that 52.17% of the variation in yields can be explained by these variables. The explanatory variables which were statistically significant were access to adequate credit, having some source of cash from other enterprises or employment and consulting extension agents. It was also found out that there is a strong positive relationship between price and the level of reinvestment (Pearson’s r = 0.814). This indicates that higher prices encourage reinvestment in coffee. However, the correlation analysis between price and yields showed a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.154 which was statistically insignificant. This implies that although price influence yields positively, it may not necessarily lead to significantly higher yields. Higher prices need to be supported by the three significant variables in order to increase yields significantly. It is concluded that agricultural policy effort on small holder coffee farming should thus focus on ensuring farmers get access to adequate credit, diversification of farm income base and training.

Key words: Yields, socio-economic factors, price, coffee, Kenya.

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Citation: Minai JM, Nyairo N, Mbataru P (2014). Analysis of socio-economic factors affecting the coffee yields of smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. J. Agric. Crop Res. 2(12): 228-235.