Determinants of demand for sweet potatoes at the farm, retail and wholesale markets in Kenya

Abstract

Despite the potential of sweet potato in helping to meet Kenya's food needs and poverty reduction through income generation, detailed information on sweet potato demand relations is unavailable to enable the traders plan their production and marketing activities. Thus, the study examined determinants of demand for sweet potatoes in Kenya with specific reference to Rachuonyo south district and its key market outlets. Out of 166 commercial farmers, fifty five wholesalers and an infinite number of retailers, one hundred and sixteen commercial farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique while 384 retailers were purposively selected. The 55 wholesalers were also included in the sample. Primary data were collected using questionnaires while secondary data were from respondents' records. ANOVA indicated that demand for sweet potatoes varied …