Analysis of Dry Maize Grain Market Integration in Kipkelion East and West Sub Counties, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

This study analyzed market integration of dry maize grain in Kipkelion East and Kipkelion West Sub-Counties in Kericho County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the correlation of prices between the terminal and source markets of dry maize grain. Purposive and stratified random sampling procedures were used to collect data from a sample of 156 maize traders. The survey data analysed using regression and Pearson's product-moment correlation models. Results shows that 53.8% of the dry maize grain traders were males and 46.2% were females with 46.2% dry maize grain traders having attained secondary school level of education. Regression and correlation results shows that a unit increase in the dry maize grain source market prices would result in a 98.2% increase in the terminal maize market prices. Pearson's Product-Moment correlation results showed that there was positive relationship between the terminal and the source market prices with 68% of variation in terminal market prices being explained by all the source market prices. High prices in the source markets would lead to higher prices as well in the terminal markets. In order to achieve market integration, improve market information flow and promote competitiveness between the source and terminal markets in the county and in the country, this study recommends the enactment of relevant policies by the government agencies, both in the county and in the national government. There is also need to improve market information flow in the county; particularly the use of information and communication technology in order to ensure timely and faster flow of information across the dry maize grains markets. If traders, producers and consumers are given timely market information, it will reduce cases of price shocks and promote market integration.