Participatory Analysis of Livelihood Determinants, Indigenous Chicken Productivity and Innovations in Rural Communities of Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Socioeconomic prosperity in rural areas is closely linked to the productivity and sustainability of agricultural resources. Conventional socioeconomic indicators such as lighting and energy access often fail to capture local priorities and lived realities. In many

resource-constrained households, indigenous chicken (IC) rearing constitutes a vital low- input livelihood strategy. Despite its significance, IC productivity remains constrained by

multifaceted challenges that are insufficiently examined from community perspectives. This study investigated the latent roles of indigenous chickens in the livelihoods of rural smallholders in Kericho County, Kenya, employing community-based participatory action research design. The study aimed to assess the socioeconomic determinants of livelihoods, analyze livelihood strategies, and evaluate factors influencing IC productivity and value chain performance within grounded theory and value chain frameworks. Data were obtained from 398 households across three sub-counties representing diverse agro-ecological and socioeconomic contexts. Mixed-method analysis integrated grounded theory analysis with descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS (version 27). Results indicate that interactions among environmental-economic factors, inherited knowledge, market-orientation, resilience motives, education, social embeddedness, and intergenerational dynamics shaped livelihood strategies. Most households practiced dual livelihood systems combining farm-based activities with small-scale trade, seasonal work, or formal employment. Indigenous chickens fulfilled multiple roles including livelihood insurance, market engagement, ecological balance, nutritional support, and social connectedness. Egg production differed significantly by gender (Welch F (1, 384.12) = 4.814, p =.029), access to information (F (4, 62.84) = 12.376, p < .001), and group membership (F (2, 60.01) = 66.848, p < .001). Positive correlations were observed between egg production and farm size, enterprise diversification, flock size and household size (Spearman‟s, p < .05). Chick survival was influenced by education, information access, and group membership, and correlated positively with flock size (rs = .374, p < .001). Both egg production and chick survival varied across community-defined prosperity stages. In conclusion IC practices enhanced genetic diversity and resilience but were constrained by epistemic, market, and infrastructural barriers. Strengthening participatory platforms can foster co-created innovations in poultry health, capacity-building and predator control. Through participatory and socioeconomic analyses, the study demonstrates how local knowledge and social networks influence productivity and welfare; guiding inclusive policies that support sustainable, community-driven agricultural development.