FACTORS INFLUENCING GROWTH OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE

BEEKEEPING SECTOR, MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

MWANGI WATIRI RUTH

D53/CTY/PT/26197/2011

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN MASTER OF

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (ENTREPRENEURSHIP) OF KENYATTA

UNIVERSITY

APRIL ,2021

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 DECLARATION

Declaration by candidate.

This proposal is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other

university.

Signature …………………. Date……………….

Mwangi Watiri Ruth D53/CTY/PT/26197/2011.

Declaration by supervisor.

I confirm that the work in this proposal was done by the candidate under my supervision.

Signature: …………………………. Date: …………………….

Dr. Hannah Bula

Senior Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, Kenyatta University.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to appreciate the university for an opportunity to pursue my studies and realise

my dream. Am thankful to Dr Hannah Bula for her patience and support from the beginning

until the conclusion of my research project.

I would like to appreciate my husband for the encouragement and financial support without

which I would not have succeeded. My gratitude also goes to the director of the National

Beekeeping Institute, Mr James Muriuki, for the push and support to carry out my research.

I would like to appreciate Dr Mutea, Dr Kendo, Peter Kinyenze, Josephine Kithoko, and

Jonathan Mutae and all the respondents from Makueni County for their valuable time and

assistance while collecting data. Failure to which I would not have succeeded.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ........................................................................................................ ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................ iii

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS ......................................................... x

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................. xi

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................. xiii

CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the study ........................................................................................ 1

1.1.1 Growth of entrepreneurship in Kenya .................................................................. 3

1.1.2 Growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping globally. ........................................... 4

1.1.3 Growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Kenya. ......................................... 5

1.1.4 Growth of entrepreneurship of beekeeping in Makueni County .......................... 7

1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................................... 8

1.3 Research objectives.......................................................................................... 10

1.3.1 Specific objectives ............................................................................................. 10

1.4 Research questions ........................................................................................... 10

1.5 Significance of the Study ................................................................................. 11

1.6 scope of the study............................................................................................. 12

1.7 Limitations of the study ................................................................................... 12

1.8 Organisation of the study ................................................................................. 12

CHAPTER TWO ...................................................................................................... 14

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LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................ 14

2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 14

2.2 Theoretical review ........................................................................................... 14

2.2.1 Schumpeterian theory ........................................................................................ 14

2.2.2 Kirzner theory of entrepreneurship .................................................................... 16

2.3 Empirical review .............................................................................................. 17

2.3.1. Effect of government policy on growth of entrepreneurship ............................ 17

2.3.2 Effect of people’s culture on the growth of entrepreneurship............................ 20

2.3.3. Effect of technical Support on the growth of entrepreneurship ........................ 22

2.3.4. Effect of access to markets on the growth of entrepreneurship ........................ 24

2.3.5. Effect of access to finances on the growth of entrepreneurship........................ 26

2.4 Conceptual Framework .................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................. 34

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................ 34

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 34

3.2 Research design ............................................................................................... 34

3.3 Target population ............................................................................................. 34

3.4 Sampling procedure and sample size ............................................................... 35

3.5 Data collection instrument ............................................................................... 35

3.6 Pilot study ........................................................................................................ 36

3.7 Validity and Reliability .................................................................................... 36

3.7.1 Validity of the instrument .................................................................................. 36

3.7.2 Reliability of the instrument .............................................................................. 37

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 3.8 Data collection procedure ................................................................................ 37

3.9 Data analysis technique.................................................................................... 37

3.10 Ethical considerations .................................................................................... 38

CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................... 39

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ...................................................... 39

4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 39

4.2 Demographic analysis ...................................................................................... 39

4.2.1 Cronbach’s alpha ............................................................................................... 39

4.2.2 Response rate .................................................................................................... 40

4.2.3 Gender of respondents ....................................................................................... 40

4.2.4 Age of respondents ............................................................................................ 41

4.2.5 Marital status of respondents ............................................................................. 41

4.2.6 Education .......................................................................................................... 42

4.2.7 Years in beekeeping ........................................................................................... 43

4.2.8 Number of hives................................................................................................. 43

4.3 Descriptive Statistics........................................................................................ 44

4.3.1 Government policy and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship .................... 44

4.3.2 People’s culture and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship.......................... 46

4.3.3 Technical Support and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship ...................... 48

4.3.4 Access to markets and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship ...................... 50

4.3.5. Access to Finances and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship .................... 52

4.3.6 The growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping.................................................. 54

4.3.7 Regression analysis .......................................................................................... 55

CHAPTER FIVE ...................................................................................................... 59

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SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .............................. 59

5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 59

5.2 Summary .......................................................................................................... 59

5.3 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 60

5.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 62

5.4.1 Suggestions for further research ........................................................................ 63

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 64

APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER ......................................................... 75

APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE ...................................................................... 77

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List of tables

Table 2.1: Summary of Literature Review and Research Gaps ......................................... 28

Table 3.1 Distribution of sample size ................................................................................ 35
Table 4.1 Cronbach’s alpha ............................................................................................... 39
Table 4.2 Questionnaire Response Rate ............................................................................ 40
Table 4.3 Gender of respondents ....................................................................................... 41
Table 4.4 Age of respondents ............................................................................................ 41
Table 4.5 Marital Status of respondents ............................................................................ 42
Table 4.6 Level of education ............................................................................................ 42
Table 4.7 Years in beekeeping of respondents .................................................................. 43
Table 4.8 Number of hives................................................................................................. 43
Table 4.9 Factors contributing to an effective government policy……………………….45
Table 4.10 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to an effective government
policy……………………………………………………………………………………..45
Table 4.11 Elements of people’s culture that contribute to entrepreneurial growth……..47
Table 4.12 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to culture .................................. 47
Table 4.13 Key considerations for technical support for entrepreneurs in agriculture ...... 48
Table 4.14 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to technical support .................. 49
Table 4.15 factors contributing to ease of access to markets ............................................. 50
Table 4.16 Markets for entrepreneurs in Makueni County ................................................ 51
Table 4.17 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to access to market ................... 51
Table 4.18 Factors affecting access to finance .................................................................. 52
Table 4.19 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to access to finances ................. 53
Table 4.20 The features of entrepreneurial growth in beekeeping .................................... 54
Table 4.21 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to entrepreneurial growth in
beekeeping ......................................................................................................................... 55
Table 4.22 Model summary ............................................................................................... 56
Table 4.23 Anova ............................................................................................................... 56
Table 4.24 Distribution of Coefficients ............................................................................. 57

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List of figures
Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework .................................................................................... 32

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 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Government policy the regulations set in support of entrepreneurship and

beekeeping in terms of tax, laws, and permits.

People’s Culture the customs, social behaviours of individuals, and the

community towards beekeeping.

Technical support the services provided to encourage and grow beekeepers in

terms of training, incubation centres, associations, and

extension services.

Market accessibility this includes access to market information, clear distribution

channels, ease of selling products through clear distribution

channels.

Ease of access to Finance availability of monetary support for beekeepers to grow

their enterprises from financial institutions, Sacco, banks,

and investors.

Entrepreneurship growth advancement in entrepreneurship of agriculture in

beekeeping defined by increase in profits from beekeeping,

increase in the number of commercial beekeepers and honey

production in Makueni County.

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AGOA African Growth and Opportunities Act.

ASDS Agriculture sector development strategy

ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.

CIDA Canadian International Development Agency.

CIP Commercial Insect Program.

IBRA International Bee Research Association.

ICIPE International Centre of Insect Physiology.

ICT Information and Communication Technology

KCA Kenya College of Accountancy

KHC Kenya Honey Council.

KIPPRA Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis

KTBH Kenya Top Bar Hive.

MFI Microfinance Institutions

NGO Non-Governmental organisations

UNDP United Nations Development Program.

SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperative

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SME Small and Medium Enterprise

WEF Women enterprise fund.

YEDF Youth enterprise development fund

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 ABSTRACT

Entrepreneurship in agriculture is crucial to economic and social development in Kenya.

According to the Kenyan Economic Survey of 2019 from the Kenya National Bureau of
Statistics, agriculture contributed to 31 percent of Kenya’s GDP. However, only twenty-
five percent of start-ups in the sector survive for the first three years. Entrepreneurship in
the beekeeping sector is limited hence the need for the research. This research investigated
the factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector in Makueni
County. Specifically, the project examined the influence of government policy, the culture
of the people, the impact of technical support, market accessibility and access to finance on
the growth of entrepreneurship. Schumpeter’s theory explained the importance of policy,
technical support, and financial support on the growth of entrepreneurship. Kirznerian
theory underpins how vital policies are for the promotion of a conducive environment for
entrepreneurs who are starting off or for growth of enterprises, the importance of access to
markets, people’s culture, and government policy to the growth of entrepreneurship.
Descriptive research design was used to understand the factors affecting entrepreneurship
growth in the beekeeping sector in Makueni County. Due to the large geographical area of
Makueni County, data was collected from Kibwezi and Kathonzweni. The target population
consisted of one hundred and ten individuals. Questionnaires helped to reach all the
respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics by
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive analysis examined the
relationship between the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County and
government policy, culture, technical support, access to market and finance. The
investigation revealed, market access to be the most important for the growth of
entrepreneurship, hindered by lack of information on how to access diverse markets leading
to growth of enterprises. Fifty-three per cent of the respondents sold their products to
neighbours and the local market. They had little motivation to expand their businesses
because of the little returns. Policy supporting beekeeping in terms of training and financial
credit was available but not accessible to all. Access to finance was the third factor, but
collateral requirement and high-interest rates on loans proved to be the main obstacles. The
culture of entrepreneurship was high since many had family support. All respondents
agreed that technical support was essential for them to gain the necessary skills to run their
beekeeping enterprises. The study recommends that government policy guiding the
beekeeping sector need to be broader to ensure quality products, access to markets and
inclusive of all stakeholders in the sector. So that all have access to the training provided
and the financial support. Market information should be readily available for entrepreneurs.
The government can help entrepreneurs’ access external markets by creating networks that
link them to consumers.

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background of the study

Countries have developed economically because of entrepreneurship (Wanyonyi, 2015). It

creates wealth for a country, employment and provides goods and services that satisfy the

needs of the society. Several factors affect the growth of entrepreneurship in the

community: policy, culture, technical support, markets, and access to finance.

The policy governing entrepreneurship affects all the stages. The goal is to ensure that more

people become entrepreneurial and can start and grow successful enterprises. In the event

of a failure, it does not lead to dire consequences for the individual and their family.

Specifically, policy needs to regulate the environment for start-ups, promote

entrepreneurship education, provide supporting measures, target specific groups and

provide access to financing and seed capital (Lundstrom & Stevenson, 2001). For

entrepreneurship development in Kenya, policy targets training, provision of financial

credit and infrastructure (Bwisa, 2011).

Entrepreneurship and culture are closely related. Research by Serrano and Linan (2014),

showed the effect culture has on economic development and entrepreneurship in Latin

America. The perception that promotes individualism, but social responsibility can lead to

the growth of entrepreneurship. Individualism allows people to be ambitious, but they

consider building their communities of high priority. The entrepreneurial culture of a

society is encouraged through programs and institutions. Entrepreneurial education is

essential from an early age. The entrepreneurial training in Kenya has helped shape the

view of society, making it acceptable (Robb, Valerio & Parton, 2014).

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Provision of technical support leads to the growth of entrepreneurship. Ester (2017) found

that the support given to entrepreneurs contributed to the success of Silicon Valley. For-

profit and non-profit organisations offer mentorship, market access, networking channels

with other entrepreneurs and access to finance. Incubators offer all entrepreneurs the tools

they need to succeed in their ventures. All these strategies protect young enterprises from

collapsing. There is an entrepreneurial culture that allows individuals to pursue their

passion and accept failure.

Markets provide the opportunities needed for the creation of new ventures. Inefficient

firms, flawed pricing mechanisms, imperfectly distributed information characterise today's

markets (Cohen, 2007). The business model canvas helps to define the market concept by

providing several factors that need attention. These are customer segment, value

proposition, customer’s relationships, essential resources, key partnerships, revenue

streams and cost structure (Hansen, Giglierano & Whalen, 2018). Marketing, therefore,

affects entrepreneurship and can be analysed by looking at the access of information

available to entrepreneurs, their relationships, and networks with other players in the sector,

transportation, and pricing mechanisms.

Without credit facilities, entrepreneurship would not grow. Access to finance has both

positive and negative effects on the growth of entrepreneurship. The ease of access to

funding increases the chances of improving poor entrepreneurial ventures in the market

(Evans, 2015). Access to finance includes the availability of the necessary amount of capital

together with optimal terms and conditions (Vega, Manuela, Pietro, Filippo, Alfalla &

Rafaela 2017).

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Sources of finance could be microfinance, banks, investors, and self-sponsored capital. To

access credit, entrepreneurs need to be financially literate. The environmental conditions,

for example, the political climate, need to be peaceful. Sadly, many start-ups fail to qualify

for credit when compared to seasoned entrepreneurs. If they are eligible, the majority are

given less than they need, with unfriendly conditions making it challenging to grow

(Newman, Schwarz, & Ahlstrom, 2017). Older, more significant foreign-owned ventures

tend to access financial support more readily compared to others. The primary source of

finance for many entrepreneurs is informal. From money lenders, family, and friends

(Thorsten & Asli, 2006).

1.1.1 Growth of entrepreneurship in Kenya

Entrepreneurship is considered the key to development globally. It leads to the creation of

employment, improvement in living standards and economic growth for a country. In

Africa, entrepreneurship is very low, and unemployment is high, especially among the

youth. Africa has a lot of wealth in term of natural resources, but entrepreneurs have not

successfully exploited it. Entrepreneurship in Africa is driven mainly by lack of

employment. African countries have put in the effort to grow their economies. Many have

strategies on the creation of jobs, increase of foreign investors and reduction of regulatory

requirements. These strategies have led to positive economic growth. Entrepreneurship in

African countries still has to be addressed (Felix, 2015).

The African development bank in 2017, noted that Kenya was ranked as the second-largest

economy in the eastern Africa region after Ethiopia. Eased political tension and improved

business confidence attributed to economic development. The business sector, specifically

the SMEs, are concentrated in a few industries, are informal and report low productivity.

3
Nevertheless, these account for eighty-three per cent of employment in the private sector.

In agriculture, concentration is mainly on small subsistence farming food crops and

nomadic livestock rearing. The challenges experienced are lack of infrastructure, perceived

corruption, weak regulatory environment, and shortages of a trained workforce. There is

great potential that exists in Kenya for entrepreneurial growth, especially in the agriculture

sector.

Kenya has tried to improve the entrepreneurial environment. It was among the first African

countries to introduce entrepreneurship into the curriculum (Sambo, 2016). Over the years,

it has put in place programs and policies to encourage entrepreneurship. The ease of starting

and running a business has significantly improved through the reduction of licences

required and the duration of time it takes. Different programs allow entrepreneurs to access

credit like youth enterprise development fund and women enterprise fund. The universities

have also initiated incubation programs to help start-ups (Wachira, 2017).

1.1.2 Growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping globally.

Globally, beekeeping is popular; the exportation of natural honey made over two billion

dollars in 2017. The leading producer of natural honey is China, which contributed eleven-

point three per cent of the total natural honey exported worldwide. The second-largest

producer of natural honey is New Zealand eleven-point two per cent (Workman, 2018).

Generally, there has been a steady increase in honey production from 2010 to 2017.

Cumulatively in 2017 over one point eight million tonnes of natural honey were produced.

Asia produced over nine hundred thousand tonnes. It was followed by Europe, which

produced about three hundred and eighty-six thousand tonnes. America followed closely,

contributing around three hundred and thirty-three thousand tonnes of natural honey. Africa

4
produced the least, about one hundred and ninety-eight thousand tonnes of natural honey

(Food and Agricultural Organization, 2018).

In Africa, the leading producer in 2017 was Ethiopia, which produced fifty thousand tonnes

of natural honey. Tanzania was second with thirty thousand three hundred and ninety-three

tonnes of honey then Angola at twenty-three thousand four hundred and thirty-nine. Kenya

was the fourth, and it produced eighteen thousand and ninety tonnes of natural honey. In

eastern Africa, the leading producer of honey is Tanzania (Department of Agriculture,

2019). Over the years from 2010, natural honey production had fluctuated the peak was in

2015 when overall the production was one hundred and thirty-four thousand nine hundred

and ninety-five. Tanzania is the only country over the years that has maintained a steady

production rate (Food and Agricultural Organization, 2018).

1.1.3 Growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Kenya.

Eastern Africa faces several challenges that hinder the development of the beekeeping

sector. For example, poor infrastructure, use of traditional beekeeping methods, lack of

knowledge on the part of the farmer, difficulty in access to market, lack of policies to guide

the sector. One major problem is the high cost of modern beekeeping inputs since those

who are likely to venture into the activity are the marginalised (Serda, Zewudu, Dereje, &

Aman, 2015).

In Kenya, honey mainly comes from Baringo, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, West Pokot, Taita

Taveta and Makueni Counties. Kenya has a long history when it comes to beekeeping.

Honey was used by many cultures in ceremonies and as a preservative during drought. In

the 1950s, honey collection centres were established in the semi-arid regions by the colonial

government. The government established the national beekeeping station at Lenana,

5
development of the KTBH and the addition of beekeeping within the ministry of

agriculture. Beekeeping was divided into two systems the extensive system; this uses the

traditional log hives mostly in forests. The other form of beekeeping is the intensive system,

which uses modern hives such as Langstroth, box hive, and KTBH (Carroll & Kinsella,

2013).

The extensive system is still widely used in Kenya, as of 2014, the population of log hives

was over one million one hundred. Followed by the KTBH at two hundred and one

thousand two hundred and fifty-seven, then the Langstroth which had a population of one

hundred and sixteen thousand five hundred and eighty-five (Kenya national bureau of

statistics, 2015). The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the potential of honey production

and beeswax to be at one hundred thousand metric tons and ten thousand tons per annum,

respectively (Department of Agriculture, 2019).

The low production is attributed to lack of training for farmers not only on beekeeping

practices but also on record keeping. Insufficient research on existing beekeeping

technologies, limited access to appropriate beekeeping equipment also poses a problem for

farmers (Mulupi, 2010). Public awareness of beekeeping as a source of income is also

limited compared to other agricultural practices like dairy farming; this also contributes to

the poor performance of beekeeping in Kenya since it gets fewer funds from the

government. Agriculture has proved most effective in fighting poverty and hunger than any

other sector (Food and Agricultural Organization, 2015).

Beekeeping in Kenya has potential; through entrepreneurship, the sector can grow; this can

improve the lives of many in ASAL areas and grow the economy. Isenberg (2011) came up

with six elements that make up a conducive entrepreneurial environment; these are a

6
conducive culture, enabling policies, support, availability of finance, quality of human

capital, venture friendly markets for products and a range of institutional and infrastructure

support. Makueni County is one of the leading producers of honey and other hive products

(Department of Agriculture, 2019). It is essential to understand the entrepreneurial

environment beekeepers are in, to know what needs to be improved, corrected, or removed

so that the sector can grow.

1.1.4 Growth of entrepreneurship of beekeeping in Makueni County

Makueni County occupies about eight thousand kilometres. Six sub-counties make it up,

Mbooni, Kibwezi east, Kibwezi west, Makueni, Kaiti, and Kilome. It has a population of

around one million two thousand nine hundred and seventy-nine as of 2018 (Department

of Agriculture, 2019). The youth, those between the ages of eighteen to thirty-five, take up

twenty-four percent of the population. Geographically it lies in the arid and semi-arid zones

of the Eastern region of the country. It experiences two rainy seasons the long rains are in

March and April, the short rains in November and December. Mainly it is divided into two

the north; these are the high lying areas.

The temperatures range between twenty to twenty-four degrees Celsius and receive about

eight hundred to one thousand two hundred millimetres of rainfall. In the South, the area is

mainly dry, with high temperatures of up to thirty-five degrees Celsius. The region receives

two hundred and fifty to four hundred millimetres of rain annually, which barely support

agriculture (Makueni integrated development plan, 2018).

Beekeeping in Makueni County is an income generating activity. The study focused on

Kibwezi and Kathonzweni, regions with active beekeepers registered by the county

government. In the early nineties there were groups registered with over two thousand

7
beekeepers but since then this has reduced to about eight hundred and fifty practising

beekeepers. The annual honey has reduced from five tons in the nineties to one ton

(Kathila,2017). This drop is mainly attributed to production inefficiencies, unskilled labour,

poor access to finances and extension services (Muriuki, 2016). The growth of

entrepreneurship has been low, yet the conditions are adequate there is a honey extraction

site in Kibwezi, to encourage modern beekeeping. Beekeeping is part of the history and

culture of the area.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Beekeeping as a sub-sector of agriculture, does not have a central policy attention in Kenya

when compared to other sectors such as dairy, tea, coffee and horticulture even though vast

areas of the country are suitable for beekeeping. Kenya has the potential of producing a

hundred thousand metric tonnes of honey yearly. However, it produces only twenty-five

thousand metric tons (Government of Kenya, 2010). If the country can increase production,

it can satisfy the local demand of, thirty-eight metric tons of honey, and export

(Government of Kenya, 2019). Increased production could significantly improve farmers

income and livelihood.

While there is so much potential in the sector, there are still huge untapped entrepreneurship

opportunities. A key issue is to understand why there has been slow growth in the

entrepreneurship angle of beekeeping. For beekeeping to develop in Kenya, the

entrepreneurship side of it has to develop. However, upcoming generations are abandoning

the beekeeping sector, and the uptake of modern technology has been very low (Chemwok,

2016).

8
Research conducted in beekeeping has focused on technology absorption and support from

non-governmental organisations (Wambua, 2015). The significant difference between the

potential of the country and the actual honey production is an indicator of a problem.

Production of honey in Makueni has dropped over the years in the nineties it was five tonnes

to one ton (Kathila,2017). Studies on entrepreneurship in beekeeping is scarce. Strategies

have been implemented to improve beekeeping over the years for example the county

government of Makueni aims to develop a honey processing plants in Kibwezi and

Kathonzweni (Department of Finance, 2018). Modern technology is available to increase

production and quality. Regardless of all the progress less people are becoming beekeepers

and production of honey is low. Hence the study focused on five factors that influence

entrepreneurship: government policies, the culture of people, technical support, access to

markets and finance. To understand how they affects growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping.

Therefore, there is value to look at different aspects that may affect the decisions of people

to engage in bee keeping or improve their current bee keeping enterprises. Development of

entrepreneurship in agriculture is possible by improving the social, political, economic, and

cultural factors that can hinder growth. Secondly, the personal attributes and capabilities of

individual farmers need to be developed (Olatomide & Olowa, 2015). All the factors that

drive entrepreneurship have to progressively improve over time, driven by government

policies as well as the private sector. Therefore, this study looks at how these five drivers

of entrepreneurship growth affect beekeepers in Makueni County.

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1.3 Research objectives

The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the growth of

entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector in Makueni County.

1.3.1 Specific objectives

i. To assess the influence of government policies in the growth of entrepreneurship

within the beekeeping sector in Kenya.

ii. To establish the effect of people’s culture on the growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni county, Kenya.

iii. To examine the effect of the technical support available for the growth of

entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County, Kenya.

iv. To determine the influence of market accessibility in the growth of entrepreneurship

in beekeeping in Makueni County, Kenya.

v. To establish the ease of access and source of financial backup in the growth of

entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County, Kenya.

1.4 Research questions

i. How do government policies influence the growth of entrepreneurship in the

beekeeping sector in Makueni County, Kenya?

ii. How does the culture of people affect the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping

the beekeeping sector in Makueni County, Kenya?

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 iii. How does the availability of technical support affect the growth of

entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector in Makueni County, Kenya?

iv. How does the ease of market accessibility affect the growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni County, Kenya?

v. How does ease of access to finance affect the growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni County, Kenya?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study was essential to those interested in entrepreneurship in beekeeping as a career.

Those interested can identify the challenges in the sector and the opportunities available so

as to improve beekeeping. By extension, this can lead to job creation and economic

development. It can lead to the uptake of commercial beekeeping by more young people

which can reduce crime and encourage conservation of the environment.

The findings of the study are applicable in any semi-arid region in Kenya and could assist

those in decision making positions in the private or public sector to formulate strategies

that will grow entrepreneurship in beekeeping. They would be able to understand the

challenges involved in market accessibility, availability of finances, and policies that inhibit

or encourage growth. The research contributed to academia by increasing the knowledge

of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County. It also provided a platform for future

researchers in the field of entrepreneurship and beekeeping in Kenya.

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1.6 scope of the study

Makueni County, a leading honey producer in Kenya, with five thousand one hundred

farmers involved in beekeeping spread out in all the wards. The study focused on

beekeepers registered by the county, located in Kibwezi and Kathonzweni. The study

covered only five factors influencing growth of entrepreneurship: government policies, the

culture of the people, technical support, market accessibility and ease of access of finances.

1.7 Limitations of the study

The project focused only on commercial beekeepers registered with Makueni County. The

language barrier was a significant limitation for the study. Local research assistants who

interpreted the questionnaire addressed the challenge. The letter from the school assuring

the participants that the information is for research purposes helped to convince the

respondents who were reluctant to talk.

1.8 Organisation of the study

The project divided into five sections includes chapter one that had the introduction on

beekeeping and entrepreneurship. It also had the problem statement, the objective and

research questions, the project’s significance to different groups, and scope. Chapter two

contained literature review, the review of entrepreneurial theories, and conceptual

framework. The factors under consideration were policy, culture, access to markets, access

to financing, technical support, and growth of the beekeeping sector through

entrepreneurship. The conceptual framework showed how the independent variables

(culture, access to finance, market access, technical support, and policies) affect the

dependent variable (growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping).

12
Chapter three included the methodology, how data was collected and analysed. It

comprised of the research design, target population, sampling, research instruments,

validity and reliability, data collection procedures, data analysis techniques, and research

questionnaire. Chapter four presented the research finding. The data was coded and

analysed based on the objectives of the study. It comprised of the analysis of response rate,

the descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Chapter five comprised of the summary,

conclusion, and recommendation of the study. The results of the data were discussed in

detail, providing a base for future research.

13
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Chapter two comprises of a section on the theoretical review, followed by the empirical

review of each of the objectives, a summary of the literature reviewed in table format and

concluded with the conceptual framework.

2.2 Theoretical review

2.2.1 Schumpeterian theory

The Schumpeterian theory helps us to understand how entrepreneurship growth leads to

economic development in a society and the importance of access to finance by

entrepreneurs. Schumpeter (1934), together with Weber (1930), shows that

entrepreneurial attitude emerges from the social structure (Çelikkol, et al. 2019). The

entrepreneur, according to Schumpeter (1926), is a leader with inner will power to

overcome environmental and social barriers to innovate with profit creation as the goal

(Backhaus, 2003). Innovation emerges either from the creation or improvement of products

for the market, a better process of manufacturing, a new market, or a new industry

(Cherukara & Manalel, 2011).

Schumpeter (1934) stipulated that entrepreneurship comes to an end when a new innovation

is adopted, and an equilibrium is attained. Entrepreneurship is what drives economies, but

this is dependent on the environment. Entrepreneurial knowledge, government regulations

such as taxes, tariffs, policies, and cost of innovation affect the uptake of new technology

14
(Backhaus, 2003). The main goal of an entrepreneur is to make a profit from their

innovation. Credit facilities are required to exploit the innovations (Evans, 2016). Financial

institutions provide the needed capital to ensure the innovations reach the market. A good

policy should regulate financial institutions in terms of taxes to encourage and facilitate the

introduction of entrepreneurship (Miguel & Maria, 2014). Aghion and Fester (2017),

discussed growth policy design and the Schumpeter growth theory. Growth relies on

innovation, which results from the development of skills, the search for new markets,

research, and development. Schumpeter (1934) showed innovation needs to diffuse into the

society to contribute to the growth of the economy. Therefore, in many cases, the markets

determine the level of innovation and adoption to new ways of doing things.

Galindo et.al (2010), conducted a study on entrepreneurship, income distribution and

economic growth. They used the theory of Schumpeter to show the effect of

entrepreneurship on economic growth and how it is affected by income distribution. Profit

is the primary determinate of pursuing innovation for an entrepreneur. The social

environment also plays a significant role. The reaction of the society to the innovation

contributes to the success of the business. Schumpeter (1911) showed that cultural, legal,

and institutional factors in the environment could hinder entrepreneurship. Innovation

reduces income inequality which hinders social conflict since there is creation of jobs,

which promotes an entrepreneurial culture.

Schumpeter’s theory emphasises the need for a good policy that promotes entrepreneurship

protecting the old technology and making room for innovation. The provision of financial

support for entrepreneurs has been brought out together with the effect that culture has on

entrepreneurship growth. Another factor is technical support, required for innovations and

15
development of specialised skills. Schumpeter’s theory is useful in this study because it

links some of the variables that is policy, technical support, and access to finance to the

growth of entrepreneurship.

2.2.2 Kirzner theory of entrepreneurship

Being alert to opportunities emerging from market disequilibrium is a unique quality,

Kirzner (1973), highlighted that entrepreneurs possess. The opportunities are perceived and

exploited by the entrepreneur to make a profit. The alert entrepreneur does not have vast

knowledge about a product but takes advantage of the available information on the product

and sees an opportunity. These are not clear to all; it could be the price difference of a

commodity in one area compared to another (Harper, 2003). The opportunity leads to

innovation as defined by Schumpeter (1934). Entrepreneurs exploit the available

opportunities to make a profit.

Geloso (2015), conducted a study on Deirdre McCloskey kirznerian growth and the role of

social networks. The entrepreneurial success of the western world led to a change in the

perception of people about markets, ideas, entrepreneurs, and innovation. Culture can affect

the ability of entrepreneurs in society to be alert, what they notice and how they exploit

these opportunities. Culture and knowledge about the market process are the primary

sources of information that influence the entrepreneur's target. Large social networks

contribute significantly to entrepreneurial alertness by providing information quickly and

cheaply. The social networks help the entrepreneur focus on what is acceptable in society

and will generate profit.

Bula (2012) conducted a study on entrepreneurship theories, how they apply to developing

countries, specifically Kenya’s entrepreneurship culture and practices. The kirznerian

16
entrepreneur uses the changes that occur in the market. These changes are brought about

by different tastes or new products. These create a disequilibrium, providing opportunities

to exploit. The entrepreneur takes advantage of the talent around him and sources of capital

to create an enterprise that satisfies a need in the market. The need for market information

is evident from this. If it is available, those individuals who are alert can make use of the

data to create enterprises. Nevertheless, for this to happen, policies that exist need to incite

that alertness within potential entrepreneurs. The environment needs to be conducive,

failure to which the entrepreneurs in society will be unable to notice and take advantage of

gaps in the market (Kirzner, 2009).

This theory helps us to understand the importance of markets being accessible to the growth

of entrepreneurship. Availability of market information and social networks can help

entrepreneurs identify profit-making opportunities. Taking note of the culture in society,

they can exploit those opportunities that will be acceptable and lead to successful

enterprises. It also helps us to understand the importance of policies that promote a

conducive environment for entrepreneurs who are starting off or for the growth of

enterprises. The kirznerian theory is applied because it underpins how essential access to

markets, culture, and policy are to the growth of entrepreneurship.

2.3 Empirical review

2.3.1. Effect of government policy on growth of entrepreneurship

Policy refers to the regulations set by the government to control and develop

entrepreneurship. Through simplified registration requirements, tax benefits, training and

financial support, these organisations promote the growth of entrepreneurship (Robb, et al.

17
2014). Through entrepreneurship, different sectors can significantly grow. A policy needs

to be specific to entrepreneurs for it to have a positive effect.

Research targeting entrepreneurial development has focused on policy and their influence

on the development of entrepreneurship. Musambanyi (2015), conducted a study in Kitale

and Eldoret to identify the climate for entrepreneurship and how it affects entrepreneurship

development. Using an exploratory, descriptive research design, they showed that policies

try to increase entrepreneurial activities by reforming the regulatory environment this was

through the reduction of the number of permits and licences required to start a business.

Financial support through loans, tax incentives and subsidies were provided. Skill

development was addressed by increasing the number of resources dedicated to business

education to create a positive attitude and improve the entrepreneurial skills in the public.

How effective the policies are, has not been extensively researched on.

Sambo (2016), conducted a study on factors affecting youth entrepreneurship in Kibera

district in Kenya. Using quantitative descriptive design, he analysed the effect of policy

and access to credit on entrepreneurship growth. One policy highlighted was the National

Youth Policy sessional paper number 3. The policy aims to reduce unemployment among

the youth. The policy ensures that all major players within the environment, private, public,

and civil society, have opportunities to develop the youth within the country. In turn, the

youth are on a fair playing field with older, more seasoned entrepreneurs. The main issue

was the lack of information among the youth about the options and opportunities available

to them (KIPPRA, 2002).

Lundstrom and Stevenson (2001), conducted an explorative study to understand the

patterns and trends in entrepreneurship and SME policies and practices in ten European and

18
non-European economies. The research showed how difficult it is to separate SME policies

and entrepreneurship policies. The main goal for both policies is the creation of

employment, development, innovation, and wealth creation. The policies are formulated

depending on where growth comes from, factors that lead to an increase and the country’s

economic structure. The entrepreneurial policies target specific groups, women scientific

researchers, university graduates and inventors. Some entrepreneurial policies emerge from

SME policies with a focus on starting new firms reducing entry and exit barriers. Others

focus on entrepreneurship education and the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture. They

also ensure that there are support services such as seed capital and develop networking

activities. An effective policy will provide a constant supply of entrepreneurs and a

conducive environment for the success of start-ups and growing enterprises. On the other

hand, SME development focuses more on the enterprise, whether it is entrepreneurial or

not. An entrepreneurial policy needs to have three pillars motivation, skills, and opportunity

(Musambanyi, 2015).

Global entrepreneurship program (2011), explained the three pillars of a policy. The

motivation factor ignites an entrepreneurial desire; willingness to bear risk, be independent,

and excel. For the skill development in entrepreneurship, policies need to build on technical

and business capabilities to start and manage a business. Entrepreneurship needs to be in

the curriculum from an early stage, like primary level. The opportunity pillar provides

active entrepreneurs with an environment they can succeed in on their own. Incubation

centres, financial services, reduction of barriers that prevent entry, and growth are

necessary for entrepreneurial space. Such policies reduce necessity entrepreneurs, common

in Kenya.

19
The situation in Kenya is wanting. Waruguru (2018), conducted an explorative study on

whether the youth, women and Uwezo promote the growth of entrepreneurship. The

research revealed that the policies do not have all the three components required for

entrepreneurial success. The opportunity pillar was satisfied; financial and advisory

services are available for individuals. The motivation and skill factor are shallow. The result

is necessity-based entrepreneurship prevalent in Kenya once formal employment is made

available, the ventures collapse. The two factors address the culture and technical

capabilities in society when it comes to entrepreneurship. The study showed how all these

are connected and need to be addressed together for entrepreneurship development.

Government policy within agriculture has motivated entrepreneurs to venture into the

sector. The livestock policy aims to address different challenges, population size, trends,

and distribution. In beekeeping, this is important, and it allows farmers to know when and

where they can set up apiaries for high-quality production of honey. Research conducted

has clearly shown the areas with high production of honey. Also, the species and behaviours

of bees are well documented (Carroll, et al. 2013).

2.3.2 Effect of people’s culture on the growth of entrepreneurship

Culture refers to the beliefs passed on from generation to generation. These affect the

behaviour and choices of individuals in a community. It has a significant impact on the

growth of entrepreneurship. It can affect the occupational decisions of members of a

community and the roles played by women and men. The culture in a community can

influence the interactions between stakeholders and the adoption of new technology (Brush,

2014). One major hindrance to entrepreneurship in African countries is culture (Robb, et

20
al. 2014). Education, formal and informal play a considerable role in the development of

an entrepreneurship culture in a community.

The lack of entrepreneurial culture deters individuals from being innovative. Sousa and

Maria (2014), based in Portugal, conducted an exploratory and descriptive study

investigating entrepreneurial skill development. The study found that for entrepreneurs to

innovate, they need to have cognitive, social, relational, technical and management skills.

The skills for business can be acquired informally through apprenticeship or formally. All

this is through training and learning from an early age. Those responsible for spearheading

such education in society are the government, schools, and private companies.

Robb, et al. (2014), conducted a case study on Ghana, Mozambique, and Kenya and the

effect of entrepreneurial education and training. The study noted the potential in Kenya for

entrepreneurship since the Jua Kali sector employs eighty-six percent of the working

population. The entrepreneurial culture in Kenya is necessity based. Education contributes

significantly because the entrepreneurial training program is broad and repetitive. The

background of the recipients is neglected, for example, education, age, experience, and

focus. They found that education tailored correctly, introduced at an early age can change

the entrepreneurship culture.

Entrepreneurship in beekeeping can be affected by culture. In most African communities,

women did not participate in beekeeping. The common reasons were lack of skills, culture

prohibiting the climbing of trees, fear of falling from trees, and fear of bee stings (Dike &

Onwuka, 2016). Many view beekeeping negatively as being a dangerous, masculine, and

unprofitable venture (Mburu, 2015). A negative perception reduces the number of

entrepreneurs willing to venture into the sector. Education can help in removing any culture

21
that hinders the growth of entrepreneurship (Brush, 2014). With proper education on

beekeeping and the possible financial and health benefits, the sector can improve

entrepreneurially.

2.3.3. Effect of technical Support on the growth of entrepreneurship

Technical support, from the public or private sector, is important for entrepreneurial

growth. It provides the entrepreneur with the skills they lack. It can be through training or

extension services. The government and learning institutions can provide platforms for

support (Boutillier, et al. 2016). Incubation centres, improved technology, and constant

follow up can build confidence in potential entrepreneurs.

Wachira (2017), surveyed entrepreneurship growth of university-based incubators. He used

a survey research design to understand how important incubators are for entrepreneurs and

institutions. Incubators contribute positively to entrepreneurship growth. It ensures that

entrepreneurial ventures considered are successful. Both private and public universities

have started these programs, Chandaria business innovation and incubation centre at

Kenyatta University, C4D lab centre at Nairobi University, @ business Africa at

Strathmore University, Business/technology incubation unit at the Technical University of

Kenya and KCA business incubator at Kenya College of Accountancy University.

Entrepreneurs who participate undergo an interview based on their idea, whether it is

marketable, profitable, innovative, and beneficial to society. Majority of the incubation

centres offer ICT based services. The participants remain in the institution for about two

years to learn, and their products are commercialised. The research did not clearly show

the success rate of incubatees and life after the incubation period.

22
Wachira (2016), conducted a research study on the role of social networks in university-

based business incubators in promoting entrepreneurship growth in Kenya. Using a survey

research design, a positive relationship between social networks established in incubation

centres, and entrepreneurship growth exists. One aim of the incubators is to link the

entrepreneurs with networks with other entrepreneurs within the same and different

facilities and with external mentors. The incubators provide entrepreneurs with clout and

business opportunities. They were able to secure funding and new business contacts

quickly because of their affiliations. The research did not explain the practical part played

by the incubator in getting capital for the entrepreneurs.

Agriculture is the backbone of many African countries. Entrepreneurship ensures

sustainable growth and development, affecting many marginalised communities in society.

World Bank (2014), compiled a report on agricultural research and development strategies.

It is vital to strengthen the link between technology development and other actors in

agriculture. In the past focus has been on building the capabilities of farmer associations,

improving farming practices through innovation, and expansion of extension services so

that farmers can access new technology. It will be successful if the new technology is

region-specific. The government, together with the private sector ensure support reaches

the grassroots.

In beekeeping, the government and private organisations have provided technical support.

The creation of KTBH significantly improved beekeeping. Mbae (2010), conducted

descriptive survey research in Kajiado and Mwingi to show the impact of ALLPRO project

in developing beekeeping. The primary purpose of the project was to train farmers on the

modern ways of beekeeping. Nevertheless, there was low stakeholder involvement, poor

23
communication with beneficiaries. Technical support in the beekeeping sector is

inadequate. As a result, beekeeping growth is affected. Other factors that prevent growth

are culture and finance. Positive growth will be possible through training of modern

beekeeping practices within counties, availability of quality control services, market, and

honey extraction services.

2.3.4. Effect of access to markets on the growth of entrepreneurship

Marketing involves all activity that leads to the sale of products and access to new avenues

of sale (Boutillier, 2016). For enterprises that are starting marketing can be a real challenge.

The cost of research and promotion are high, and many organisations opt to develop the

technical side of the business.

Lam and Harker (2015), conducted an eleven-year longitudinal study and context-rich

interpretive approach on entrepreneurship and marketing in China. The study found that

marketing and entrepreneurship are inseparable from the conception stage to the decline

stage. Many entrepreneurs were active in creating, building and maintain relationships

before starting their businesses. The entrepreneurs were alert to entrepreneurial

opportunities from their relationships. These same relationships promised to be future

customers and information sources. During the start-up, stage entrepreneurs aimed to

maintain their current customer and acquire new market. Their main goal is to grow their

ventures, and this requires an expansion of the customer base. The trust between customers

and the entrepreneurs grows over time increasing sales. Branding of products also ensured

an increase in customers and set the products apart in the market. Participation in

international trade fairs and advertisement expenditure opened up new markets. The

businesses at the decline stage blamed this on the poor product quality, competition, and

24
global economic downturn, which affected the purchasing power of customers. Many of

the entrepreneurs used their social connection to make marketing decisions.

Cor (2011), shows how the concept of marketing has changed over the years. Markets have

matured with customers becoming more specific about their wants. Three elements are

essential in today's market; it has to be customer-specific using the market mix. Include an

integrated approach combining the supply, marketing, and the organisation and profitable.

Relationships are built and maintained based on customer preferences. The use of

technology and the internet has shaped companies in ensuring not only excellent products

but also keeping images attractive. Marketing has evolved from a transaction to a customer

and market outlook.

Olatomide and Olowa (2015), analysed the factors affecting agribusiness development in

Nigeria using descriptive analysis. Marketing was the fifth most effective factor in

hindering growth. One reason was that individuals in developing countries do not have

autonomy when it comes to the market decision (Kofi, 2002). Information about products

and potential market forms part of the marketing factor and is important to instil confidence

in pursuing entrepreneurship. The sector needs to be popular; advertising through social

media can increase knowledge on the potential of an industry. The entrepreneur needs to

be able to engage the market without intermediaries. Access and information about the local

and international markets need to be available and easily accessible for the growth of

entrepreneurship in a sector.

Without a reasonable market understanding, entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping will

stall. Training is an integral part of marketing. Distribution channels, diaspora markets,

entrepreneurial networks all these contribute to sales and improvement of products. In

25
beekeeping, the products are in high demand locally and internationally. Information on

how to access these markets is a challenge for many due to poor networks within the sector.

2.3.5. Effect of access to finances on the growth of entrepreneurship

Finances are needed to exploit opportunities in the market. Lack of access to funding is one

hindrance to the growth of enterprises. Financial institutions tend to be strict on lending to

entrepreneurs. They have high-interest rates, and their terms for securing a loan are beyond

the reach of many (Lederman, et al. 2013). The sources of finance can be banks,

microfinance institutions, family, savings, and grants.

Besnik (2012), through review of the literature and quantitative econometric modelling,

looked into the investment and finance in small firms in Kosovo, showing many factors

come to play. Small firms tend to have lower external financing to large firms.

Entrepreneurs, when starting their ventures, prefer internal funding due to the reduced risk.

Profits are ploughed back into the business but sadly this limits development. Credit supply

is affected by the environment, for example, corruption and High-interest rates. The success

of skilled entrepreneurs would be difficult without access to infrastructure and financial

resources (Robb, et al. 2014). Banks place such interest to protect themselves in case of

failure of the business or absconding of payment. Age and education also contribute to

access to external financing. The older and more educated an entrepreneur, the higher the

chances of external funding.

Oyoo (2016), using a cross-sectional survey research design showed the impact of capital

accessibility and growth of SMEs in Migori County. Collateral requirements are a barrier

to access to credit, the nature of the business, capital structure, cost associated with the

source of finance, and growth of the enterprise. Entrepreneurs are labelled as risky

26
borrowers hence require more collateral and attract closer scrutiny from lenders. Many

beekeepers have no access to credit because they lack insurance or the constant flow of

income (Chemwok, 2016). Being denied financial assistance limits entrepreneurial

beekeeping, many who pursue it look for other sources of income and have limited

education (Mbae, 2010). Lack of financial literacy, managerial skills, marketing skills, and

absorptive technology capabilities hinders entrepreneurship.

Beekeeping in Kenya is gaining momentum, awareness of the development opportunities,

and the need for more players in the sector is clear. Opportunities in the whole value chain

of beekeeping are many, natural honey in the market can fetch up to one thousand Kenyan

shillings per kilo (Maundu, 2018). New technology within the beekeeping sector has

improved the process of maintenance and production of high-quality products (Chemwok,

2016). The sector provides many opportunities for entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial

farmer can take advantage of any of the avenues from assembler, processor, and distributor

to local and international consumers (Olatomide & Olowa, 2015).

27
Table 2.1: Summary of Literature and Research Gaps

METHODOLOGY SUMMARY KNOWLEDGE PROJECT

GAPS
Waruguru (2018) The policy for the The research should Policy is the second
growth of have brought out the most crucial factor
Assessment of entrepreneurship role played by the affecting the growth
entrepreneurship targets financial private sector and of entrepreneurship.
policy foundations support. They entrepreneurs in Many people are
of the youth, neglect the growth policy formulation aware of the training
women and Uwezo of skills and the how they can and financial
funds in Kenya. motivation factor, participate especially support provided by
which can at the county level. the government, but
Exploratory study encourage very few can take
entrepreneurship. advantage of them.

Sambo (2016) A positive The factors that

relationship exists prevented some of the
Effect of policy and between the youth from getting
access to credit on growth of information about
entrepreneurship entrepreneurship funding, especially
growth among the and access to those involved in
youth in Kibera credit and policy. agricultural activities.
district Kenya. The main issues
addressed by
Quantitative policy is lack of
descriptive design funding. The focus
was on MSEs and
the Jua Kali sector,
how these
enterprises could
access credit,
creating an
enabling
environment and
non-financial
promotional
programmes
Musambanyi The policy on The effect of financial
(2015) entrepreneurship support and how this
is mainly focused has affected
Entrepreneurship on funding. entrepreneurship
climate and its Entrepreneurship development in
effect on in Kenya has agriculture over time
entrepreneurial become necessity- has not been
development in based, and the addressed.
Kenya. majority of start-
ups fail. the policy

28
An exploratory, should generally
descriptive study include training
Robb, et al. (2014) The study noted The study failed to Culture plays a role
that the potential mention in entrepreneurship
Ghana, in Kenya for entrepreneurship in growth, providing a
Mozambique, and entrepreneurship, agriculture and how it safe, supportive
Kenya and the the entrepreneurial is affected by formal environment that
effect of culture in Kenya is education and training promotes
entrepreneurial not good. entrepreneurship.
education and Education can Support comes from
training. help improve mainly family
entrepreneurial members and other
Case study culture. fellow
entrepreneurs.

Dike & Onwuka The culture The study revolved

(2016) promoted fear of around the fear of
beekeeping. bees. It had very little
Entrepreneurial Women could not on the entrepreneurial
perception and practise aspect of beekeeping.
growth of beekeeping.
beekeeping in Abia The community
state, Nigeria. lack knowledge of
beekeeping
Survey method practices.
This contributed
to low
entrepreneurial
involvement.

Olatomide and Marketing was the The research, Access to the

Olowa fifth most however, did not bring market is the most
(2015) effective factor in out the effect of the critical factors for
hindering global market today. the growth of
Factors affecting development. How agriculture fits entrepreneurship.
the development of Entrepreneurship into the changing Information about
agribusiness in growth depends on environment and how how to access
Nigeria. access to markets. the market aspect can diverse markets
The study showed improve to increase Encourages
Descriptive that using the number of entrepreneurs to
analysis knowledge, about entrepreneurs in grow their
the regional and agriculture. enterprises.
international
marketing trends,
fair prices of
agricultural
products can have
a positive effect on

29
 entrepreneurship
in agriculture. The
study showed the
problems plaguing
most African
countries.

Oyoo Steep collateral Entrepreneurs in Financial support is

(2016) requirements and agriculture face important for the
scattered unique challenges. growth of
Impact of capital information affect The literature provides entrepreneurship.
accessibility and many SMEs. no knowledge of the Many entrepreneurs
growth of SMEs in Financial effect of different rely on savings and
Migori County. institutions sources of capital on support from family
offered limited agricultural and friends since
Cross-sectional support in the entrepreneurs. most of them cannot
survey design expansion of provide collateral or
businesses beyond pay off the interest
micro-levels. rate accrued from
Nevertheless, loans.
financial
knowledge on the
side of the
entrepreneur
played a
significant role in
improving their
chances. High-
Interest rates and
discrimination
based on age,
gender, collateral
requirements, and
education
negatively affect
many.
Entrepreneurs
opted to use
personal savings
and loans from
family and friends.

Mutuku Challenges that These factors affect

(2014) are facing many both men and women
women are the entrepreneurs. the
Factors influencing influence of research should have
the growth of gender roles, lack been more specific,
women of property showing the effect of

30
 entrepreneurial ownership right, gender-specific
ventures in Mbooni which affects responsibilities like
Constituency. accessibility to childbearing to
finances from entrepreneurship goals
Descriptive survey formal among women,
design organisations like especially those
banks. Low engaged in
education levels agricultural activities.
and government
and regulatory
frameworks that
do not encourage
entrepreneurship.

Source: Research, 2020

2.4 Conceptual Framework

31
Independent variable Dependent variable

Government policy
 Less restrictive in licensing,
 Entrepreneurial training by
government KIRDI,
 Improved access to credit by
government interventions
 Export possibility through
government intervention.

People’s culture
 entrepreneurship culture,
 beekeeping culture,
 role models,
 supportive family. Growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni County.

Technical support  Production of honey

 extension services,
 Number of beekeepers in the county
 incubation centre/trainings
 access to internet,
 Profits from beekeeping
 extraction zones for modern
hives

Access to markets
 access to information,
 relationships between
beekeepers and other
stakeholders,
 export

Ease of access to finance

 ease of access to external
finance,
 source of funding

Figure 2.1: Conceptual Framework

Source : Research, 2020

32
Figure 2.1 represents the conceptual framework adopted for the project. It is divided into

two parts the independent and dependent variables and how the two are connected. The

independent variables highlight significant factors that directly affect growth of

entrepreneurship. The framework attempts to define these variables in relation to the

growth of entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector in Makueni County. Policies enforced

by the government affect the entrepreneurial environment in beekeeping. The ease of

acquiring licensing, training, credit, and assistance to reach export markets. Culture,

explained by the entrepreneurial culture of beekeepers, beekeeping culture, availability of

successful commercial beekeepers as role models and support from family in Makueni

County.

Technical support allows for adoption of modern technology which is specified by

continuous extension services, trainings, access to internet and extraction zones for modern

hives which require specialised machinery. Access to markets allows for growth of

enterprises and increase in incomes and is explained by availability of information on

markets, the relationship between stakeholders in the beekeeping chain and access to

export. Access to finance is represented by the available sources of funding for commercial

beekeepers and the ease of access of those funds. Availability of these factors leads to the

growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County. The growth of the

beekeeping sector can be ascertained if there is an increase in honey production, number of

beekeepers and profit from beekeeping ventures.

33
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter included the procedure for data collection and analysis to answer the research

questions. The sections within the chapter are research design, target population, sampling,

research instruments, validity and reliability, data collection procedures, data analysis

techniques, and research questionnaire.

3.2 Research design

Descriptive research design was used to understand entrepreneurship in beekeeping in

Makueni County (Mugenda, 2008). Descriptive design was ideal as the study tried to

understand the factors promoting entrepreneurship growth in the beekeeping sector in

Makueni County. Descriptive design helps when the characteristics under investigation are

known to exist, and more information is needed (Kumar, 2011). The way access to market,

access to finances, technical support, policies, and culture determine the growth of

entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector needs to be understood.

3.3 Target population

According to the county’s department of agriculture, there was an estimated 5,100 bee

farmers distributed in Makueni County (Department of agriculture, Makueni, 2019). The

sampling frame for this study was 366 farmers who were in the county database registered

in Kathonzweni and Kibwezi (Makueni County statistics, 2019).

34
3.4 Sampling procedure and sample size

The selected sample of beekeepers was from Kibwezi and Kathonzweni. Adequate sample

size can be between 10 %, and 30 % according to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003). As such,

thirty per cent of 366 was the representative sample. It brought the sample size for the study

to 110 individuals. Simple random sampling ensured that everyone within that criteria had

an equal chance of selection (Kumar, 2011).

Table 3.1 Distribution of sample size

County database No. of registered Sample size

sample beekeepers
Kibwezi 202 61
Kathonzweni 164 49
Total 366 110

Source: Research data, 2020

3.5 Data collection instrument

Questionnaires helped to collect data because of the wide geographic distribution of the

respondents, and they reduced bias. The questionnaire used both closed and open ended

questions. Closed questions were useful since they brought out facts. Open-ended questions

help to understand the respondents’ point of view (Kumar, 2011). To understand the

entrepreneurial environment, we needed to know what was happening and the perception

of the actual beekeepers. The information generated provided both quantitative and

qualitative data.

35
3.6 Pilot study

Data was collected from a small group from Kathonzweni and Kibwezi to correct any

problems with the questionnaire that might arise when dealing with the target population

(Mugenda, 2008). The pilot study conducted gave reliability of 0.77 calculated using

SPSS. The value showed that forty-one items within the questionnaire correlated highly

among themselves and measured the growth of entrepreneurship (Mugenda, 2008). As

such, the questionnaire was used to collect data.

3.7 Validity and Reliability

Data collected needs to be accurate and true. To ensure this, the tools used in the collection

of data need to yield accurate results. Validity and reliability ensure the questionnaires

achieve this goal (Mugenda, 2008).

3.7.1 Validity of the instrument

Validity ensured that the questions asked, effectively measured the objectives under

investigation. Content validity measures the degree to which data collected represents a

specific concept. Each question was linked to an objective to ensure content validity

(Kumar,2011). According to Mugenda (2008), professionals can be used to check for

content validity; one should assess the concept the questionnaire is evaluating the other

should look at the set of items and how accurately they represent the concept. The

questionnaire was evaluated and approved by officials within the beekeeping institute.

36
3.7.2 Reliability of research instrument

Reliability of the research instrument is the degree same results after repeated trials are

yielded. Cronbach’s alpha measured the reliability of the questionnaire. It helped to

understand how all the items in the test measured the same concept. The reliability

coefficient is good when it is close to 1.0. generally, when alpha is less than 0.6, then it is

considered weak, those around 0.7 acceptable and when it exceeds 0.80, then the

questionnaire is reliable (Sekaran, 2003). Alpha was determined using SPSS.

3.8 Data collection procedure

Beekeeping experts from two groups helped to collect the data, one based in Kibwezi and

the other in Kathonzweni. This was because of the significant distance that needed to be

covered. The respondents filled and returned the questionnaires immediately. Ensuring a

high response rate and the cost and time required reduced. In case of any language barrier,

the local officials were available for clarification.

3.9 Data analysis technique

Descriptive analysis helped to analyse the data. The aim was to give a clear picture of the

entrepreneurial environment in Makueni County for beekeepers. Percentages mean and

standard deviation of the data were presented in tables and explanations offered. Regression

coefficient used, identified the factors that impact the growth of entrepreneurship

significantly in beekeeping in Makueni County.

y=β0 +β1 x1+ β2 x2 + β3x3 + β4x4 + β5x5+e

where

37
y was the dependent variable (growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni

County)

β0 was a constant that indicated the value of the dependent variable at zero

x was the independent variable (people’s culture, government policies, technical support,

access to market and access to finance)

β was the coefficient of the independent variable.

e was the error residual the difference between the actual observation and the regression

line.

3.10 Ethical considerations

Ethical standards protect participants from any harm that could arise as a result of the

project (Mugenda, 2008). The data collected did not contain sensitive information about

the respondents. Participation was voluntary after a clear explanation of the nature and

purpose of the study. A cover letter that clearly stated the reason for the project helped.

38
 CHAPTER FOUR

THE RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

This chapter showed the data results and analysis using SPSS. Section one defines the

respondents in terms of age, gender, marital status, number of hives owned and years in

beekeeping. Section two contains the descriptive analysis of the variables to see the effect

of policies, culture, access to market, access to finances and availability of technical support

on growth of entrepreneurship in agriculture in Makueni County.

4.2 Demographic analysis

4.2.1 Cronbach’s alpha

As shown in Table 4.1 below, a reliability analysis carried out on the growth of

entrepreneurship in beekeeping comprised of 43 items. Cronbach’s alpha showed that the

questionnaire was reliable α = 0.80, which was good since the value of alpha needs to be

above 0.7 to show reliability.

Table 4.1 Cronbach’s alpha

Reliability Statistics
Cronbach's Alpha Cronbach's Alpha Based on N of Items
Standardised Items

0.802 0.843 43

Source: Research data, 2020

39
4.2.2 Response rate

Table 4.2 showed a 96.4 % response rate. Out of the 110 questionnaires given to the

respondents, all were returned. 3.6 % of the questionnaires were not completely filled, and

1.8 % were defective. The acceptable response rate is 80% and above. Calculated as the

number of questionnaires returned compared to those distributed. It could also be the

number of questionnaires that are usable compared to the number that is available

(Fincham,2008).

Table 4.2 Questionnaire Response Rate

Response Rate Frequency Percentage

Issued Kathonzweni 49 44.5%
Issued Kibwezi 61 55.5%
Returned 110 100.0%
Incompletely filled 4 3.6%
Completely filled 104 96.4%
Defective 2 1.8%

Source: Research data, 2020

4.2.3 Gender of respondents

The results in table 4.3 below showed the small difference between male and female

beekeepers. Majority of the beekeepers are female; these being 53.7 per cent while the men

were 46.3 per cent. Modern beekeeping has significantly contributed to more women

becoming involved. Women have a lot of support from their families to venture into

beekeeping and face the same challenges as men. This contradicts with Mutuku (2014),

sets women apart as being affected by lack of finances. Due to discrimination by financial

institutions to grow entrepreneurial ventures.

40
Table 4.3 Gender of respondents

Gender
Valid
Frequency Per cent Percent Cumulative Percent
Male 50 46.3 46.3 46.3
Female 58 53.7 53.7 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

4.2.4 Age of respondents

Table 4.4 showed 56.5% beekeepers are 40 to 59 years of age, followed by those between
the ages of 20 to 39 at 26.9 %. Many people within these age brackets are active, have
many financial obligations and are willing to learn new skills. The least active group are
those above sixty years of age, forming 15.7 % of the target group. This can be attributed
to the effort and skills required to have a productive beekeeping venture.

Table 4.4 Age of the respondents

Cumulative Per
Age Frequency Per cent Valid Per cent cent
20-39 29 26.9 26.9 27.8
40-59 61 56.5 56.5 84.3
60 and above 17 15.7 15.7 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0
Source: Research data, 2020

4.2.5 Marital status of respondents

Results in table 4.5 below showed that many of the beekeepers were married, 77.8 %. These

were followed by those who were single at 13.9 %. It proved that beekeeping is acceptable

to the community as a viable agricultural activity. Many families support it and embrace it.

41
Those who are widows/widowers made up 8.3 % of the target population, and they

continued with their beekeeping activities.

Table 4.5 Marital Status of respondents

Marital status
Valid Cumulative
Marital Status Frequency Per cent Percent Percent
Single 15 13.9 13.9 13.9
Married 84 77.8 77.8 91.7
Widowed/Widower 9 8.3 8.3 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0
Source: Research data, 2020

4.2.6 Education

Results from table 4.6 below showed that the beekeepers in Makueni have a good

educational background. The majority, 59.3 % have a reached secondary. 25% have

primary level education, 10. 2 % have tertiary level education. Which is positive since the

majority of beekeepers can be trained and adopt new technology if given the opportunity.

Table 4.6 Level of education

Valid Cumulative
Level of education Frequency Per cent Percent Percent
Primary 27 25.0 25.0 25.0
Secondary 64 59.3 59.3 84.3
Tertiary 11 10.2 10.2 94.4
Others 6 5.6 5.6 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

42
4.2.7 Years in beekeeping

80.6% of the participants had over three years’ experience in beekeeping, as displayed in

table 4.7. Only 2.8 % of the respondents had one year of experience. Hence the respondents

were experienced in commercial beekeeping. Knowledgeable about the challenges

affecting entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

Table 4.7 Years in beekeeping of respondents

Years in beekeeping
Valid Cumulative
Years in beekeeping Frequency Per cent Percent Percent
0-1 3 2.8 2.8 2.8
1-3 18 16.7 16.7 19.4
3-5 42 38.9 38.9 58.3
5 years and above 45 41.7 41.7 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

4.2.8 Number of hives

Table 4.8 below showed that 50% of those questioned owned six to fifteen hives, 28.7% of

them owned one to five hives, 16.7% of them owned sixteen to thirty hives, and only 4.6

% of them owned more than thirty hives. Based on the number of hives, 71.3 % of the

respondents were practicing beekeeping commercially.

Table 4.8 Number of hives

Number of hives
Valid Cumulative
Number of hives Frequency Per cent Percent Percent
1-5 31 28.7 28.7 28.7
6-15 54 50.0 50.0 78.7

43
 16-30 18 16.7 16.7 95.4
30 and above 5 4.6 4.6 100.0
Total 108 100.0 100.0
Source: Research data, 2020

4.3 Descriptive Statistics

4.3.1 Government policy and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship

The importance of policy to the growth of entrepreneurship could be seen in table 4.9. 75%

of those questioned agreed that it was easier to start a registered business now. 75 % of the

respondents were positive about the training. 84.8 % agreed that the government had

promoted entrepreneurship in agriculture through the media.

Table 4.9 Factors contributing to an effective government policy

Percentag The The The The The

e government governmen government government government
(%) has succeeded t has has promoted has has
in reviewing succeeded entrepreneurs succeeded in succeeded in
all restrictive in ensuring hip through training promoting
regulatory awareness trainings entrepreneur entrepreneur
requirements of access to provided by to ship through
that hinder credit public participate mass media.
growth of through institutions in the
entrepreneurs YEDF, such as KIRDI international
hip such as Uwezo and local market due
licensing fund, WEF. learning to the strict
institutions. regulations
strongly 54.5 54.5 57.1 47.3 52.7
agree
Agree 20.5 10.7 17.9 23.2 32.1
neutral 8.0 13.4 6.3 6.3 2.7
disagree 9.8 11.6 8.9 12.5 2.7
strongly 2.7 5.4 5.4 6.3 5.4
disagree
95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5
No 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
response
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

44
Source: Research data, 2020

From table 4.10, we saw from the mean values the respondents were positive on the role

the government had played in providing effective policy for the growth of entrepreneurship

in beekeeping in Makueni County. However, the statements referring to financial support

and training in marketing had a standard deviation of 1.31 and 1.30, respectively. Which is

a bit high, showing some entrepreneurs have a hard time accessing these services.

The study agrees with Waruguru (2018); the opportunity pillar was satisfied, financial and

advisory services are available for individuals such as capital, information, counselling, and

advisory services. Some entrepreneurs were not able to access financial support, which

supported, Sambo (2016) who ascertained that one major issue for entrepreneurs was lack

of information on the support provided by the government.

Table 4.10 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to an effective government

policy

Mean Std Deviation

The government has succeeded in reviewing all 1.80 1.136
restrictive regulatory requirements that hinder growth
of entrepreneurship such as licensing

The government has succeeded in easing access to 1.98 1.310

credit through YEDF, Uwezo fund, WEF.
The government has promoted entrepreneurship 1.82 1.235
through trainings provided by public institutions such
as KIRDI and local learning institutions.
The government has succeeded in training 2.03 1.299
entrepreneurs to participate in the international market
due to the strict regulations
The government has succeeded in promoting 1.70 1.057
entrepreneurship through mass media.

Source: Research data, 2020

45
4.3.2 People’s culture and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship

The effect of culture on the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni county

can be seen from table 4.11 below. 78.6 % of the respondents confirmed that

entrepreneurship is popular in the community. 92.9 % were positive about the profitability

of beekeeping sector. 66.1% of respondents showed that collaboration between the

stakeholders in the sector was high. 70.5 % of the respondents indicated that there was great

support from family members, and 70.6% confirmed the positive influence of beekeeping

organisations within the community.

Table 4.11 Elements of people’s culture that contribute to entrepreneurial growth

Entrepreneur Entrepreneu There is Cultural The Entrepre

ship is rship in a beliefs number neurship Organi
popular in the beekeeping collabor determin of in zation
community is profitable ation ed your entrepren beekeep s
among decision eurs in ing within
beekeep on beekeepi attracts the
ers in becomin ng within great comm
your g an the support unity
area entrepre communi from have a
neur in ty family great
beekeepi influence member influe
ng. d your s and the nce on
decision commu memb
to take it nity ers of
up. the
comm
unity
and
their
adopti
ng
beekee
ping
for
comm
ercial
purpos
es
strongly 51.8 79.5 56.3 21.4 38.4 60.7 51.8
agree

46
 agree 26.8 13.4 9.8 17.0 16.1 9.8 18.8
neutral 7.1 1.8 10.7 17.9 6.3 3.6 6.3

disagree 8.0 10.7 13.4 17.0 15.2 14.3

strongly 1.8 0 5.4 25.9 17.9 6.3 4.5
disagree
95.5 94.6 92.9 95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5
No 4.5 5.4 7.1 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
respons
e
100.0 100 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

A few of the respondents took up beekeeping influenced by the community as seen from

the mean in table 4.12. However, from the standard deviation of 1.60, the impact is not the

same for all of them. Family support for entrepreneurship in beekeeping is substantial since

the mean is below 2.0. From the data, there was a good relationship between the beekeepers

and the beekeeping organisation. In line with Brush (2014), that culture in a community

can influence the interactions between stakeholders and the adoption of new technology.

The results also agreed with Robb, et al. 2014, who stated if the community accepts

entrepreneurs, views them positively, then it will flourish and be prevalent. It can be seen

from the positive view many of the respondents had on the profitability of beekeeping and

support from family. Culture is one of the major hindrances to entrepreneurship.

Table 4.9 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to culture

Mean Std Deviation

Entrepreneurship is popular in the community 1.76 1.036

Entrepreneurship in beekeeping is profitable 1.18 0.432

There is collaboration among beekeepers in your area 1.91 1.308

Cultural beliefs determined your decision on 3.06 1.522

becoming an entrepreneur in beekeeping.

47
 The number of entrepreneurs in beekeeping within 2.58 1.596
the community influenced your decision to take it up.
Entrepreneurship in beekeeping attracts great support 1.92 1.381
from family members and the community
Organizations within the community have a great 1.96 1.281
influence on members of the community and their
adopting beekeeping for commercial purposes

Source: Research data , 2020

4.3.3 Technical Support and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship

Table 4.13 revealed 94.7 % of those who participated found practical support to be

necessary for the growth of entrepreneurship. 85.8% concluded that networking among the

entrepreneurs and other stakeholders such as extension officers would have a high impact

on the growth of entrepreneurship in agriculture. 73.3 % of the respondents strongly agreed

that infrastructure, such as roads and the internet, was very important for the growth of

entrepreneurship.

Table 4.10 Key considerations for technical support for entrepreneurs in agriculture

Percentag Practical Skill Access to Collaborations

e (%) support in terms development infrastructures among
of hive classes can such as the entrepreneurs,
equipment helps encourage internet and such as suppliers,
in the growth of entry into roads can grow customers,
entrepreneurshi entrepreneurshi entrepreneurship learning
p, especially in p and growth of in beekeeping. institutions,
beekeeping. existing extension officers,
enterprises. the private sector
can help in the
growth of
entrepreneurship in
beekeeping.
strongly 81.3 75.0 73.2 68.8
agree
agree 13.4 17.9 19.6 17.0
neutral 0.9 2.7 1.8 2.7
disagree 0 0 0.9 6.3

48
 strongly 0 0 0 0.9
disagree
95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5
No 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
response
100.0 100 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

The mean values displayed in table 4.14 showed a consensus that technical support is

necessary for the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping. It was defined as the provision

of modern equipment, collaborations, infrastructure, skill development classes and

availability of extension officers in the field. The low standard deviation in each point

showed that the respondents did not differ in their opinions. It was supported by Mbae

(2010), who pointed out how low technical support was for beekeepers. A secure link

between technology development and other actors in agriculture is needed. Putting focus

on building the capabilities of farmer associations, improving farming practices through

innovation, and expansion of extension services so that farmers can access new technology

(World Bank, 2014).

Table 4.11 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to technical support

Mean Std Deviation

Practical support in terms of hive equipment helps in 1.17 0.445

the growth of entrepreneurship, especially in
beekeeping.
Skill development classes can encourage entry into 1.24 0.492
entrepreneurship and growth of existing enterprises.

Access to infrastructures such as the internet and 1.27 0.542

roads can grow entrepreneurship in beekeeping.

Accessibility to experts in entrepreneurship can lead 1.34 0.764

to growth of entrepreneurship (in this case
entrepreneurial beekeepers and extension officers).

49
 Collaborations among entrepreneurs, such as 1.47 0.904
suppliers, customers, learning institutions,
government officials, the private sector can help in
the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping.

Source: Analysis data , 2020

4.3.4 Access to markets and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship

78.5% of the participants, looking at table 4.15, considered access to markets challenging.

The challenge that affected the respondents most was lack of training and information. We

can see that 91.1 % of the respondents agreed that training in marketing was relevant. 90.2

% of the respondents had little knowledge of how to access different markets and so were

limited to selling their honey locally as seen in table 4.16 below where 53.6 % of the

respondents sold their honey to their neighbours and other local consumers.

Table 4.12 factors contributing to ease of access to markets

Access to the Many Many Informatio Marketing

market is entreprene entreprene n about should be
challenging for urs in urs in beekeepin included in
many beekeepin Beekeepin g products, training for
entrepreneurs g are not g can sell trends, and entreprene
(%) familiar directly to tastes of urs in
with the consumers consumers beekeeping
internation without is not . (%)
al market intermedia readily
and how to ries (%) available
access it. for
(%) entreprene
urs in
beekeepin
g. (%)
strongly agree 57.1 66.1 71.4 48.2 75.0

agree 21.4 24.1 21.4 19.6 16.1

neutral 5.4 2.7 1.8 4.5 0.9
disagree 5.4 1.8 0.9 17.0 2.7

50
 strongly 6.3 0.9 0 6.3 0.9
disagree
95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5
No response 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

Table 4.13 Markets for entrepreneurs in Makueni County

To whom do you sell your honey (%)

Self 7.1
Local Market 11.6
Neighbours and other local consumers 53.6
Middlemen 6.3
Kibwezi Honey Factory 8.9
Consumers in urban areas 8.9
Total 96.4
No response 3.6
100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

The means from table 4.17 were below 2.5, much lower than the theoretical mean of 3.0.

The respondents agreed with the statements that information about various market

opportunities was scarce and getting market for their products was a challenge. The

standard deviation was low for three statements: availability of information of international

markets, sale of products without the use of intermediaries and marketing in training for

skill development of entrepreneurs, showing a general agreement across all respondents.

The standard deviation was high for access to markets is a challenge, and information about

market trends. It showed the different opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the same

area and sector which can explain why some enterprises were more successful than others.

Information about markets needs to be accessible by entrepreneurs for their enterprises to

51
grow. This agrees with the research conducted by Olatomide and Olowa (2015), they found

that one major factor that hinders entrepreneurial growth in agriculture is marketing. For

any venture, information from the market is vital to discover opportunities and take

advantage of them. Knowledge about the consumers and their specific requirements also

ensure growth (Lam & Harker, 2015).

Table 4.14 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to access to market

Mean Std Deviation

Access to the market is challenging for many 1.77 1.194

entrepreneurs
Many entrepreneurs in beekeeping are not familiar with 1.40 0.725
the international market and how to access it.

Many entrepreneurs in beekeeping can sell directly to 1.29 0.550

consumers without intermediaries.

Information about beekeeping products, trends, and 2.09 1.363

tastes of consumers is not readily available for
entrepreneurs in beekeeping.
Marketing should be included in training for 1.31 0.719
entrepreneurs in beekeeping.

Source: Analysis data, 2020

4.3.5. Access to Finances and the effect on growth of entrepreneurship

95.4% % of the participants, as displayed on table 4.18, agreed that if access to financial

credit were readily available, then it would be easy to grow their venture. It is because

72.9% showed that the capital needed to start and grow a successful enterprise was high.

Sources for capital for beekeepers were not readily available because 71% of the

respondents lacked a constant flow of income or collateral.

Table 4.15 Factors affecting access to finance

52
 % Sources of Access to If High- Entreprene
capital for loans for entreprene interest urship in
entrepreneurs entreprene urs have rates on beekeeping
in beekeeping urial access to loans is a requires a
is not readily beekeepers financial barrier to large
available is not easy credit, they accessing amount of
due to bias can grow financial capital to
by banks their credit for be able to
(flow of enterprises entreprene start and
income is . urs. grow the
not enterprise.
constant
and no
collateral).
strongly agree 46.7 52.3 80.4 58.9 50.5
agree 15.9 18.7 15.0 15.9 22.4
neutral 4.7 9.3 1.9 10.3 21.5
disagree 22.4 15.9 0.9 11.2 5.6
strongly 10.3 3.7 1.8 3.7 0
disagree
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

Table 4.19 below showed, from the means that the participants were positive about the

statements affecting financial credit. The standard deviation though indicated that ease of

access to finance was subjective. Some individuals did not see it as an obstacle. Some have

other commercial activities, have been entrepreneurs for more years, and are older. It

supported Mbae (2010), he explained that a successful entrepreneurial beekeeping venture

required financial backing, which was not available from banks, due to steep borrowing

rates and collateral requirement. The bank rates on loans encourage entrepreneurs to seek

capital from savings or family, limiting the expansion of ventures (Robb et al. 2014).

Table 4.16 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to access to finances

Mean Std Deviation

53
 Sources of capital for entrepreneurs in beekeeping is not 2.34 1.498
readily available
Access to loans for entrepreneurial beekeepers is not easy 2.00 1.266
due to bias by banks (flow of income is not constant and
no collateral).
If entrepreneurs have access to financial credit, they can 1.35 1.134
grow their enterprises.
High-interest rates on loans is a barrier to accessing 1.85 1.212
financial credit for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship in beekeeping requires a large amount 2.09 1.370
of capital to be able to start and grow the enterprise.

Source: Analysis data, 2020

4.3.6 The growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping

The potential for beekeeping entrepreneurship is displayed on table 4.20. 93.5 % of the

respondents agreed that beekeeping could be a source of income for families. 92.5% of the

respondents agreed that beekeeping provided a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities. 75.7%

of the respondents strongly felt that honey production has increased over the years.

Table 4.21 shows the means of the factors describing entrepreneurial growth in beekeeping

to be 2.02 and below, which is under the theoretical mean of 3.0. Showing in Makueni

County, beekeeping is a lucrative entrepreneurial sector. This agrees with the research

conducted by Dike and Onwuka (2016), who showed that entrepreneurial beekeeping is

lucrative, but failure of the sector is due to financial challenges together with lack of

technical skills in modern beekeeping.

Table 4.17 The features of entrepreneurial growth in beekeeping

54
 % The number of Honey Entrepreneurial More
entrepreneurs in production in approach to opportunities
beekeeping has the county has beekeeping has have emerged
increased over the increased provided a in beekeeping
years. over the steady income over the
years. for your years.
family.
strongly agree 69.2 49.5 61.7 67.3
agree 19.6 26.2 31.8 25.2
neutral 3.7 4.7 2.8 2.8
disagree 4.7 12.1 3.7 3.7
strongly disagree 2.8 7.5 0 0.9
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Research data, 2020

Table 4.18 Distribution by mean of factors contributing to entrepreneurial growth in

beekeeping

Mean Std Deviation

The number of entrepreneurs in beekeeping has 1.52 0.975

increased over the years.
Honey production in the county has increased over the 2.02 1.310
years.
Entrepreneurial approach to beekeeping has provided a 1.49 0.732
steady income for your family.

More opportunities have emerged in beekeeping over 1.46 0.804

the years.

Source: Analysis data, 2020

4.3.7 Regression analysis

R was found to be .804, showed by the model summary table 4.22, which displayed the

quality of prediction of the dependent variable, growth of entrepreneurship, was right. The

value of R2, the coefficient of determination, was 0. 647 which showed that the independent

variables, government policy, people’s culture, technical support, access to markets and

55
access to finance, explained 64.7 % of the variability of the growth in entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni County.

Table 4.19 Model summary

Model Summary
Model R R Adjust Std. Change Statistics
Squar ed R Error
R F df1 df2 Sig. F
e Square of the
Squar Chang Chang
Estima
e e e
te
Chang
e
1 .804a 0.647 0.630 0.4440 0.647 37.03 5 101 0.000
4 0
a. Predictors: (Constant), access to markets, technical support, people’s culture,
.Government policy, access to finance
b. Dependent Variable: the growth of entrepreneurship
Source: Analysis data, 2020

Table 4.20 Anova

Table 4.23 below indicated whether the regression model was the best fit. The table showed

that the independent variables (government policy, people’s culture, technical support,

access to market and access to finance) reliably predicted the dependent variable (growth

of entrepreneurship) since the p-value should be p < 0.05 from the table we saw p < 0.001.

Sum of Squares df Mean F Sig.

Square
Regression 36.506 5 7.301 37.03 .000b

Residual 19.914 101 0.197

Total 56.421 106

Source: Research data, 2020

56
a. Dependent Variable: Growth of entrepreneurship

b. Predictors: (constant), government policy, people’s culture, technical support, access to

markets, access to finance.

Table 4.24 showed the regression equation for predicting the growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping in Makueni county from government policy, culture, access to markets, access

to finance and technical support. From the standardised coefficient column, we saw that the

growth of entrepreneurship was influenced mainly by access to markets, government

policy, and access to finance. People’s culture and technical support affected growth at a

lower level compared to the other three.

Table 4.21 Distribution of Coefficients

Unstandardized Standardized t Sig.

Coefficients Coefficients
B Std. Beta
Error
(Constant) 0.055 0.178 0.309 0.758

Government 0.257 0.079 0.333 3.239 0.002

policy
People’s -0.026 0.086 -0.024 -0.298 0.766
Culture
Technical -0.029 0.119 -0.018 -0.244 0.808
support

Access to 0.052 0.093 0.068 0.564 0.574

finance

Access to 0.684 0.132 0.508 5.203 1.034

markets

Source: Research data, 2020

The equation:

57
Y = 0.055+0.333X1-0.024X2 -0.018X3+0.068X4+0.508X5

where

Y is the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County

Constant 0.055 shows that if government policy, people’s culture, technical support, access

to finance and access to markets were zero, then the growth of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping would be 0.055.

X1 is positive 0.333, which explains that one unit change of government policy, results in

0.333 unit increase in the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

X2 – 0.024, which explains that one unit change of people’s culture, results in a 0.026 unit

decrease in the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

X3 is negative 0.018, shows that one unit change of technical support results, in a 0.018

decrease in growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

X4 is positive 0.068, shows that one unit change of access to markets, results in an 0.68

increase in growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

X5 is positive 0.508, shows that one unit change of access to finance, results in an increase

of 0.508 in growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County.

58
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

This chapter represents the summary of the study findings, the conclusion from the results

of the study, and the recommendations drawn of the project. These are from the research

objective, which was to investigate the factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurship

in the beekeeping sector in Makueni County.

5.2 Summary

The significant difference between the potential of honey production and the actual honey

produced in Kenya is a problem within the sector. In Makueni county, there has been an

eighty percent drop in honey production over the years. This is an indication that there are

factors that are either hindering growth in the sector or pushing farmers out of the sector all

together. However, research on entrepreneurship growth within the beekeeping sector to

understand the root causes of challenges is scanty. The main purpose for this study was to

assess the factors that influence the growth of entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector in

Makueni County using descriptive analysis. The main factors considered were government

policy, people’s culture, technical support, ease of access to markets and ease of access to

finance.

Government policy had a positive influence on entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping in

Makueni County. Promotion of beekeeping as a commercial activity for the youth and

women has been significant. Through beekeeping trainings, modern beekeeping practised

are known. Majority are unable to adopt them fully, due to the initial high cost of capital.

59
This promoted skill development in beekeeping. Entrepreneurship in beekeeping was

popular in the community and majority had family support. Gender was not a hinderance

since both men and women practice beekeeping. Proving that culture affected the

occupational choices of members of the community.

Access to markets was a significant challenge for entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping

in Makueni county. The challenge that existed is lack of training in marketing and limited

information on different market avenues. As such majority sold their honey in the local

markets and to neighbours. Availability of information about the local and international

markets is crucial for the growth of entrepreneurship in the sector. It would also instil

confidence in pursuing entrepreneurship in beekeeping. Financial accessibility was made

difficult by lack of collateral or a stable source of income since beekeeping provides

unpredictable returns.

For entrepreneurship within the beekeeping sector to grow then the beekeepers need to have

clear avenues through which to sell their products and make a profit. Entrepreneurs need to

be trained in marketing, understanding market trends, and how to find opportunities within

the market to exploit. Entrepreneurs also need government policies that motivate and

develop their skill. In Kenya, there are several opportunities for entrepreneurship within

the beekeeping sector, the drive, confidence, and expertise to exploit them profitably are

lacking. Effective government policies specific to beekeeping can create a safe

environment and address the quality of products and their production.

5.3 Conclusion

Growth in entrepreneurship in beekeeping is affected by many factors, and a combination

of these factors can either lead to success or failure of farmers who practice beekeeping. To

60
understand the sector, we looked at government policy, people’s culture, technical support,

access to markets, and access to finance and the effect they have on entrepreneurship

growth. Entrepreneurship in beekeeping could provide a steady source of income and food

for those involved. Beekeeping is one sector that has excellent growth potential.

Entrepreneurship is vital for development. The beekeeping sector can develop significantly

and reach full potential if the right policies are in place. Policy provides entrepreneurs with

guidance and structure. The process of starting and running an enterprise is made more

accessible. Individuals are trained and equipped with the essential tools to run and

successfully manage a business. Entrepreneurial people are not limited because they do not

have the needed resources. When entrepreneurs are in a specialised field like beekeeping,

this requires training so that new technology can be embraced only then can entrepreneurial

growth within the sector be achieved.

Culture within a community plays an essential role in entrepreneurship growth. The culture

of a community is evident from the activities conducted by the people. The family, the most

integral part of a community, can be a significant source of encouragement for

entrepreneurs. If the culture is free, then gender is not as issue as seen in Makueni where

both men and women practised entrepreneurial beekeeping. It creates a good background

for development within the sector. Technical support for entrepreneurs in specialised areas

is necessary. Entrepreneurs without support can lead to discouragement. Entrepreneurship

in agriculture requires experts who can introduce and train on new technology and new

methods of production.

Access to markets was seen as an essential factor for the growth of entrepreneurship.

Information about different markets, and how to access them readily instils confidence.

61
Entrepreneurs need to have the assurance that once they have a product, they can make a

profit out of it. Hence, they need education on marketing skills. If entrepreneurs have

information about trends within the market, they equipped to decide on whether to continue

with their ventures.

Finance is another factor that can hinder entrepreneurial growth, bee equipment and inputs

are expensive, and therefore, farmers need cash to run an excellent modern enterprise.

Entrepreneurship requires capital to start and run a successful business. Access to loans

from banks is not easy for many entrepreneurs due to lack of collateral and the high-interest

rates. It leads to many depending on family support or personal savings. As a result, many

entrepreneurs stagnate others close down.

5.4 Recommendations

Skill development is an important area that needs to be addressed seriously by policy. It

needs to be specific for beekeeping entrepreneurs. The policy needs to address marketing

opportunities, guidelines on safety and production, guidelines on best practice to grow the

sector to its full potential. Policy also needs to motivate potential entrepreneurs. Address

the financial accessibility to enable more entrepreneurs to access funds. Technical support

should be readily available for beekeepers. It can be provided by extension officers who

visit and offer help to farmers whenever needed.

Market accessibility is crucial for the growth of entrepreneurship. Information about

markets, both local and international, should be readily available for entrepreneurs. The

government can help entrepreneurs’ access external markets by creating supply chains that

link them to consumers. It will increase profits improving the livelihood of the farmers and

62
ensuring the growth of the sector. Financial institutions should embrace flexible regulations

to accommodate entrepreneurs who are starting.

5.4.1 Suggestions for further research

The study highlighted that many of the respondents would appreciate training in marketing.

Research can be conducted on the training offered by the government to entrepreneurs, for

example, how do trained entrepreneurs fair in the market. Further research can be to

determine the entrepreneurial interest of beekeepers in Makueni and other honey-producing

counties by assessing the number of entrepreneurs willing to adopt new technology, be part

of cooperative groups, and explore new markets for their products.

Research can be on other factors affecting entrepreneurship growth to explain the low

production of honey in the country. Entrepreneurship in apiculture in other counties can

be conducted. Other variables can be considered, for example, managerial capabilities of

beekeepers, record keeping skills, and the financial literacy of beekeepers. Further research

can be on how the entrepreneurial behaviour of beekeepers can be changed so that the sector

can be sustainable.

63
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 APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER

Ruth Watiri Mwangi.

P.O BOX 121-00202 KNH,

NAIROBI.

Dear Participant,

RE: REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION IN STUDY.

Am assessing the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County. Am a

master’s student at Kenyatta University.

I kindly request for your help in completing the questionnaire below. This will enable me

to answer my research questions, and understand the environment in which you, as

beekeepers, carry out your activities. The information you give will not be made public.

Your assistance is highly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ruth Mwangi. (D53/CTY/PT/26197/2011)

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76
APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE

Am a student from Kenyatta University conducting academic research on the factors

influencing the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping in Makueni County. All the

information will be classified and used for this research only. Do not put down any personal

details. Please answer with a tick or as applicable.

Section one: background information tick where appropriate.

1. Gender.

a) Male.

b) female

2. Age bracket.

a) 20- 39 years

b) 40- 59 years

c) 60 years and above

3. Marital status.

a) Single

b) Married

c) Widowed/widower

d) Divorced/ separated

77
4. Highest level of education.

a) Primary

b) Secondary

c) Tertiary

d) Others.

5. Years in beekeeping

a) 0- 1 year

b) 1- 3 years

c) 3- 5 years

d) Five years and above

6. Number of hives

a) 1-5 hives

b) 6-15 hives

c) 16-30 hives

d) More than 30 hives.

7. Is beekeeping your main activity?

a) Yes.

78
 b) No.

8. Are you involved in any other income-generating activity?

a) Yes.

b) No.

9. If yes, which one?

a) Employment.

b) Farming.

c) Business.

10. Reason for beekeeping not being your primary source of income?

11. How much do you sell a kg of honey/wax and to whom?

79
Section two: Government policies in the development of entrepreneurship in

beekeeping.

Do you agree or disagree with the information presented below on the effect of policy on

entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate. Strongly agree (1),

agree (2), neutral (3), disagree (4), and strongly disagree (5).

Statement 1 2 3 4 5
12. The government has succeeded in reviewing all
restrictive regulatory requirements that hinder growth
of entrepreneurship such as licensing
13. The government has succeeded in ensuring awareness
of access to credit through YEDF, Uwezo fund, WEF
14. The government has promoted entrepreneurship
through trainings provided by public institutions such
as KIRDI and local learning institutions.
15. The government has succeeded in training
entrepreneurs to participate in the international
market due to the strict regulations
16. The government has succeeded in promoting
entrepreneurship through mass media.

Section three: People’s culture of beekeeping in makueni

Do you agree or disagree with the information presented below on culture on

entrepreneurial growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate. Strongly agree, agree

with, neutral, disagree with and strongly disagree.

Statement 1 2 3 4 5
17. Entrepreneurship is popular in the community
18. Entrepreneurship in beekeeping is profitable
19. There is collaboration among beekeepers in your area
20. Cultural beliefs determined your decision on
becoming an entrepreneur in beekeeping.
21. The number of entrepreneurs in beekeeping within
the community influenced your decision to take it up.

80
 22. Entrepreneurship in beekeeping attracts great support
from family members and the community
23. Organizations within the community have a great
influence on members of the community and their
adopting beekeeping for commercial purposes

Section four: Technical support for the development of entrepreneurship for

beekeepers.

How common is the following statement on the effect of technical support to

entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate. Strongly agree (1),

agree (2), neutral (3), disagree (4), and strongly disagree (5).

Statement 1 2 3 4 5
24. Practical support in terms of hive equipment
helps in the growth of entrepreneurship,
especially in beekeeping.
25. Skill development classes can encourage entry
into entrepreneurship and growth of existing
enterprises.
26. Access to infrastructures such as the internet and
roads can grow entrepreneurship in beekeeping.
27. Accessibility to experts in entrepreneurship can
lead to growth of entrepreneurship (in this case,
entrepreneurial beekeepers and extension
officers).
28. Collaborations among entrepreneurs, such as
suppliers, customers, learning institutions,
extension officers, the private sector can help in
the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping.

Section five: Access to market.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements on the effect of market access to

entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate.

81
 i ii iii iv V
29. Access to the market is challenging for many
entrepreneurs
30. Many entrepreneurs in beekeeping are not familiar
with the international market and how to access it.
31. Many entrepreneurs in Beekeeping can sell directly
to consumers without intermediaries.
32. Information about beekeeping products, trends, and
tastes of consumers is not readily available for
entrepreneurs in beekeeping.
33. Marketing should be included in training for
entrepreneurs in beekeeping.

Section six: Access to finances.

Are the statements below agreeable or disagreeable on the effect of financial accessibility

to entrepreneurial growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate. Strongly agree (i),

agree with (ii), neutral (iii), disagree (iv), and strongly disagree (v).

. i ii iii iv v
34. Capital for entrepreneurs in beekeeping is not
readily available
35. Access to loans for entrepreneurial beekeepers
is not easy due to bias by banks (flow of
income is not constant and no collateral).
36. If entrepreneurs have access to financial credit,
they can grow their enterprises.
37. High-interest rates on loans is a barrier to
accessing financial credit for entrepreneurs.
38. Entrepreneurship in beekeeping requires a
large amount of capital to be able to start and
grow the enterprise.

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Section seven: the growth of entrepreneurship in beekeeping.

The following statements are agreeable and disagreeable with your perception on

entrepreneurship growth in beekeeping. Please tick where appropriate. Strongly agree (1),

agree (2), neutral (3), disagree (4), and strongly disagree (5).

Statement 1 2 3 4 5
39. The number of entrepreneurs in beekeeping has
increased over the years.
40. Honey production in the county has increased over
the years.
41. Entrepreneurial approach to beekeeping has provided
a steady income for your family.
42. More opportunities have emerged in beekeeping over
the years.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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