Unity is power: The role of collective action and farmer groups in rural livelihoods in Kenya

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to outline and analyze functions, impacts and challenges of collective action among farmer groups in rural Kenya. The thesis was guided by questions related to how and why farmers cooperate, what the outcomes of collective action on the individual and community level with regard to social and human capital are, and what challenges these farmer groups face. To fulfill the purpose of the study, the methodology was structured drawing on phenomenology and case study-design. Data was collected through individual interviews, group interviews, observations and additional documents. The fieldwork took place in areas of Eastern Province and Nyanza Province in Kenya during four weeks in November and December 2011.The main findings include the notion that social reasons are more prominent than direct economic motives for farmers to engage in collective action, while at the group level economic reasons are more pronounced. Social and human capital is important outcomes of farmer groups, but they are also prerequisites for collective action. Bonding social capital is strong among all groups, whereas bridging and linking are weak or moderate. Challenges with regard to lack of qualified leadership, financial constraints and gender aspects are faced by the groups.