Leadership Skills and Growth of Micro and Small Farm Inputs Enterprises in Kenya

Abstract

Micro and small farm inputs enterprises play a key role in many economies across the world since they supply farmers with agricultural inputs for food production and economic growth. Several policies and programs have been put in place to promote the growth of farm inputs MSEs in Kenya. However, despite this effort, most of these enterprises continue to struggle with growth problems. This study sought to determine the influence of leadership skills on the growth of farm inputs MSEs in Kenya. The study was supported by skills leadership theory. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and descriptive survey design. The target population was 4,931 farm-inputs MSEs registered by the Agricultural Market Trust of Kenya. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The findings indicated that leadership skills had a positive and significant influence on the growth of farm inputs MSEs in Kenya (b=1.111, p=0.000). The study concluded that leadership skills significantly and positively contribute to the increase in the growth of farm inputs MSEs in Kenya. The study recommended the need for farm inputs for MSE owners to strengthen their leadership skills for improved productivity and growth of enterprises through training. In particular, the farm inputs MSEs’ owners should focus on enhancing the following aspects of leadership skills: implementation plans for business activities, problem identification techniques, action plans to resolve business crises, selection of the right staff, and supporting staff during delegation of duties and responsibilities.