The introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAPs) and trade liberalization resulted in agricultural reforms in Kenya and other developing countries. Hence the Kenya government no longer gives incentives to small scale farmers. Therefore, the small scale farmers, extension service and the government at large have to look for all ways to increase maize production in the country, including using marketing strategies that would lead to high incomes for the small scale farmers hence the study. Men and women both make significant contributions in maize-based farming systems and livelihoods, although gender roles in maize cultivation vary greatly across and within regions. .Their contribution to agricultural work varies even more widely, depending on the specific crop and activity. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between maize marketing strategies used by small scale farmers in the study counties and maize yield in the Agricultural Reform Era: The Case of Western Region of Kenya. This is because maize is the main staple for most of the Kenyan population and Western Region is the food basket, hence most of the small scale farmers livelihood in the western region of Kenya is dependent on maize production and marketing. The Structural Adjustment Programmes put constraints on input acquisition and opened up the maize market while leaving the small scale farmers farmer to fend for themselves. The study used Ex-post facto research design via cross sectional survey. Busia, Bungoma, Mt. Elgon and Lugari Counties were purposively selected to represent the Western Region of Kenya. Two sub-counties from each of the four Counties were selected by simple random sampling. For uniformity purposes 200 small scale farmers were selected from focal areas through systematic random sampling hence ensuring that they all had been exposed to extension staff. Four key informants were sampled purposefully based on their positions of authority. In addition, 52 extension staffs were sampled through systematic random sampling. The small scale farmers were interviewed with the help of interview schedule containing open and closed ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple linear regression of the marketing strategies and maize yield illustrated a statistically significant relationship with adjusted R2 =0.281, F= 11.931 at p < 0.0005. Hence, the null hypothesis “There is no statistically significant relationship between Maize Marketing Strategies and Maize Yield in the Western Region of Kenya” was rejected. The study recommended that the extension staff should teach the small scale farmers on the changes that have been brought about by Structural Adjustment Programme and market liberalization and how to take advantage of such opportunities such as form strong common interest groups. Research should develop innovations that would result in high maize yield at low farming costs.
KEYWORDS: liberalization, maize yield, farmers, agricultural reforms, food price instability
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