Socioeconomic and institutional determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in cluster crop initiatives in arid and semi-arid areas: evidence from sorghum farmers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

In Kenya, agribusiness cluster initiatives have emerged as a reliable strategic response to commercialization challenges faced by smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid areas, particularly those cultivating crops like sorghum. These initiatives help stabilize supply volumes, making these regions more reliable sourcing hubs for buyers. Despite their potential, very little is known about how cluster initiatives are implemented in the country. This study investigates factors that influence smallholder farmers’ decision to participate in agribusiness cluster crop initiatives. Using multi-stage sampling techniques, data was collected in 2024 from 318 sorghum farmers in Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-counties. Out of the 318 sampled households, 153 (48.1%) participated in cluster-related activities, while the remaining 165 did not. Data analysis using probit regression model show that household dependency ratio (B = −0.202, p = 0.037; AME = −0.075) and receipt of sorghum training (B = −0.527, p = 0.005; AME = −0.195) significantly reduced the probability of participation, while farming experience (B = 0.080, p = 0.003; AME = 0.030) increased it. The findings emphasize the role of household dependency and training access in influencing smallholder participation in agribusiness clusters, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address these key factors to strengthen agribusiness development in arid and semi-arid regions.