Review Article
The Bottom up Economic Model and the Development Agenda in Kenya: A Systematic Review and Future Directions
Evans Okemwa Achuti*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
40-58
Received:
16 March 2026
Accepted:
1 April 2026
Published:
15 April 2026
Abstract: This systematic review evaluates Kenya's bottom-up economic model as a development framework emphasizing grassroots participation, indigenous knowledge, decentralized decision-making, and inclusive growth, positioning it as an alternative to top-down approaches that overlook local contexts. Addressing gaps in previous fragmented analyses, this review synthesizes evidence from 34 peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2025, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were screened for eligibility, appraised for rigor, and thematically analyzed across institutional capacity, infrastructural barriers, policy alignment, and actionable strategies. The findings underscore significant barriers, including limited capacity and resources in local institutions, with many local government units experiencing funding shortages and deficits in skilled personnel, thereby constraining decentralized governance and grassroots leadership. Infrastructural deficits predominantly affect rural populations, limiting marginalized groups' economic participation and SMEs' market access, perpetuating poverty cycles. Bureaucratic inefficiencies cause delays in community-driven initiatives, weakening local ownership and disconnecting policy formulation from execution, alongside inadequate integration of indigenous knowledge. Despite alignment with Vision 2030, Agenda 2063, and SDG goals on equity, resilience, and inclusion, operational challenges persist. Realizing the model's potential necessitates integrated reforms: capacity building, rural infrastructure investment, streamlined governance institutionalizing participation, incorporation of indigenous knowledge, strategic technology use, and strengthened grassroots leadership networks to foster equitable development.
Abstract: This systematic review evaluates Kenya's bottom-up economic model as a development framework emphasizing grassroots participation, indigenous knowledge, decentralized decision-making, and inclusive growth, positioning it as an alternative to top-down approaches that overlook local contexts. Addressing gaps in previous fragmented analyses, this revi...
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Research Article
Analysis of Economic Efficiency in Rice Production Among Smallholder Farmers in Shabe Sombo District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Wasihun Mitiku*,
Amsalu Mitiku,
Ibrahim Aliyi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
59-67
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
2 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jbed.20261102.12
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Abstract: Ethiopia faces persistent food security challenges owing to rapid population growth and low agricultural productivity. This study examines the technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of smallholder rice producers in Shabe Sombo District, Oromia Region, and identifies factors influencing efficiency. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 255 farmers; primary data were collected for the 2022/23 production year. A stochastic frontier approach with a Cobb–Douglas production function was applied to estimate efficiency levels, while a two-limit Tobit model was used to identify determinants of efficiency. Land, chemical inputs, oxen power, and seed positively and significantly influence rice output, with estimated returns to scale of 0.96 indicating decreasing returns. Mean technical, allocative, and economic efficiency stood at 94%, 75%, and 70% respectively, indicating that allocative inefficiency is the dominant source of overall efficiency loss. Tobit results show that farm distance from homestead, household size, and market distance negatively affect technical efficiency, while sex of household head, farm size, and extension contact frequency have positive effects. Age, education level, and livestock ownership negatively influence allocative and economic efficiency; training participation has a positive effect. Policy interventions should focus on strengthening extension services, expanding access to training and education, improving rural infrastructure and access to credit.
Abstract: Ethiopia faces persistent food security challenges owing to rapid population growth and low agricultural productivity. This study examines the technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of smallholder rice producers in Shabe Sombo District, Oromia Region, and identifies factors influencing efficiency. A two-stage sampling technique was used to ...
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