Effect of Employment Creation on the Economic Empowerment of Male Beneficiaries of the Kapchunga Water and Irrigation Project in Moiben Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Irrigation projects play an important role in enhancing agricultural productivity, employment, and household earnings in rural areas. However, the extent to which employment creation contributes to the economic empowerment of beneficiaries requires empirical assessment. This study examined the effect of employment creation on the economic empowerment of male beneficiaries of the Kapchunga Water and Irrigation Project in Moiben Sub-County, Kenya. A convergent parallel mixed methods research design was adopted. The target population comprised 1,400 registered male beneficiaries and seven key informants. A sample of 311 beneficiaries was determined using Yamane’s (1973) formula. Simple random sampling was used to select beneficiaries, while purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Of the 311 questionnaires administered, 277 were completed and returned, giving an 89.07% response rate, while all seven key informants participated. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS Version 25, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Hypotheses were tested at a 95% confidence level (? = 0.05). The descriptive findings showed that respondents generally agreed that the project contributed to employment creation. The linear regression results showed that employment creation had a positive and statistically significant effect on economic empowerment (Beta = 0.233, B = 0.229, t = 4.355, p < .001). Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative results, with key informants reporting that reliable irrigation enabled year-round farming, reduced seasonal unemployment, and created permanent and seasonal employment opportunities. The study recommends strengthening sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities, improving market linkages, supporting value addition and agribusiness activities, and establishing mechanisms that sustain employment and income-generating opportunities beyond the formal project implementation period.

Keywords: Employment Creation, Economic Empowerment, Irrigation Project, Male Beneficiaries, Agribusiness, Moiben Sub-County, Kenya