There is need to facilitate the growth and productivity of agriculture to reduce poverty and since most poor people are concentrated in rural areas especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This can be achieved by promoting conservation agriculture which has been proven to increase productivity while conserving the environment at the same time in other parts of the world. With limited evidence on the impact of conservation agriculture on livelihood outcomes in Kenya, the current study sought to investigate the effect of input costs of conservation agriculture on livelihood outcomes of smallholder farmers in Makueni and Machakos Counties. The study employed cross-sectional survey as a research design. The Cochran formula was used with a 5% level of significance to obtain sample size of 384 respondents. The study relied on stratified random sampling to achieve a high degree of representation from groups with the desired characteristics. Qualitative data was be subjected to content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that the cost of inputs attributable to conservation agriculture has a positive influence on livelihood outcomes of smallholder farmers in Makueni and Machakos counties. The costs studied included labour requirements, farm equipment and mulching. It was concluded that conservation agriculture reduces input costs which ultimately increases crop yield and hence, better livelihood outcomes. The study recommended that the government at national and county levels should take responsibly in creating awareness on CA practices across the country and provide any necessary support for the farmers to embrace this noble practice.

It is estimated that a majority of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reside in rural areas where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. There is therefore the need to promote agricultural development to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty levels. The current study sought to assess conservation agriculture practices and their impact on livelihood outcomes focusing on Makueni and Machakos Counties. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on livelihood outcomes of conservation agriculture farmers in Makueni and Machakos Counties. The study adopted sustainable livelihoods approach. The study employed cross-sectional survey as a research design. The sampling frame provided by the organization involved in the project indicates that there are 5091 Conservation Agriculture farmers. The Cochran formula was used with a 5% level of significance to obtain sample size of 384 respondents. The study relied on stratified random sampling to achieve a high degree of representation from groups with the desired characteristics. Sample size for each stratum was determined proportionately and individual elements selected through systematic sampling whereby the nth item was obtained by dividing the population in each stratum by the sample size. Qualitative data was be subjected to content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that skills on CA and access to income positively influences CA farmers livelihood outcomes. On the other hand, non-farm activities have a negative effect on livelihood outcomes of smallholder farmers in Makueni and Machakos counties. The study recommends that the government at national and county levels should take responsibly in creating awareness on CA practices across the country and provide any necessary support for the farmers to embrace this noble practice.