Technology use, Gender and the Role of Non-Farm Income in Agricultural Investment:An Empirical Analysis of Two Counties in Kenya

Abstract

This chapter examines maize productivity, technology use in maize, and the impact of non-farm income (NFI) on agricultural investment in Kenya, giving them a gender dimension. The study first concludes that there are no significant differences in maize yields between male-managed farms and female-managed farms (FMFs) in the study areas, Nyeri and Kakamega. Second, technology use for maize production was lower and significant in some instances for FMFs. Significant differences, especially in the use of hybrid seeds and tractor ploughs, were noted. A third conclusion is that NFI is not used in farm investment. NFI had negative coefficients on adoption and intensity of agricultural input use. Policies that encourage both farm and non-farm income should be instituted given the complementary roles that they play. Any entry barriers for disadvantaged households, especially for the FMFs, to participate in higher-paying non-farm activities need to be overcome.