Browsing by Author "Martin K. Njogu"

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Analysis of technical efficiency on orange fleshed sweet potatoes production among the smallholder farmers in migori county kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Lawrence O. Jabuya; Shelmith W. Munyiri; Martin K. Njogu; Dave M. Ireri
Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was then entered into SPSS software, and analysis was done using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82%, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.
Optimization of Groundnuts (Archis hypogeal) Yield through Response Surface Methodology
(Asian Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2024-04-16) Dennis Kiprotich; Dennis K. Muriithi; Martin K. Njogu; ; ;
Groundnut production faces several constraints, including poor soil fertility, small land sizes, and inappropriate agricultural techniques. The study aimed to optimize groundnut (Archis hypogeal) yield using response surface methodology (RSM). It explored the use of CCD and RSM to determine the optimal application of rabbit, poultry, and sheep manure for maximum yield, a method not previously applied in groundnut production. The study was conducted at the Chuka University Teaching and Training Farm, Kairani. The experimental design was developed using Central Composite Design (CCD), with 20 experimental runs derived from 23 full factorial designs with six axial points and six center points. Data was collected on the weight of the groundnuts yield harvested in each experimental plot measured by use of aweighing scale. Response Surface Methodology techniques was adopted for data analysis in R-statistical software and R studio programing language. The study findings indicated that organic manures had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the yield of groundnuts crop. The study revealed that application of 13.6097 t ha-1, 10.582 t ha-1 and 11.0814 t ha-1 of poultry, rabbit and sheep manure respectively are the optimum levels that would lead to maximum weight of groundnuts in the study area. The finding of this study could have an economic benefit to farmers in the study area which aligns with broader national goals of poverty reduction, rural development, and economic growth. This study recommended that farmers should adopt organic farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and contribute to environmental sustainability.