2nd International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2015

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Browsing 2nd International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2015 by Subject "Agriculture"

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    Assessment of agricultural revolution for development and social integration in global perspective
    (Chuka University, 2016) Mulati, J.C., Chebai, C. and Lisaswa, C.A.
    The agricultural revolution for development study is a historical survey that evaluates the role of agriculture in mainstreaming players in the industry. The present study was premised on the background that besides societal transformations that accompanied agricultural revolution it set in motion a broad spectrum of social exclusion since Neolithic period. The overall objective assessed agricultural revolution for development and social inclusivity. Specific objectives examined the nature and dynamics of agricultural revolution, challenges to agricultural revolution and social integration and examination of measures for social inclusion to enhance sustainable agricultural development. The study was informed by articulation of mode of production theory. The researcher applied historical and descriptive research designs. Data collection instruments involved observations and semi-structured interviews. Primary data entailed visiting archaeological sites to observe ancient agricultural tools, while secondary data involved documentary analysis, journals, theses, books, professional magazines, reports, internet, published and unpublished sources. The gathered data was analyzed qualitatively. The study findings were as follows: agricultural revolution excluded women, youths, people with disability, the poor, technological transformation, and divided society into owners of the means of production and the farm workers. Agricultural serfdom attitude of the medieval period influenced the role of the youths and agriculture trained professionals in regard to practicing agriculture. Finally agricultural revolution has been a vehicle for knowledge, industrial revolution, human, plant and animal domestication. The study recommends broad-based policies that capture social inclusivity, bottom-up approaches, affordable and appropriate technological innovations that are in tandem with consumer needs. Agricultural social inclusion is a catalyst to sustainable agricultural revolution for rural and urban development.
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    Determinants of use of Kenya agricultural commodity exchange ict: the case of smallholder farmers in Bungoma county, Kenya
    (Chuka University, 2015-10-28) Wawire, A.W., Okello, J. and Wangia, S.M.
    Smallholder farmers’ access to markets has traditionally been constrained by lack of market information. Efforts to strengthen access of farmers to markets has triggered the mushrooming of a number of projects that embrace ICT tools in promoting access to competitive market information. Nevertheless, most farmers still lack access to accurate market information such as commodity prices. This study examines the determinants of the use of ICT tools by Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange (KACE) among smallholder farmers for agricultural transactions. The data used for this study were collected in 2011 from smallholder farmers in Bungoma South and Central Sub-Counties. The two Sub-Counties were purposively selected because of being the hub of KACE activities. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 136 households for interview using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Farmer characteristics, farm and capital endowment factors affected use of ICT tools, particularly mobile phones. Occupation, farming experience, age, literacy and crop income explained use of tools. Household size, crop income, gender, level of literacy, owning a mobile phone, nearness to output market, level of literacy and crop income explained intensity of use of the mobile phones. The paper further discusses the policy implications of the findings. Keywords: ICT, market, Mobile phones, Agriculture, Market access
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    Survey on distribution and damage on tomatoes by red spider mite in Subukia and Rongai sub County.
    (Chuka University, 2016) Musah S. M.; Kamau A. W; Munene M
    A survey was carried out in March 2013 in Subukia and Rongai Sub County to obtain information on key pest of tomato and strategies adopted by farmers for their management. A total of 60 farmers (30 open field and 30 greenhouse) interviewed were randomly selected from the two sub county. The selection of farmer was done in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture staff in the respective sub county. Both primary and secondary data were collected in this study. Primary data was obtained from direct interview of the farmers whereas secondary data was obtained from the various Ward Agricultural Extension offices. A structured questionnaire was administered to each respondent through one farm visit using the most appropriate language or interpreter where necessary. In addition field observations were carried out to verify information provided where the tomato crop was available. The survey showed that most farmers (96.7%) perceived or recorded Red spider mite as the most important pest of tomatoes. The farmers indicated that they experience a crop loss of more than 50% in both short rain and dry seasons if proper control measures were not applied