Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (FAES)

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Access and Utilization of Seasonal Climate Forecast Among Small Holder Farmers in Masinga Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Masesi, Gideon Kyalo
Climate change in Kenya and other East African countries is expected to manifest itself in shifts in seasons and increased frequencies of extreme weather events, such as droughts, heavy rainfall and associated flooding. As climate continues to change, seasonal forecasts will become even more crucial as one way of informing farmers of short-term weather dynamics, impending seasons of below- or above-normal rainfall and extreme rainfall events. Kenyan government has invested considerable resources into the development of understanding and technologies to meet the expected demands of its citizens for improved climate forecasts. Regrettably, many of the benefits of these investments have not yet been realized as farmers do not use this forecasts information to make agricultural sound decisions, hence benefits to the nation are considerably less than they might be otherwise. This therefore called for a study to evaluate the access and utilization of seasonal climate forecast among households in Masinga Sub County, Machakos County in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey research design was used. A systematic random sampling procedure was employed to select 274 respondents in the four sub locations of Masinga Sub County. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit required information from the respondents. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson‟s correlation coefficient was utilized to establish relationship between some socioeconomic characteristics and utilization of climate forecasts. Results indicated that 82% of the respondents were able to access climate forecasts through radio, and television. Majority of the respondents indicated that their major interest was to know the start and the end of rain (63%). Radio was the major source of climate forecast (38%) with 90% of the respondents getting information from radio and 60% from television. Above 60% of the respondents indicated that the climate forecast information received from dissemination channels was inaccurate. Over 60% indicated that bulletins used very difficult and complicated language while chief “Barraza‟s” was considered to use simple language (56%). Inadequate extension officers (84%) was a limitation to access to climate forecast information. Majority of the respondents (54%) use both indigenous knowledge on climate forecast and seasonal climate forecasts, however 61% stated that they were very unsatisfied with scientific forecasts. Inaccuracy of forecasts (98%) was a key factor affecting adoption of climate forecast. Over 80% of the respondents felt that climate forecasts cover a wide area making it difficult for them to relate the climate reports to their specific local areas. It was noted that seasonal climate forecast information given by the relevant institutions are coarse thus providing little or no detail on the local characteristics of a season, and do not reflect the localized pattern of rainfall. Moreover, difficult terminologies used in climate forecasting limit their usability and usefulness to farmers and other users. Majority of farmers lack confidence in forecasts issued by KMD and perceive them to be incorrect. Most of the climate forecasts broadcasts are done at the wrong time of day, when the households were out in the fields or in their daily activities. This hinders usability of climate forecasts by the targeted groups. The study further established a significant relationship between land, income, age, education level and gender with utilization of climate forecast. Therefore, based on the major findings of this research it is recommended that, (i) climate forecasts should be downscaled into regional level and should be location specific to increase utility (ii) disseminate climate forecast through local media in local languages so that information can reach local farmers (iii) probabilistic nature of seasonal forecasts should be given with technical guidance to help farmers interpret vii easily and respond to the forecast and (iv) climate forecasts should be issued in the evening between 6.00 p.m-9.00 p.m. to reach a large audience.
ANALYSIS OF AGRONOMIC, PRODUCTION COST AND COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT ON EARNINGS OF SMALLHOLDER COFFEE FARMERS IN RUNYENJES SUB-COUNTY, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Ndirangu, Samuel Gitonga
Coffee is an important crop globally but many farmers get relatively low earnings from this enterprise. This has contributed to many farmers opting out of coffee production for other enterprises which has further weakened the coffee industry. This study was aimed at assessing the factors that affected the earnings of smallholder coffee farmers in Runyenjes Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya and was carried out between February and September, 2020. Data on agronomic practices, production cost and management of coffee cooperative societies was collected using questionnaires from a sample of 384 smallholder farmers and 30 cooperative management officials from the 10 coffee cooperative societies. Data collected on cooperative management and production cost was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression model. Chi-square statistics were used for hypothesis testing for data on agronomic practices in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results revealed that agronomic practices affected the earnings of smallholder coffee farmers. Fertilizer application, spraying and manure application, weeding and pruning had a strong effect on earnings with Cramer’s V coefficients of 0.67, 0.61 and 0.31, respectively. Pruning and weeding had a small effect on earnings with Cramer’s V coefficients of 0.06 and 0.07, respectively. Resource management and strategic planning were significant positive predictors (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Transport cost and cost of improved cultivars were also significant positive predictors of earnings (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively). The study concluded that agronomic practices, production cost and cooperative management affected smallholder farmers’ coffee earnings. The study recommended that cooperative societies should develop a follow-up procedure on the farm level to ensure adherence to the husbandry practices and that the government should formulate policies that enable smallholder farmers to access farm inputs at subsidized prices for increased earnings and reliance on coffee production. The study also recommended that cooperatives should help put up factory managed nurseries that will establish high quality cultivars for farmers at lower costs.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING MICROFINANCE CREDIT UPTAKE AMONG SMALLHOLDER DAIRY CATTLE FARMERS IN MAARA SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KAVIKU AGNES MUTINDA
Microfinance institutions are essential in improving smallholder farmers’ production and productivity by providing financial resources. Despite the benefits of microfinance credit on production, its uptake in the Maara sub-county remains low compared to potential output. Several factors have been shown to contribute to low microfinance credit uptake, including inadequate financial literacy, lack of collateral, high transaction costs, and inadequate infrastructure. However, these factors may vary from region to region. Therefore, there is a need to continuously study the factors that affect microfinance credit uptake to develop dynamic policies for sustainable agricultural productivity. The study aimed to analyse the effect of institutional factors, farmer and farm characteristics, the influence of perceptions and attitudes, and the effect of milk yield on microfinance credit uptake among smallholder dairy farmers in the Maara Sub-County. The study employed a descriptive research design and utilized a sample of 315 smallholder dairy cattle farmers, selected through cluster sampling from a target population of 1,500. The study applied the theory of diffusion of innovation. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on institutional factors, farm and farmers’ characteristics, milk yield, and farmers’ perceptions and attitudes. The analysis of the data was conducted utilizing Stata version 17. A probit model was used to determine how farm and farmers’ characteristics, institutional factors, and milk yield affect microfinance credit uptake. A Principal Component Analysis was used to analyse the effects of farmers’ perceptions and attitudes on microfinance credit uptake. Group membership, collateral availability, and the number of dairy cattle all had a positive and significant (p = 0.000) effect on microfinance credit uptake. Collateral availability had the highest effect implying that one unit increase in the smallholder dairy cattle farmers' collateral increases the uptake of microfinance credit by 45.23%. The positive effect may imply that the collateral can be liquidated in case of default. At the same time, the number of dairy cattle had the lowest effect implying that an increase in the number of dairy cattle by one unit increases the uptake of microfinance credit by 11.19%. The results of this study also showed that years of schooling had a negative and significant (p =0.000) effect on credit uptake. The negative effect implies that an increase in one unit of schooling years decreases the uptake of microfinance credit by 1.57%. This implies that more educated smallholder dairy cattle farmers have a higher level of awareness regarding the costs associated with credit uptake such as interest rates, thus lowering their borrowing. However, the gender of the decision maker, age, land size, household size, the area under dairy cattle, and the milk yield per cow per day did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the uptake of microfinance credit by smallholder dairy cattle farmers. The Principal Component Analysis model results showed that smallholder dairy cattle farmers negative experience had the highest factor loading (38.88%), while farmers' mistrust of the microfinance credit provider had (17.07%) loading factor on the uptake of microfinance credit. Therefore, the study concluded that group membership, collateral availability, and the number of dairy cattle play a vital role in positively influencing credit uptake. On the other hand, the negative effect of years of schooling underscores the importance of implementing targeted financial literacy programs to empower farmers with the necessary knowledge and bridge the credit uptake gap. The study further recommended that formulating policies geared toward enhancing the educational attainment of farmers would be vital in enhancing credit uptake to farmers in the study area. To promote sustainable agricultural productivity, targeted financial literacy programs must address farmers' challenges. Encouraging participation in farmer groups will enhance credit access.
ANALYSIS OF MARKETING CHANNELS, INPUTS AND FARMER CHARACTERISTICS ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION IN MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) JABUYA LAWRENCE OTIENO
Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed, has gained prominence due to its ability to adapt to wide production ecologies and yield response to minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) can produce up to 50 tonnes per hectare, improving household income and nutrition in Kenya. However, production in Kenya remains low, with smallholder OFSP farmers producing an average yield of 14 tonnes per hectare. The influence of inputs, farmer characteristics and marketing channel factors on OFSP production by smallholder farmers in Western Kenya has not been fully studied. This research was carried out to assess the technical efficiency of orange fleshed sweet potato smallholder farmers through analysis of inputs, farmer characteristics and marketing channels in Suna East and Kuria West Sub-Counties of Migori County. A descriptive study design was adopted and a cluster random sampling technique was used to select 225 respondents from approximately 6500 OFSP farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data on input factors, smallholder farmers’ credit access and marketing channel variables. The key informants of the study were OFSP farmers with the assistance of the County government officials from Migori County. The data was entered into SPSS 28 software and analyzed using Stata 15 software. The Multivariate probit model was used to analyze the factors affecting the choices of smallholder OFSP farmers' marketing channels. The results showed that the distance to markets, grading, farmer age, education levels, storage capacity, market assurance, extension visits, group membership and cost of packaging materials influence the smallholder farmers' marketing channel choice decision. The stochastic frontier model was used to analyze the effect of inputs, farmer characteristics, and marketing channels on technical efficiency. The land set aside for OFSP production, planting vines, fertilizer, manure and family labour were the major inputs in the efficiency of OFSP production, according to the model parameters computed using the maximum likelihood method. The technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers varied, with the least efficient producing at 36.98 % and the most efficient producing at 99.93 %. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 78.07%, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 21.93%. The technical efficiency of smallholder OFSP production was highly influenced by the inefficiency variables like years of farming experience, gender, extension visits, market distance, size of the household, and access to training. Smallholder OFSP farmers produced 8.453 tonnes per hectare with available farm inputs. Farmers can significantly increase the existing level of OFSP technical efficiency of production in the region by concentrating on better use land, use of clean planting materials and hiring labour. Smallholder farmers should be advised to seek services from extension agents and attend training frequently to reduce production inefficiencies. In addition, interventions are required to strengthen the marketing and production capacities of smallholder OFSP farmers.
ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN COWPEA PRODUCTION, CHUKA SUB-COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA.
(Chuka University, 2022-09) GLORY, NTINYARI
Cowpea production is a significant enterprise for smallholder farmers in Chuka Sub-County because of its cheap supply of nutritious food and it’s also a source of revenue for the farmers. Despite its importance, cowpea production levels are a fraction of the potential due to low technical efficiency in enhancing soil fertility, agronomic practices, pest control, farm input utilization among others. This affects the revenue levels and food security of the smallholder farmers. This research aimed to analyze the production, socio-economic and institutional factors that affect smallholder farmers’ technical efficiency on cowpea production in Chuka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Cross-sectional data on cowpea production was obtained utilizing the multistage sampling procedure from a sample of 389 households in Mugwe, Magumoni and Karingani Wards. The target population was 12905 households. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data and information on the production, socio-economic and institutional factors affecting smallholder farmers’ technical efficiency. Descriptive research design was utilized to define the socio-economic and institutional qualities of the smallholder cowpea farmers. The stochastic production frontier model that is the Cobb Douglas production function, one step approach was used to ascertain the level of technical efficiency of the farmers, and the production, socio-economic and institutional factors influencing technical efficiency. The respondents’ approximated average technical efficiency was 34%, which suggests that there is a chance of improving cowpea production by 66% through competent utilization of the existing production factors. The model parameters for the production factors approximated using the maximum likelihood method showed that labour, topdressing fertilizer, manure, pesticides and land size were significant production factors in cowpea production at a 5% level of significance. Further age, education, farming experience, extension contact and access to digital financial services significantly affected cowpea production technical efficiency. If the parameter coefficient has a negative sign, it implies that as the independent variable increases, technical efficiency levels increase since the level of technical inefficiency decreases. A positive sign for the parameter coefficient indicates that when the independent variable increases, technical efficiency will decrease because technical inefficiency will increase. The negative coefficients on the farming experience, education, and extension contact variables showed that an increase in any of the variables while maintaining the other variables constant might lead to a substantial improvement in the level of technical efficiency. The positive coefficients on age and access to digital financial services showed that an increment in those variables while maintaining the other variables constant, might result in a substantial decrease in the level of technical efficiency. Thus, cowpea farmers were not producing at their maximum capacity with the existing production factors. This study urges cowpea farmers to boost the use of labour, topdressing fertilizer, manure, pesticides and land size to improve production. For the purpose of improving cowpea production, farmers are encouraged to attend more trainings on cowpea production to add on to their knowldge and to contact extension officers to the highest frequency possible. The study’s findings are beneficial to the cowpea farmers, agricultural institutions and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative. The cowpea farmers get to know the factors they can alter and improve their level of technical efficiency while the agricultural institutions and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative can add to their information on the level of technical efficiency of cowpea farmers in Chuka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION AND MAIZE YIELD IN KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KIPNGENO DOMINIC
Maize is Kenya’s staple food crop. The Kenyan government has developed ambitious agricultural policies and programs to increase its performance and productivity to improve its rural citizens' livelihoods. Agroforestry is among the practices recognized as a technique of contributing to food security and economic development. However, its adoption rate remains low despite its capacity to improve crop yield, mitigate soil erosion, and reduce fuel wood and fodder scarcity. This study aimed to analyse the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry technologies for improved maize production in selected Sub-Counties in Kericho County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population was smallholder maize farmers who have and those who have not adopted agroforestry farming systems. A sample of 350 smallholder farmers was used in the study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic factors such as farm size, age, household size and education. Data collected on institutional factors included access to credit, extension services, farmer's group membership and availability of research institutions. Data collected was coded and analysed using STATA version 17. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry farming systems. A propensity score matching regression model was used to analyse the effect of agroforestry adoption on maize production. The findings showed that among the socio-economic factors, gender (p = 0.000), land ownership (p = 0.012), and income (p = 0.036) positively and significantly influenced the adoption of agroforestry. However, age, household size, land size and education did not significantly influence (p > 0.05) the adoption of agroforestry. Institutional factors such as extension services (p = 0.000), group membership (p = 0.001), credit (p = 0.000), and the availability of research institutions (p = 0.033) were found to influence adoption of agroforestry significantly. The propensity score matching was used to determine agroforestry adoption's effect on maize yield among selected farmers from the overall group. The nearest neighbor matching algorithm results showed that agroforestry adoption negatively affected maize grain yield by -1241.2 kg per ha. It is possible that the adopters did not follow the recommended spacing for the planted agroforestry trees. As a result, the canopies may have cast too much shade on maize crops, preventing them from receiving the necessary amount of sunlight. Despite agroforestry reducing maize grains production, the study findings indicated that farmers increased their overall income through the sale of tree products such as timber fruits, thus accounting for the positive and significance of agroforestry. The findings of this research mean that efforts to increase agroforestry adoption should not only concentrate on improving farm productivity but also on other benefits that can be derived from agroforestry. The study also encourages empowering farmers through credit access, quality extension services, and the formation of farmer groups to create awareness on how best farmers can utilize agroforestry to increase overall household income and farm productivity. Although the current findings indicate that agroforestry did not increase maize production, farmers can still gain from the farming system through the sale of tree products, among other benefits that complement household income.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING SMALLHOLDER FARMER ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON MAIZE PRODUCTION, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) GITONGA HELLENAH MWENDWA
Maize is among the most significant crops in Kenya for food security. Soil and water conservation practices adopted in maize production offer a potential solution to combat climate change by enhancing soil productivity and decreasing soil and water erosion thereby enhancing crop productivity and smallholder farmer’s farm income. Despite various interventions to practice improved soil and water conservation technologies (SWCs) in maize production, adoption of these technologies is low resulting to poor output due to various factors. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of SWCs and subsequent effect on maize yield in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey research design was used where multi-stage sampling method was applied. Three hundred and eighteen (318) households in Maara and Chuka Sub-Counties were interviewed from a population target of 5250 using a structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the uptake of SWCs. Descriptive statistics were completed using SPSS version 28 while econometric analysis by Stata version 17. The Propensity Score Matching model (PSM) was employed on the effects of adoption of SWCs on maize yield while Multivariate Probit (MVP) model was employed on both socio-economic and institutional factors affecting the use of SWCs. The MVP model had positive coefficients which indicated that increase in either one of socio-economic and institutional factors increased the adoption of certain SWCs, farm size had a P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation, household size P-value at 5%, land topography a P-value at 5% on intercropping, grass strips and stone bunds, extension and training a P-value at 1% on intercropping and grass strips and membership P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation. The negative coefficients showed that increase in the factors decreased the adoption of certain SWCs, gender had a P-value at 5% on intercropping and P-value at 10% on mulching, education at 1% on minimum tillage and 5% on stone bunds, perception on soil erosion had a P-value at 1% on intercropping and irrigation and topography of the land had a P-value at 5% on crop rotation. The PSM model applied the logit regression model where positive estimates on socio-economic and institutional factors showed an increase in either of the factors had an increase in adoption of SWCs indicating significance on age at 5% on mulching, household size at 5% on intercropping, land size at 5% on irrigation, extension services at 1% on crop rotation and group membership at 10% on irrigation that influenced adoption of SWCs. The negative coefficients indicated that an increase in either of the factors decreased the adoption of SWCs where land size had a P-value at 5% on grass strips, household size had a P-value at 10% on terraces, age had a P-value at 10% on crop rotation and irrigation, access to extension services had a P-value at 1% on grass strips and group membership had a P-value at 1% on terraces. The PSM used three matching algorithms (Nearest neighbor, radius and stratification) to match the adopters and non-adopters that determined the Average Treatment Effects (ATT). Intercropping and irrigation were positively significant at 5% and 1%, respectively. The positive ATT indicated an average increase in maize yield from intercropping and irrigation as soil and water conservation practices (SWCs) at a range between 290 kgs to 375 kgs and 270 kgs to 725 kgs per hectare, respectively. Stone bunds and minimum tillage were negative and significant at 1%. The negative ATT was significant and showed that there was average decrease in maize production from stone bunds and minimum tillage as SWCs at a range of about 50 kgs to 287 kgs and 248 kgs to 690 kgs per hectare, respectively. The adoption level of SWCs was average given that there was low frequency of implementation by the smallholder maize farmers. Therefore, the study recommends that small-scale maize producers should practice more of intercropping and irrigation as SWCs for increased productivity and increased food security. There is also the need for government and stakeholders’ interventions which will enable small-scale maize farmers to increase on adoption of SWCs that results to improvement in crop output and income.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS, AGRONOMIC PRACTICES AND COOPERATIVE DIVERSITY ON COFFEE YIELD GAP AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NYERI CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) NDUNG’U FLORENCE WAIRIMU
Coffee significantly aids in the reduction of poverty in households, increases the gross domestic product (GDP) of Kenya and generates tax revenue. However, the coffee yields have been declining over the last two decades which is revealed by the reduction in acreage by 30% from 170,000 ha in the 1980s to 108,199 ha in 2021. This has resulted to decrease in production by 70% making it hard for smallholder coffee farmers to benefit from the sector. The ultimate result is a large yield gap between farmers’ actual yields and the potential productivity of the coffee varieties from the KALROCoffee Research Institute, Ruiru. This study aimed at identifying factors (socioeconomic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity) influencing coffee yield gap among smallholder coffee farmers in Nyeri Central sub-county, Nyeri County. A cross-sectional research design was used and through the systematic random sampling technique, a sample of 175 smallholder coffee farmers was drawn from the target population of approximately7000 coffee farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the study with its validity determined by the academic supervisors and the experts in the coffee sector. The reliability of the research instrument was also determined using the split half method. Primary data on coffee farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity were collected. The data on socio-economic characteristics, agronomic practices and cooperative diversity were analyzed as descriptive statistics using SPSS version 29 and their effect on coffee yield gap was determined using the fractional logit regression model in STATA version 17. The findings noted that the average farmers’ yields per hectare for Ruiru 11, Batian and SL 28 was 8,593.920 kg/ha, 3,545.277 kg/ha and 1,722.423 kg/ha, respectively. The yield gap estimated was 66,406.080 kgs, 53,454.722 kgs and 38,177.577 kgs for Ruiru 11, Batian and SL 28, respectively. Further, the yield gap index per farmer ranged between 84.99% to 96.90% and the yield gap index per variety was 88.54% for Ruiru 11, 93.78% for Batian and 95.68% SL 28. The model parameters indicated that gender of the household head, schooling years, household size, labour, weed management, disease management, extension, training as well as production and market information were negative but significant independent variables at p<0.05. The insect-pest management was found to have a positive and significant effect on coffee yield gap at p<0.05. The independent variables omitted in the model analysis were found to be insignificant and hence did not affect the outcome in this study. Moreover, negative coefficients indicated that an increase in each of the explanatory variables resulted in a decrease in the coffee yield gap, holding other factors constant. The marginal effect showed the number of units that the independent variable contributed to either increase or decrease the coffee yield gap. The study concluded that the smallholder coffee farmers’ age was 60 years which contributed to increased yield gap while households led by male individuals resulted to minimized yield gaps. Also, the smallholder coffee farmers were producing below their potential as depicted by the large yield gap estimate. Hence, this study suggests that farmers should fully implement the recommended agronomic practices fully and adopt the improved varieties especially Ruiru 11. Also, the Government and other stakeholders should support the extension services so as to increase coffee yields which would result in reduced coffee yield gap.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC, PRODUCTION AND MARKETING FACTORS INFLUECING COMMON BEAN COMMERCIALIZATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN CHEPALUNGU SUB-COUNTY, BOMET COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) LANGAT SHEILA CHEPKOECH
Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are important pulses for human nutrition for its edible seeds. Currently, the level of common bean production in Kenya is 0.67 t/ha. Common bean commercialization provides a pathway for improving productivity and food security. The current level of common bean commercialization is at 40% which is regarded low as farmers grow common beans as a subsistence crop which may not be economically sustainable. Subsistence farming is considered inefficient and may not be viable in ensuring food and income sufficiency in the long run. This study aimed at determining socio-economic, production and marketing factors influencing common bean commercialization in Chepalungu sub-county, Bomet County. The study adopted utility maximization theory and a descriptive research design. A cluster random sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample of 313 smallholder common bean farmers from a population of 1,440 common bean farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary information on socio-economic characteristics (age, family size, level of education, gender and off-farm income), production factors (land, labor, inputs, capital), and marketing factors (marketing channels, distance to the market, market price, market information and marketing experience) influencing common bean commercialization among smallholder farmers. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 and STATA version 15 and econometric analysis was done using Stochastic frontier model, multiple regression model and Tobit model. Common bean productivity was measured using technical efficiency and the results from Stochastic frontier model indicated that the technical efficiency was 93.36%. These findings suggest that smallholder common bean farmers can increase current production by 6.64% by increasing their efficiency. Land under common beans, seeds and agrochemicals were significant at 1% and had a positive influence on the level of common bean productivity while family man days had a negative influence on the level of common bean production. The findings further show that distance to the market and farming experience increased technical inefficiencies by 0.68 and 0.24 units respectively. The level of common bean commercialization was 43.46 %. Multiple regression model shows that certified seeds and manure were significant at 1% while second generation seeds, planting fertilizer and hired labor were significant at 5% and positively influenced the level to common bean commercialization. Cropping systems negatively influenced common bean commercialization and was significant at 1% level. Tobit model shows that the quantity of common beans produced, marketing experience, distance to the market, farm gate marketing channel, land size and extension services positively affected common bean commercialization implying that a unit increase in these variables will lead to an increase in common bean commercialization while age and access to market information had significant negative effect at 1% and 5% respectively on commercialization implying that a unit increase in both variables will decrease level of common bean commercialization. The level of productivity was high (93.36%) showing that farmers are more efficient but the level of commercialization was low (43.46%), showing that majority of farmers do not participate in the market. Smallholder common bean farmers in Bomet County are advised to increase the land allotted to common beans, use certified seed and agrochemicals to increase productivity and commercialization. Policy makers are also encouraged to provide farmers with inputs and affordable farming credit so that farmers can afford improved seeds so as to increase common bean productivity which would in turn increase the level of commercialization.
Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya
(science pc, 2024-02-09) Lawrence Otieno Jabuya1, * , Shelmith Wanja Munyiri2 , Martin Kagiki Njogu2
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 analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, 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.
ANALYSIS OF TRANSACTION COST AND TRANSACTOR CHARACTERISTIC EFFECT ON MARKET OUTLET CHOICE AND GROSS MARGINS AMONG IRISH POTATO FARMERS IN KINANGOP SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KAMAU PATRICK MWANIKI
Irish potato ranks second after maize as an important food crop in Kenya. It has the potential to enhance food security and alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. Irish potato market outlet choice is among the key decisions in every household since it determines the profits attained by the households. About, 90% of smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kinangop sub-county sell their produce to brokers at the farm gate which result in low (12%) gross margins. On the other hand, brokers sell the produce purchased from farmers to various market outlets earning up to 26-50% profit. Farmer’s profits are reduced by high transaction costs and transactor characteristics. This study therefore aimed at analyzing the transaction cost and transactor’s characteristic effect on market outlet choice and gross margins among smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kinangop sub-county, Nyandarua County. The study employed descriptive research design to collect cross-sectional data from a population of 14,000 smallholder Irish potato farmers. A sample of 241 smallholder Irish potato farmers were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data on the transactor’s characteristics, transaction cost factors, market outlets, and gross margins was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A multivariate probit model determined the transaction cost and transactor’s characteristics effect on market outlet choice. Gross margin analysis and quantile regression models were employed to analyze the effects of transaction costs on gross margin. The results showed that majority (92.95%) of Irish potato farmers sold their produce to brokers, 4.56% sold to local market, 2.01 to urban and 1.66% to contracts. Study showed that Irish potato farmers incur an average of Ksh. 8265.14 per acre as transaction cost and information search (50%) contributed to the highest cost. From the multivariate probit results, Age, land size, market distance and phone access were significant (p<0.05) and positive on sale of potatoes through brokers. However, information access was significant (p<0.05) and negative on sale of Irish potato to brokers. Information access (p<0.05) was significant and positive on sale of potato in the local markets. However, land size, market distance, gender and extension service access were significant (p<0.05) and negative on sale of potatoes in the local market. The sale of potatoes in the urban market was significant (p<0.05) and positive for age, information and phone access. Contract markets were significant (P<0.05) and positive for land size, credit access and main occupation but significant (P<0.05) and negative for age, information and phone access. Indirect and direct input transportation cost, indirect market information cost direct market bargaining costs were significant (p<0.05) and negative on the likelihood of selecting brokers. Indirect market transport costs significantly (p<0.05) and positively influenced the likelihood of selling through the brokers. The likelihood of choosing the local market was significant (p<0.05) and positively influenced by direct input transport and direct market bargaining costs. At the first regression (25%) and median (50%) quantile; indirect input transportation, indirect market bargaining, indirect contract marketing, direct contract search, direct market bargaining and direct contract marketing costs positively and significantly (P<0.05) influenced gross margins. At 75% quantile indirect input transport, indirect market bargaining, direct market bargaining and indirect market information search costs significantly (p<0.05) and positively influenced farmers’ gross margins. Therefore, smallholder farmer’s characteristics and transaction costs can determine smallholder farmer’s market outlet decisions and profits. Therefore, the study recommends smallholder Irish potato farmers should be provided with adequate information and be encouraged to form active collective action groups to help in sharing information and collective marketing of Irish potato to minimize the transaction costs and maximize profits.
Application of Response Surface Methodology in Modelling and Optimization of The Yields of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) using Animal Organic Manures
(2019-09) Masai, Kimtai Leonard
The objective of design and analysis of experiments is to optimize a response which is influenced by several independent variables. In agriculture, many statistical studies have focused on investigating the effect of application of organic manure on the yield and yield components of crops. With most of these studies showing a clear positive effect of application of organic manures on the yield and yield components of various crops. However, many of these studies do not try to optimize the application of the manures for maximum productivity, but select the best treatment among the treatment range used. This is mainly due to design and analysis of experiments applied. Therefore, there is a need to apply a statistical method that would establish the effect of the application of organic manures on crop production and in addition optimize the levels of application of these manures for maximum productivity. This study aimed at application of response surface methodology for optimization of the yields of common bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) using animal organic manure. The study was conducted at Chuka University Horticultural Demonstration Farm. An experiment laid down in a Randomized Complete Block Design was used. The treatments consisted of three organic manure sources (cattle manure, poultry manure and goat manure) each at three levels (0, 3 and 6 tonnes per ha). Data was collected from six weeks after sowing to physiological maturity. Data collected included the number of pods per plant grain yields at harvest. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and multiple Regression Analysis using the R-statistical software. The Central Composite Design was used to develop a second order polynomial model, with a goal of optimizing the multiple responses of common beans to animal organic manure. The findings indicated that there was a positive response of the goat and the poultry manure (p < 0.05) to common bean performance with the interaction of poultry and goat yielding the best results (p-value=1.51E-07)<0.05. Cattle manure did not significantly increase performance of common beans. This could be attributed to slow realise of nutrients and low N content in cattle manure. It was concluded that more use of poultry and goat would increase the yields of common beans in the area of study. The recommended levels of application of the manures in the area of study were 2.1608 t ha-1, 12.7213 t ha-1 and 4.1417 t ha-1 cattle manure, poultry manure and goat manure respectively. These are the optimum levels that would lead to maximum yield of common beans without an extra cost of input.
Assessment of The Distribution, Abundance and Carbon Stocks in Seagrass Meadows Within Eastern and Western Creeks of Gazi Bay, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Juma, Gabriel Akoko
Seagrass meadows are one of the most important blue carbon ecosystems within the seascape environment providing both ecological and economic benefits. They act as breeding and feeding grounds for fish and other organisms; perform carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services. Through their carbon capture and storage ability, seagrass can be incorporated in carbon offset schemes. However, they are highly degraded from both anthropogenic and natural factors. Carbon stocks assessment is required in understanding dynamics of seagrass meadows. In Gazi Bay, Kenya, carbon storage in the seagrass meadows has been determined in the open waters of the Bay. The present study aimed at contributing to carbon dynamics of Gazi bay by assessing the distribution, abundance and carbon storage in seagrass within the mangrove fringed creeks. The objectives included assessing distribution and abundance of seagrass in the creeks, determining above and below ground seagrass biomass and comparing sediment carbon stocks between vegetated and un-vegetated sites. Stratified random sampling strategy was used in collecting data within 80 square plots of 0.25m by 0.25m. Five species formation viz; Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acoroides, and Thalassidendron ciliatum were encountered as either single or mixed stand. A total of 480 samples were collected for sediment and biomass determination in the laboratory. The results showed a higher seagrass diversity in the Eastern creek, (H = 1.71), than Western creek, (H = 1.67). There was also a significant difference in the total biomass between the creeks (t= -8.44, df. = 53, p < 0.0001) and among species (F = 14.6, df = 79, p < 0.0001) with a mean of 7.25 ± 4.2 Mg C ha-1, (range: 4.1 - 12.9 Mg C ha-1). Sediment carbon varied between species within the 1.2 km2 creeks area; with a range from 97.6 to 302.4 Mg C ha-1, (mean: 183.4 ± 100.5 Mg C ha-1). This is lower than 236 ± 24 Mg C ha-1, reported in the open bay but within the global range. In all the species, vegetated areas showed significantly higher carbon values than the un-vegetated sites (t = 12.02 p < 0.0001). Based on this study, the total seagrass carbon stocks can be estimated at 21,118.8 Mg C. Using the IPCCC emission value of 7.9 tonnes of C ha-1, values for organic soils for wetlands, conservation of seagrass in these two mangrove fringed creeks will prevent emission of 2,682.13 Mg of CO2 equivalent yr-1 to the atmosphere. The avoided emission could be bundled with the existing offset scheme in the bay involving mangroves. Inclusion of seagrass in carbon offset scheme has a long term benefits of climate, community livelihood and biodiversity conservation.
COMPLIANCE TO SCHEDULED CLINICAL VISITS AMONG ADULT PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 AND TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS AT THE MERU TEACHING AND REFFERAL HOSPITAL MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Aburi, Faith
Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem that affects individuals of all age groups. The disease is associated with complications that cause morbidity, mortality and huge economic burdens on the health care system. The burden of DM continues to rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with the current statistics showing a prevalence of 7.1% while in Kenya there is an estimated prevalence of 3.3 %.( Lancet, 2016). Cure is not expected with follow up although symptoms can be alleviated by achieving glycemic controls when patient is compliant. The main problem in the management of diabetes mellitus has been the non-compliance of patients to the management plan. This problem has also been identified at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital with 229 patients having missed appointment in the last 3 years. The objective of this study was to assess compliance to scheduled clinical visits among patient with diabetes for management at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Mixed method approach was adopted for the study. The sample size comprised of 74 diabetes mellitus patients who were selected by systematic random sampling and 9 health workers purposively selected working in the diabetic clinic. Structured questionnaire were used to collect data from the patients while interview guided focus group discussion were used to collect qualitative data from the health workers. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 at 95% confidence interval and a significance level p=>0.05. Frequencies, percentages, means and SD were used for descriptive statistics while Chi squares was used for inferential analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. From the study the level of compliance is at 71.6% with 53 participants who had never missed a scheduled clinical appointment for diabetic follow-up, while 28.4% (n=21) had missed at least one visit. Majority (66.2%) did not have any general knowledge of diabetes and 60.8% knew of diabetes mellitus complications. Majority of the respondents (59.5%) were females most of whom (28.4%) were aged between 40-50 years. Majority (66.2%) were married and 37.8% of them had secondary level of education. Male gender was 1.31 times more likely to comply with scheduled visits. Participants aged between 18-28 years had better compliance with scheduled visits compared those aged above 40 years while participants who were single had better compliance compared to their counterparts who were either married or divorced. Most respondents (33.8%) travelled for 6-10 Kilometers to the health facility, and 40.5% reported that the hospital location was somewhat convenient. The relationship with staff was rated good at 47% and 41.9% reported that the services were fairly affordable. Majority (52.7%) were generally satisfied with the services offered at the hospital. Strategies to enhance compliance fell under four thematic areas, i.e. human resource, service affordability, turn-around time and improvement of service quality. The study concluded that there was poor knowledge of diabetes and on the risks of missing scheduled clinic appointments, the overall compliance with scheduled visits was low and the main factor influencing compliance with scheduled visits was availability of financial assistance while seeking treatment. The study recommends the hospital management to ensure that human resource is optimized by adding more health workers especially, cashiers at pay points, nurses and doctors, members of staff to empathize with the patients and report on duty in good time and further research is needed with patients, especially those who have missed appointments, to get their lived experiences with diabetes mellitus
Culture as a Predictor of Effective Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mbeere North, Kenya
(Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2022-01-17) R. Gikunda1 , D. Lawver2 , J. Magogo
The research advances the existing extension education knowledge by illustrating the relationship between culture and adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Using a sample of 127, the study adopted a descriptive correlational design to gather data that addressed the hypotheses. The sample was selected randomly through systematic sampling procedures covering all parts of the sub-county. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Independent samples t-test and multiple regression analysis were applied in data analysis. The results indicated that farmers who received climate-smart information compared to farmers not receiving the information demonstrated significantly higher CSA practices adoption levels. A combination of cultural elements significantly predicted the adoption of climate-smart practices. The moderate effective adoption rates witnessed may have been contributed by limited access to extension services and cultural barriers. Among the cultural elements inability of extension agents to communicate in the local language was found to be the main inhibitor to effective dissemination and subsequent adoption. Hence, extension agents conversant with local language should be recruited to break the communication barrier to improve the diffusion of CSA practices. The county extension agents should be encouraged to use a mix of mass media extension education methods so as to expand the coverage.
Determinants of religious Tourism branding tactics in Kenya: A cross sectional study
(SAGE, 2016) Muriuki, Lemmy Mureti, Bururia,David
Shrines’ market appeal and authenticity drive religious tourism branding initiatives. Ideal packaging strate- gies further determine product performance in religious destinations. This article examined the potential contribution of market appeal and authenticity to religious tourism branding in the Kenyan Coast, Western, and Eastern regions. Multistage Cluster Sampling was used to sample 700 respondents. Surveys were con- ducted using structured interviews between February 2012 and April 2013. Questionnaires targeted commu- nities, tourists, and tourism developers. Questionnaires examined the types of shrines, utilization rate, perceived importance, and current development levels. It further assessed applicable religious tourism branding strategies within regions. Data analysis involved factor analysis, ANOVA, and t-tests. Results indi- cated that Kenyan shrines serve natural, physical, and cultural purposes, which determine their market appeal. New brands, line-extensions, and brand extensions emerged significant product branding strategies (p<0.05). Thus, it implied perceived loss of product authenticity.
DETERMINATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICACY OF PUBLIC EXTENSION SERVICE DISSEMINATION TO DAIRY CATTLE FARMERS IN THARAKA-NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) KINYUA, FRIDAH
DIVERSITY, HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION AND PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF WILD PLANTS SPECIES NATURALLY GROWING ON KANG’OKI DUMPSITE, THIKA, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Orao, Lynet Akoth
Increased industrialisation, urbanization, human population, and unregulated anthropogenic activities have led to an increased waste generation which in turn pollutes soil, water and air. Increased pollution is harmful to both plants and animals, which consequently affect humans. Most methods which have been applied by farmers in removal of pollutants from the soils are very expensive and unreliable. They include soil washing, use of mechanical and chemical methods. Therefore, a greener technology such as phytoremediation, which decontaminates polluted environment without interfering with soil structure or soil micro-organism is necessary. The objectives of this study was to determine the diversity of the plants growing naturally in Kang’oki dumpsite and concentration of selected heavy metals in soil, water and plant tissues to assess the potential of the plants for their phytoremediation potential. The dumpsite is situated within Thika municipality in Kiambu County, Kenya. An inventory of all plants growing on the dumpsite was carried out employing a quadrat sampling technique. A quasi Randomized Complete Block Design was used in this study, with dumpsite subdivided into 14 sites, forming the sampling sites. Soil, water and plant tissues samples were collected from all sampling sites. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) was used to compute species diversity. The samples collected were acid digested and Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cu concentrations in samples determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry analytical method at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The data obtained from water, soil and plants samples were further analysed using Statistical Analysis System version 9.4. The significant means were separated using Least Significance Difference at α = 0.05. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors of the investigated plants were done to determine the phytoremediation potential of the plants. The dumpsite had high species diversity (H` = 0.94), with species evenness of 0.45, indicating that different levels of environmental disturbance have different effects on species diversity. Seventy one plant species belonging to 28 families were identified. Asteraceae was most dominant family. Parthenium hysterophorus belonging to the family asteraceae is the most widely occurring species while Carica papaya, Opuntia violacea, and Pisum sativum were rare species. Concentration of the metals in soil samples at different sites were significant (p <0.0001). Concentration of Cd, Ni, Cu and Pb in water samples were significant (p <0.0001) except for cadmium (p> 0.053). Water samples had low levels of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Pb in all the sites compared to plants and soil samples. In plant tissues, Cu had the highest in plants while cadmium was the lowest. All investigated plants showed translocation factor >1 while bioaccumulation factor for most plants were <1, indicating that the plants are hyperaccumulators. Datura stramonium showed BCF and TF for Cd and Cu >1, hence, it can be used for phytoextraction of Cd and Cu in a polluted environment. Ricinus communis showed bioconcentration factor and translocation factor for Ni >1, hence can be used for phytoextraction of Ni. Conclusively, the dumpsite has high levels of the studied heavy metals, therefore, the investigated plants can be utilized for eco-restoration of the dumpsite.
DRAMA-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH AND KISWAHILI LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING AMONG PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHEPTAIS SUB-COUNTY, BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kenyatta, Robinson
Effective teaching and learning process is reliant on suitable approaches used during instructional process of a given subject area. Teachers’ effectiveness in content delivery has a definite influence on student concept learning and retention. Language learning is a critical facet that determines the communication aspect between the instructor and the learner. Teaching and learning approaches used in language learning should thus be chosen appropriately to realize educational goals in every curriculum. Learners’ academic achievement in Kiswahili language among KCSE students in Cheptais Sub County schools has been recording below average performance for more than five consecutive years as compared to other subjects. Poor performance has been related partly to inappropriate pedagogies used in Kiswahili language learning. Drama in Kiswahili language classroom offers lenses for learners to use their imagination, encourages adaptability, fluency and communicative competence. This study was designed to establish the use of drama-based instructional approach in teaching and learning of Kiswahili language among public secondary schools in Cheptais sub county, Kenya. The research design used in this study is descriptive survey involving Kiswahili language teachers and their students. Purposive sampling was used to select public secondary schools with form three class while stratified sampling was used to select strata schools; boys, girls and mixed categories. Simple random sampling was then used to select form three Kiswahili students and Kiswahili teachers as participants in the study. 342 form three students and 72 teachers were selected and responded to the questionnaire which was a sample from 24 secondary schools with 2346 students. Data was collected by use of questionnaires for students and teachers. The reliability of instruments was evaluated using Cronbach alpha whereby the value of 0.89 was attained and research items adopted for further analysis. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 in terms of descriptive statistics such as percentages and mean and inferential statistics such as chi-square to test the hypothesis at ∝=0.05 level of significance. Frequency distribution tables was used to present the data. The findings of this study showed that drama-based instructional approach is used and that it is mainly used in teaching grammar and literature and that its use significantly influences the teaching and learning of Kiswahili language. The study also established that a number of factors exist that seems to impede use of drama-based instructional approach in teaching and learning of Kiswahili language such as minimal time allocated to Kiswahili language lessons, lack of resources to instruct Kiswahili drama technique and its comprehensiveness in preparing learners to take part in drama-set activities. It is therefore recommended that Kiswahili teachers should enhance the use of learner centered approaches such as drama-based approaches in teaching and learning to foster learner conceptualization and to improve performance in the subject. Specific focus be given to other areas of the subject including comprehension and composition which though are challenging to learners have not been given adequate focus by teachers in use of the drama-based instructional approach and that teachers be facilitated to enable them overcome the challenges they face in teaching and learning while using drama based instructional approach.
Dynamics of climate change adaptations on horticultural land use practices around Mt Kenya east region
(Science PG, 2018-01-16) Kinoti,Kibetu Dickson, Jackson,Colbert Mutiso,Muthoni,Mwangi Joyce
Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya experienced widespread horticultural crop production after the establishment of Horticultural Crops Development Agency (HCDA) packing facilities within the region in the early 2000s. Favourable soils and climatic conditions triggered by growing export market demands have led to the changing patterns of agricultural land use practices in Mt. Kenya east region. The focus is now shifting to agro-diversification and land use intensification practices. The growing horticultural farming business in this region is impacting subsistence production, resource use as well as livelihood systems. This paper assesses the implications of climate change adaptation measures on household food security, gender roles and land management activities within the context of horticultural production land use practices. The findings ascertain that the region’s increasing agro-diversification activities are both coping strategies to the climate related changes and the social, political as well as economic transformations ushered in by devolution

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