Department of Agricultural Economics and Extensionhttp://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/embuni/24652024-03-29T15:10:39Z2024-03-29T15:10:39ZSocio-Economic Factors Affecting Green Grams Production A Case Study of Small Holder Farmers In Tharaka DistrictChabari, Kennethhttp://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/embuni/25222020-07-29T00:02:07Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZSocio-Economic Factors Affecting Green Grams Production A Case Study of Small Holder Farmers In Tharaka District
Chabari, Kenneth
In Kenya over the years production in agriculture has been experiencing a lot of challenges that
have continued to reduce production of green grams due to the inadequate farm output. The main
reason for this study was to find out how socio economic factors affect production of green grams
in Tharaka district. The research objectives were to establish the effects of socio economic factors
in production of green grams and to establish how family labor affects the production. From the
literature reviewed it showed age is a proxy for a farmers experience and proved negatively for
farm yield. High family size enabled the farmers to get ready labor to their farm. It influenced farm
yield positively in the large household. Level of education influenced positively farmers’ abilities
and capabilities adopt and are aware on well informed farming production decision in order to
keep improving on farm yields. This study considered descriptive method, qualitative and
quantitative approach which was used. The targeted population was the farmers in Tharaka district.
The sample size included 40 respondents. The questionnaires were administered to respondents to
collect data from farmers. Frequencies and regression analysis method were used to analyze the
data using statistical package for social science (SPSS). The results showed that there is a positive
relationship between farmers level of education with the farm yields, in this connection the farming
practice opens up the farmers level of understanding of different issues, it influences an individual
or to invest in it, it is of great importance to have more agricultural extension services in the district,
the farmers are aware of new technology and also making the inputs available to all farmers.
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZSocio-Economic Factors Affecting Sorghum Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kibwezi East Sub County Makueni CountyKiveli, John Kitakahttp://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/embuni/25212020-07-29T00:02:06Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZSocio-Economic Factors Affecting Sorghum Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kibwezi East Sub County Makueni County
Kiveli, John Kitaka
The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of socio economic factors on sorghum
production in Kibwezi East Sub County. This was because researchers had mainly done their
studies on climatic factors, marketing and pricing of sorghum thus leaving socio-economic factors
on sorghum production not well addressed. The study used cross sectional survey design and
questionnaires to collect data. The questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers. The
research therefore intended to come up with possible ways to increase sorghum production as well
as productivity that will furthermore increase farmer’s income as well as addressing food security
not only in Kibwezi East but also in Kenya. Fifty farmers were used as a sample. Data was
collected using questionnaires, analyzed using quantitative techniques such as frequencies and
percentages. Karl Pearson correlation and linear regression determined the relationship and effect
between dependent and independent variables by aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that majority
of farmers were aged, had less access to certified seeds, low level of education and had large tracks
of land that were underutilized for agricultural purposes. The research concluded that certified
seeds, human assets (training) and land size affected sorghum production. There was also a strong
positive relationship between production and age as size of land. The study recommended that
government should provide certified seeds to farmers and train them. Farmers should also be
encouraged to participate at training sessions as well as youth encouraged to take part in
agricultural activities for better production and also maximize land use.
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInfluence of Selected Factors on Irish Potatoes Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kuresoi Sub-County in Nakuru CountyChepkemoi, Mirriamhttp://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/embuni/25202020-07-29T00:02:06Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInfluence of Selected Factors on Irish Potatoes Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kuresoi Sub-County in Nakuru County
Chepkemoi, Mirriam
Coffee is one of the most valuable traded commodities in the world. In Africa, it is referred as the
black gold due to its value. Farmers have come up with cooperative societies that assist them to
manage and market their coffee locally and internationally. In Embu County of Kenya, the
production of coffee having a hard time in terms of sustainability, which has made the current
Governor request for audit to know what, is ailing the coffee industry in the county. The purpose
of this study therefore was to establish the factors that influence production of coffee: a case of
Manyatta Constituency in Embu County, Kenya. The study took place in the three coffee growing
areas in Manyatta Constituency of Embu County, Kenya. It was noted that those had other sources
of income were able to take care of their coffee farms better. Kapingazi which had the highest
percentage of businessmen and those who are employed and were able to produce the highest in
1-199kgs yield category and had the highest number of individuals. It was also established that
land fragmentation led to farmers having small farms which they felt that they could not plant
coffee trees which yield is seasonal yet they required growing food for daily use this was proved
by the fact that most farmers said that they require more land for coffee farming. However few
individuals felt that they would not use the extra for coffee farming but other type of farming. This
was probably because of the international coffee crises in place that has decreased the income to
coffee farmers. It was also noted 100% feedback that those farmers had attended training with
regard to coffee farming had improved in their farming methods hence high production. It was
also suggested that further training of the available staff would also improve their working methods
hence satisfying the farmers who come for the training. It was therefore concluded that the
government should work on coffee related income to motivate farmers. Also proper land policies
should be put in place to ensure that land users are able to utilize the available lands hence ensuring
that no idle land in place. Training of farmers is important as it ads knowledge and skills that would
not have been known by these farmers. Finally, employing competent workers in term of
qualifications, training and skills is important as they will be able to handle any kind of drawbacks.
The study recommended further research on coffee production in other counties so that conclusions
should be compared and generalized. Further research should also be done in different counties to
help generalize the findings.
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInfluence of Selected Economic Factors on Choice of Marketing Channels for Pineapples in Karimoni Ward in Thika Sub-CountyGathoni, Marthahttp://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/embuni/25192020-07-29T00:02:25Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInfluence of Selected Economic Factors on Choice of Marketing Channels for Pineapples in Karimoni Ward in Thika Sub-County
Gathoni, Martha
This study focuses on economic factors influencing choice of marketing channels for pineapples
in Thika Sub County, Karimoni ward. Marketing agricultural produce is important amongst
farmers because they derive benefits such as income and rural employment. Worldwide, the main
problem with pineapple marketing channels is that farmers and traders do not know which
channels to use to minimize cost and maximize profit in the pineapple business. Demand for
pineapples has risen due to the changing lifestyle and healthy eating trends hence there is need for
a more efficient marketing channel. The objectives in this study are determining how farm price,
road infrastructure and access to market information, influence choice of marketing channels in
Karimoni ward, Thika Sub County. The study relied on primary data. Data was collected using
structured questionnaires. The research design was cross sectional survey, which collects data at a
point in time. The target population was 200 pineapple farmers and traders. Simple random
sampling technique was used to obtain the sample to use in the study. The sample consisted of 50
respondents. The sample size was determined using Krejice and Morgan (1970) formula.
Frequencies, tables, percentages and correlation were used to show the relationships between
independent and dependent variables. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social
sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that women are more involved in pineapple marketing, most
of the respondents had primary level education, they were middle aged and had a lot of experience
in selling pineapples. The first objective was influence of price on choice of marketing channel for
pineapples. It reflected that price of pineapples negatively influenced choice of marketing channel
for pineapples. The second objective was access to market information largely influenced choice
of marketing channels. Thus, efforts to improve on sources of information like television and
extension services will help farmers to easily choose a market channel. The third objective was to
determine influence of road infrastructure on choice of pineapple marketing channel. It was
measured in terms of road quality and distance. Road quality highly influenced choice of marketing
channel while road quality moderately influenced choice of marketing channel for pineapples in
Karimoni ward. The study recommends that the government should improve road quality.
2020-01-01T00:00:00Z