Articles: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

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Is adoption of modern dairy farming technologies interrelated? A case of smallholder dairy farmers in Meru county, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2024-10-15) Andrew Kimathi Kirimi; Wilckyster Nyateko Nyarindo; Karambu Kiende Gatimbu
Attempts have been made to promote the adoption of modern dairy farming technologies (MDFT). However, the adoption of these technologies largely remains underutilized. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the adoption of MDFTs in Meru County. Using purposive and proportionate sampling techniques from 355 smallholder dairy farmers in Meru County, Kenya, this study analyzed the factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of MDFTs. We use a Multivariate probit (MVP) to evaluate adoption decisions by dairy farm households facing multiple MDFTs. The results reveal a significant correlation among the eight MDFTs suggesting that modern technologies are interrelated. The MVP model results indicate that household income, education level, number of extension contacts, access to credit, farmer group membership, farming experience and livestock monetary value had positive effect on the adoption of MDFTs. Education level and extension contacts had a positive influence on the adoption of fodder establishment and preservation technologies. Farming experience in dairy farming had a positive effect on the adoption of well-structured and clean sleeping areas, and the growth of Rhodes grass. Household income had a positive effect on the growth of Rhodes grass and feed mixture. This work illustrates a need for a policy implication and insight into a need for the county government and private milk processing companies to increase extension frequency to enhance the adoption of MDFTs. Additionally, there is a need to increase access to affordable credit, this should be considered by the government by establishing strengthening a smallholder low-interest and efficient local credit schemes and institutions.
Determinants of smallholder farmers’ satisfaction with agricultural extension services in Embu County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2024) Miritia, Caroline Mukami; Nyarindo, Wilckyster Nyateko; Mburugua, Kirema Nkanata; Nthiwa, Daniel
Agricultural extension services (AES) positively foster agricultural sustainability through knowledge transfer of agri cultural technologies, hence enhancing household food security among the rural poor. However, information on farm ers’ satisfaction with AES is limited in many areas within Kenya, although these services have been offered to farmers for decades. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ satisfaction with AES in Embu County in Kenya and identified its associated household demographic, socio-economic, and institutional determinants. Data were collected from 396 farmers using a structured interview schedule through a cross-sectional survey with a multistage stratified sampling procedure. Data analyses were performed using the Cumulative Link Mixed Models (CLMMs) with a random effect for the village ID to adjust the results for the correlation of farmers’ satisfaction within the village. This study revealed that 10.1%, 38.6%, 43.2%, and 8.1% of the farmers were very satisfied, moderately satisfied, moderately dissatisfied and very dissatisfied with AES, respectively. The results of the multivariable CLMM analysis identified education level, off-farm income, the land tenure system, frequent extension contact, and access to credit as significant deter minants of farmers’ satisfaction with AES. The findings will help policy makers and extension workers to develop context-specific AES that take into account farmers’ extension needs, thereby improving the AES delivery system and enhancing agricultural development in the area.
Exploring Socio-economic Determinants of Adoption Intensity of Soil Fertility Enhancement Technologies among Farmers in Drylands of Lower Eastern Kenya
(University of Embu, 2025) Makumi, Mercy Mwelu; Mogaka, Hezron Rasugu; Kirimi , Florence Kaumi; Njeru , Lucy Karega; kyalo, Annastacia Maitha; Mutungi, Scholastica Kavata
Catastrophic effects of climate change variation specifically intense rainfall have significantly contributed to decline in soil fertility. This problem has been exacerbated further by anthropogenic activities which are not limited to mono-cropping, over cultivation and overgrazing. There is therefore an urgent need to address this problem to enhance production of crops. Soil Fertility Enhancement Technologies (SFET) such as zero tillage, crop production, cereal-legume intercropping, organic and inorganic fertilizer, Zai pit, micronutrient supplementation, cover cropping, mulching and soil testing and mapping is among the current intervention that sought to address poor soils for better productivity particularly in the dryland areas. Despite their promotion, adoption of these technologies and the proportion of farmland treated with appropriate SFET remain low. A cross sectional survey was utilized to gather data from 414 agricultural homes chosen via a multi-stage sampling method. The analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Heckman two-stage selection model was employed to analyze the association between the adoption and adoption intensity of SFET and socioeconomic factors. The model was used because it is able to accounts selection bias arising from other factors that might affect adoption other than the variables used by the study. The results indicated that off-farm income sources, involvement in SFET promotion initiatives, informal agricultural training, formal education level, farm size, access to agricultural information, and land use substantially impacted the choice to adopt SFET. Furthermore, farm size, land use, off-farm income sources, and livestock size significantly affected the intensity of SFET adoption. The study emphasizes the necessity for focused initiatives that improve access to agricultural information and expertise, especially about SFET. Integrating SFET into broader agricultural policies and strategies, such as subsidizing SFET inputs, will ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in dryland areas and improve the livelihoods of farmers. Keywords: Intensification, drylands, agricultural productivity, adoption intensity, soil fertility.
Factors Influencing Youth Farmers' Use of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies In Drylands of Machakos County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2025-04-02) Mutungi, Scholastica Kavata; Mogaka, Hezron Rasugu; Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Lydia Muriithi; Otara Nyaboe Elvin; Shadrack Kiprotich; Njiru, Moses Muchangi; Kyalo, Annastacia Maitha; Kamau, Ezekiel Areri
Land degradation presents a serious threat to sustainable soil and water resources, primarily through erosion, declining soil fertility, and extreme weather events. Addressing these challenges involves selecting appropriate Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) technologies to mitigate soil quality decline and enhance agricultural productivity. Soil and water conservation technologies have been promoted across various regions, especially in dryland areas for several decades with mixed outcomes. Despite their positive impacts, the utilization intensity of these technologies at farm level remains low. Furthermore, there is limited information on use and use intensity of the technologies among youth farmers, who are key to driving agricultural transformation. This study investigates the socio-economic factors influencing the use and use intensity of SWC technologies among youth farmers. A cross-sectional survey was employed to gather data from 396 youth farmers selected through a multi stage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Cragg's Double Hurdle (DH) model. The findings revealed that among 12 independent variables included in regression analysis education level, farm income, and farming experience significantly determined the choice of using SWC technologies. Additionally, access to credit, marital status, education level, farming experience, land size, technical knowledge, training participation, farm income, and land ownership had significant effects on the intensity of use. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as strengthening credit access, enhancing technical training, and expanding educational opportunities to promote broader adoption and effective utilization of SWC technologies. Integrating these factors into policy and planning is essential to enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability among youth farmers in dryland regions.
Gender differentials in cricket farming and its impact on household food security levels in East Africa
(University of Embu, 2025-06-25) Ndung’u, Nancy; Isaboke, Hezron; Nyarindo, Wilckyster; Otieno, Mark; Gicheha, Mathew; Kinyuru, John
Crickets, as one of the edible insects, represent a promising alternative for enhanc ing food security through direct human consumption or as livestock feed. This study investigated the impact of cricket farming on household food security in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on a sample of 187 cricket farmers and 457 non-farmers. Utiliz ing the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Food Consumption Score, the research assesses dimensions of food access, stability, utilization, and availability. An endogenous switching regression model was employed to analyze the influence of gender of cricket farming decision-makers and participation in cricket farming on food security outcomes. For male decision-makers, key determinants for adoption included awareness, the availability of processing technology, ready markets, and perceived risks. Female decision-makers were more significantly influenced by awareness, training opportunities, perceived benefits, and social norms. Female decision- makers who engaged in cricket farming (Y1 = 1.756) exhibited a higher levels of household food security compared to non-adopters (Y0 = 1.567), yielding a significant positive treatment effect (ATT = 0.188). In contrast, male adopters experi enced a slight decrease in food security, reflecting a negative effect (ATT = −0.516). This study highlights the importance of gender differences in food security outcomes and informs policy initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable food security through cricket farming. Targeted training is recommended to enhance female farmers’ skills and improve productivity as a proxy for food security. Interventions should promote group association and establish aggregation centers at the policy level to enhance access to resources and market linkages for male farmers.
Entwined evolution how innovation networks foster collaborative growth in East Africa’s edible insect value chain
(University of Embu, 2025-05-22) Ndung’u, N.; Isaboke, H.; Nyarindo, W.; Otieno, M.; Kinyuru, J.
The introduction of edible insects as a protein source has gained traction in East Africa, with various multidisciplinary initiatives promoting insect production and consumption. However, there remains a limited understanding of the innovation networks, roles of different actors, and linkages that influence the development of this sector. This study employed social network analysis and exponential random graph models (ERGMs) to examine data from 220 cricket farmers in Masaka, Uganda, and western Kenya, focusing on network structures and participation dynamics. Findings revealed a gap between market awareness and actual sales. The institutional network demonstrated high connectivity, with a density of 0.559 and complete reciprocity. The affiliation network showed eigenvector centrality values were 0.128 for Kenya and 0.112 for Uganda, highlighting the importance of key nodes. Masaka’s farmer network was highly centralized (0.605), in contrast to Kisumu (0.478) and Siaya (0.244). While institutional networks exhibited strong cooperation, the affiliation networks revealed weak linkages, suggesting fragmentation among actors that hinders information flow and coordinated action. This study underscores the increasingly vital role of collaboration between research organizations and the private sector in fostering innovation and demand for cricket farming. Additionally, it contributes to network theory by empirically mapping a multi-actor system within an emerging food innovation context. The findings stress the importance of enhancing stakeholder interactions to facilitate adoption and scaling. Policies should promote best practices in production and processing, while also strengthening institutional support by engaging government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to provide resources, technical assistance, and market linkages.
Exploring Socio-Economic Characteristics on Adoption Intensity of Biochar Among Farming Households In Sub-Humid Regions of Western Kenya
(University of Embu, 2025-04-02) Kyalo, Annastacia Maitha; Hezron Mogaka; Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Kwena Kizito; Ndirangu, Samuel Njiri; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Lydia Muriithi; Otara, Nyaboe Elvin; Shadrack Kiprotich; Njiru, Moses Muchangi; Kamau, Ezekiel Areri; Kamau, Ezekiel Areri
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, yet declining soil fertility and low adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies, such as biochar, have hindered productivity among smallholder farmers. Biochar is perceived to be a costeffective technology especially among resource constraint farming households. Despite many smallholder farmers acknowledging the importance of biochar as a soil amendment, most farmers face socio-economic barriers that hinder its adoption at scale. This study focused on how socio-economic factors influence adoption intensity of biochar, with a focus on the farming households in the sub-humid regions of Western Kenya. Employing a multistage stratified sampling procedure and Heckman selection model, the study reveals that awareness of biochar, access to credits, total land used in farming and education level positively and significantly influences adoption of biochar while total land owned in acres negatively and significantly influences adoption of biochar. Similarly, awareness of biochar, access to credits, and education level positively and significantly influences adoption intensity of biochar while terms of land ownership negatively and significantly influence adoption intensity of biochar. The study identifies awareness of biochar, education, credit access, and land ownership as key factors influencing its adoption by smallholder farmers. Promoting biochar as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration technique for farmers should be the main goal of the government, non-governmental organizations, and development organizations. Promoting the advantages of biochar for crop yields and soil fertility should be spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture's Extension Department. While development organizations offer financial assistance and training to promote adoption, policymakers should push farmer cooperatives to reduce the cost of biochar production and implementation.
COVID-19 and Smallholder Chicken Farmers in Eastern Kenya: Assessing Resilience and Coping Strategies
(University of Embu, 2025-06-26) John Kennedy Musyoka; Wilckyster N. Nyarindo; Robyn Alders; Hezron N. Isaboke
The study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chicken farmers in Machakos County, Eastern Kenya, focusing on their resilience levels. A multistage random sampling approach was used to obtain primary data from 582 households engaging in chicken farming. Descriptive statistics revealed that a substantial portion of these farmers (67%) demonstrated low resilience in response to the pandemics multifaceted disruptions spanning for instance from production, marketing, income, chicken enterprise operations, and social well-being. Furthermore, the research highlighted the key challenges such as feed shortages (75%), increased predation (70%), market disruptions (69%), and income declines (63%). Farmers adopted coping strategies like scavenging for feed, reducing flock sizes, and homemade feed formulations. Econometric analysis revealed that education, income, flock size, credit access, and extension services as resilience boosters, while high feed costs and distant markets reduced resilience. The study recommends that the National and County Governments collaborate with stakeholders to initiate gender disaggregated and accessible credit sources and utilize mobile input vendors to enhance access to feeds and vaccines for chicken farmers. Furthermore, increasing awareness of pandemic coping mechanisms through extension services and educated farmers should be strongly recommended. The study also calls for government and institutional interventions to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacities against future shocks.
Gender roles and constraints in enhancing hybrid chicken production for food security in lower Eastern Kenya
(University of Embu, 2025-03-03) John K. Musyoka; Wilckyster N. Nyarindo; Robyn Alders; Hezron N. Isaboke
The adoption of hybrid chicken production as a source of income and food security among smallholder farmers has recently taken significant global attention. However, the effect of adoption of hybrid chicken across different genders on household food expenditure and food security remains unknown. This study employed propensity score matching (PSM) and endogenous switching regression (ESR) models to analyze the effect of adoption of hybrid chicken on smallholder households’ consumption expenditure and food security in Machakos County. The PSM and ESR models were estimated on a sample of 582 households selected using multistage stratified random sampling method. The descriptive results indicated that adopters of hybrid chicken spent on average KES 1296 compared to the non-adopters who spent KES 1400 on food consumption per month. Furthermore, the adopters of hybrid chicken were more food secure compared to the non-adopters. About 74% of female were also likely to experience chronic food insecurity compared to their male counterparts. The econometric results indicated that farm location, access to credit, access to market, access to feeds, group membership and cost of feeds significantly influ enced the adoption of the hybrid chicken production for both male and female decision makers. The average treatment effect results showed that non-adopters spent higher costs on food consumption. Moreover, half of the adopters of hybrid chicken were food secure compared to the non-adopters. The treatment effects of adopting hybrid chicken on house hold food consumption and food security were positive suggesting that adopters bene fited more compared to the non-adopters. To boost food security, this study recommends the National and County governments to develop a facilitating policy environment which supports chicken production systems that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable while enhancing appropriate technical and extension support to enable cost effective chicken production, marketing, and disease control.
Agricultural Extension Services and Use Intensity of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies among Youth Farmers in Drylands of Machakos County, Kenya
(UoEm, 2025-08-10) Mogaka, Hezron Rasugu; Mutungi,Scholastica Kavata; Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Nyabuga, Franklin N.; Muriithi, Lydia; Kiprotich, Shadrack
Background: Effective extension services have the potential to bridge adoption gaps in soil and water conservation (SW C) technologies and ultimately minimize farmers’ vulnerability to climate-related risks in agricultural production. However, information on the effectiveness of agricultural extension services (AES) in supporting the adoption of sustainable practices such as SWC technologies, remains limited in many parts of Kenya, despite being provided to farmers for decades. The aim of this research was to determine youth farmers’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of extension services and the factors that influence their use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The effectiveness of AES was measured using eleven variables. Methods: Data were collected from 396 youth farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey with a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model for data analysis. Result: The study found that AES among youth farmers in drylands of Machakos County were perceived as ineffective. The frequency of receiving extension services, the main source of information, tools used in delivering AES and the level of extension education influenced use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions that increase the frequency of extension services, diversify information sources and improve the tools and training provided to youth farmers.
Exploring Socio-Economic Characteristics on Adoption Intensity of Biochar Among Farming Households In Sub-Humid Regions of Western Kenya
(University of Embu, 2025-02-13) Kyalo, Annastacia Maitha; Mogaka, Hezron; Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Kizito, Kwena; Ndirangu, Samuel Njiri; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Muriithi, Lydia; Elvin, Otara Nyaboe; Mutungi, Scholastica Katava; Kiprotich, Shadrack; Njiru, Moses Muchangi; Kamau, Ezekiel Areri
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, yet declining soil fertility and low adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies, such as biochar, have hindered productivity among smallholder farmers. Biochar is perceived to be a cost- effective technology especially among resource constraint farming households. Despite many smallholder farmers acknowledging the importance of biochar as a soil amendment, most farmers face socio-economic barriers that hinder its adoption at scale. This study focused on how socio-economic factors influence adoption intensity of biochar, with a focus on the farming households in the sub-humid regions of Western Kenya. Employing a multistage stratified sampling procedure and Heckman selection model, the study reveals that awareness of biochar, access to credits, total land used in farming and education level positively and significantly influences adoption of biochar while total land owned in acres negatively and significantly influences adoption of biochar. Similarly, awareness of biochar, access to credits, and education level positively and significantly influences adoption intensity of biochar while terms of land ownership negatively and significantly influence adoption intensity of biochar. The study identifies awareness of biochar, education, credit access, and land ownership as key factors influencing its adoption by smallholder farmers. Promoting biochar as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration technique for farmers should be the main goal of the government, non-governmental organizations, and development organizations. Promoting the advantages of biochar for crop yields and soil fertility should be spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture's Extension Department. While development organizations offer financial assistance and training to promote adoption, policymakers should push farmer cooperatives to reduce the cost of biochar production and implementation
Factors Influencing Youth Farmers' Use of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies In Drylands of Machakos County,Kenya
(UoEm, 2025-04-02) Mutungi, Scholastica Kavata; Mogaka, Hezron Rasugu; Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Muriithi, Lydia; Otara, Elvin Nyaboe; Kiprotich, Shadrack; Njiru, Moses Muchangi; Kyalo, Annastacia Maitha; Kamau, Ezekiel Areri;
Land degradation presents a serious threat to sustainable soil and water resources, primarily through erosion, declining soil fertility, and extreme weather events. Addressing these challenges involves selecting appropriate Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) technologies to mitigate soil quality decline and enhance agricultural productivity. Soil and water conservation technologies have been promoted across various regions, especially in dryland areas for several decades with mixed outcomes. Despite their positive impacts, the utilization intensity of these technologies at farm level remains low. Furthermore, there is limited information on use and use intensity of the technologies among youth farmers, who are key to driving agricultural transformation. This study investigates the socio-economic factors influencing the use and use intensity of SWC technologies among youth farmers. A cross-sectional survey was employed to gather data from 396 youth farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Cragg's Double Hurdle (DH) model. The findings revealed that among 12 independent variables included in regression analysis education level, farm income, and farming experience significantly determined the choice of using SWC technologies. Additionally, access to credit, marital status, education level, farming experience, land size, technical knowledge, training participation, farm income, and land ownership had significant effects on the intensity of use. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as strengthening credit access, enhancing technical training, and expanding educational opportunities to promote broader adoption and effective utilization of SWC technologies. Integrating these factors into policy and planning is essential to enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability among youth farmers in dryland regions.
Decomposition of the Coffee Value Chain Among Smallholder Farmers in Embu and Kirinyaga Counties in Central Kenya
(UoEm, 2024-10-24) Musau Wambua, Daniel; Ndirangu, Samuel N.; Mogaka, Hezron; Gichimu, Bernard M.
The coffee value chain is lengthy and complex with numerous actors and this exposes the farmers to inherent financial risks. This study sought to decompose the coffee value chain and its dynamics. The study was undertaken in Embu and Kirinyaga counties in Central Kenya and the target population was smallholder coffee farmers. The study used multistage stratified sampling techniques to draw a sample of 385 respondents. Majority (97%) of the sampled farmers were processing and marketing their coffee through cooperative societies. Socioeconomic analysis of these farmers showed that majority were middle-aged, fairly educated and with adequate coffee farming experience but their cherry production was very low averaging 2.3 kgs per tree for 2022/2023 crop year. The cooperative societies were playing key roles in the coffee value chain including farmers’ training, input and credit provision, coffee processing and marketing. There were numerous coffee marketing challenges, including high middlemen involvement, which lowered the coffee prices and reduced the trade volumes. Value adding activities such as roasting, grinding, and packaging were rare and farmers’ involvement in the upstream value chain was minimal. The local demand for the produced coffee was very low with domestic consumption taking only 2% of the output. The multilevel mixed effect model results revealed that value adding and farmer involvement were found to have a significant positive influence on the traded volumes and coffee prices while middlemen involvement had a negative influence. There is need for enhanced value adding and farmers involvement in the upstream value chain as well as strengthening the cooperative societies’ role in coffee marketing for more accountability and increased incomes.
Do combined sustainable agricultural intensification practices improve smallholder farmers welfare? Evidence from eastern and western Kenya
(UoEm, 2024-02-21) Nyarindo, Wilckyster Nyateko; Mugera, Amin; Hailu, Atakelty; Obare, Gideon Aiko
Smallholder farmers often bundle different sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) practices to boost crop yield and address soil fertility challenges. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies that investigate farmers’ adoption of SAI bundles and their subsequent impacts. Using data from a three-wave panel survey of smallholder maize-legume producers in Kenya, we examine the adoption and payoffs from 10 SAI practices clustered into five dominant groups. We use a random effects multinomial logit model to determine the choice of SAI cluster at the plot level while controlling for unobserved individual heterogeneity. The results show that the number of extension contacts, farm labor availability, household wealth, and education of household heads positively and significantly affect the adoption of SAI clusters while renting plots and poor soil quality have negative effects. The multinomial endogenous treatment effects model results reveal significant variability in crop yield, total variable cost, revenue, and net income across the five SAI clusters. The benefits vary by crop system, region, and cropping year, indicating that a one-size-fits-all extension design is unsuitable for farmers. The study suggests the promotion of participatory extension policies that would allow locally adaptable and highly profitable bundles of SAI practices to be identified, refined, and disseminated
Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of integrated soil fertility management technologies among sorghum farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya
(UoEm, 2023-08-03) Kiprotich, Shadrack; Mogaka, Hezron; Ndirangu, Samuel Njiri; Nyambane Onyari, Charles
Climate change manifestations and population pressure are some of the most critical challenges that affect agricultural productivity. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies are among the agricultural innovations that have been developed to address declining crop productivity. These technologies have been promoted across diverse areas including marginal agro- ecological zones. Despite the nobility and versatility of ISFM technologies, their adoption is still low particularly across Kenya landscapes. Consequently, there is limited knowledge explaining the adoption of these technologies especially in the dry areas. This study therefore, applied Cragg's Double Hurdle model to determine the factors affecting adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies among farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya, who mainly grow sorghum both as a food and a cash crop. The results revealed that gender, dependants, farming goal for subsistence purpose (p < .01), decision on information use, farm size, extension services, research awareness, ISFM awareness and ISFM access, significantly affected household decision on adoption of ISFM technologies. On the other hand, gender of household head, farm size, main source of agricultural information and formal agricultural training had significant influence on adoption intensity of ISFM technologies. There is a thus a crucial need for integration of determinants surrounding adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies in policy making and planning processes to enhance sorghum crop productivity in marginal Upper Eastern areas of the country.
Analysis of the factors affecting farm-level output of mangoes among small-scale farmers in Mwala Sub-County, Kenya
(2022-06) Isaboke, Hezron N.; Musyoka, Kennedy
The factors affecting farm-level output of mangoes among small-scale farmers in Mwala Sub-County, Kenya were examined. The first stage of regression analysis resulted that family and hired labour, amount of pesticides and manure had positively significant affected on mango farm-level output. The results on the second stage of the factor affecting mango output was household size, farming income, area allocated to mango farming (farm size), amount of credit, and extension contacts which exhibited positively affected on mango output, while cost of pesticides and manure precipitated had negatively affected. The study recommended that relevant authorities should strengthen the extension contact for encouraging farmers to practice the best and recommended management practices on mango farming to improve production. Furthermore, small-scale mango farmers accessed to functional input markets would enhance farm-level mango output.
Analysis of the determinants of farmer participation in sorghum farming among small-scale farmers in Siaya County, Kenya
(Elsevier Ltd., 2020-09-16) Okeyo, Samuel; Ndirangu, Samuel N.; Isaboke, Hezron N.; Njeru, Lucy K; Omenda, Jane A
Sorghum as a drought tolerant crop provides an alternative opportunity towards increasing food production in the face of global climate change, mostly affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya is in the fore front in increasing the production of sorghum since its landmass is 80 percent arid and semi-arid. Few studies have evaluated farm and farmer related characteristics affecting adoption of sorghum production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how selected factors affect the propensity of farmers to adopt sorghum production in Siaya County, Kenya. A total of 300 households were randomly selected as respondents in four sub-counties under sorghum production. Data was collected using semistructured interview schedules administered to the selected farm households. The selected factors were subjected to descriptive analysis, while binary logistic regression model was applied for the quantitative analysis of the effect of these factors on adoption of sorghum production. The results of the regression analysis reveal that farm size, land size allocated to maize, beans and groundnut enterprise, land ownership and access to training significantly affected adoption of sorghum farming. The study underscores the significant impact of resource allocation decisions on uptake of sorghum production among farm households. Our findings show that farmers with larger farms are more likely to adopt sorghum production. However, due to industrial demand and food security potential of sorghum, we recommend that the extension service providers should also incentivize those with smaller farms to participate in sorghum production. Policies that will make sorghum enterprise more competitive over other crops, both at the farm and market level, are key. In addition, agricultural development policies should target provision of such services like training to streamline sorghum production in the arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya.
Distribution, abundance and natural enemies of the invasive tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Kenya
(cambridge university press, 2021-05-17) Kinyanjui, G; Khamis, F M; Ombura, F L O; Kenya, E U; Ekesi, S; Mohamed, S A
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) has become a serious menace to sustainable production of tomato in Kenya. A survey was conducted between April 2015 and June 2016 to determine its distribution, abundance, infestation, and damage levels on tomato, and associated natural enemies. Trap counts of T. absoluta moths were recorded in all surveyed 29 counties, which indicated its nationwide distribution irrespective of altitude. Tuta absoluta was present in both open fields and greenhouses. The highest moth/trap/day was 115.38 ± 15.90. Highest leaf infestation was 92.22% and the highest number of mines and larvae per leaf were 3.71 ± 0.28 and 2.16 ± 0.45, respectively. Trap captures in terms of moth/trap/day were linearly and positively related to leaf infestations in open fields (R2 = 0.81) and greenhouses (R2 = 0.61). Highest fruits' infestation and damage were 60.00 and 59.61%, respectively, while the highest number of mines per fruit was 7.50 ± 0.50. Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) and Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) were identified as predators of T. absoluta larvae. Nine species of larval parasitoids were recovered from infested foliage, with a combined parasitism of 7.26 ± 0.65%. Hockeria species was the most dominant (31.25%) and accounted for 12.88 ± 1.47% parasitism. Two species of larval parasitoids, Hockeria and Necremnus were obtained from sentinel plants with an average parasitism of 1.13 ± 0.25. The overall abundance and parasitism rates of recovered natural enemies were low to effectively control the field populations of T. absoluta. These findings form the basis of researching and developing effective and sustainable management strategies for the pest.
Extension-Market Linkages on Banana Commercialisation Among Smallholder Farmers in Meru Region, Kenya
(Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2022-01) Kirimi, Florence Kaumi; Onyari, Charles Nyambane; Njeru, Lucy Karega; Mogaka, Hezron Rasugu
The study examined the effect of extension-market linkages on banana commercialisation among smallholder farmers in the Meru region, Kenya. The study sampled 400 farmers from a target population of 288,802 from the Meru region. The Tobit model was used to analyse the effect of extension-market linkages on banana commercialisation. The results revealed that sources of marketing information (Coef. -0.06) had a negative influence on farmers commercialising banana production. The result showed that the reliability of local extension service providers in enabling farmer’s access to market information (Coef. 0.04) had a positive influence on farmers commercialising banana production. The findings also showed that users of marketing information in the commercialisation banana business (Coef. 0.63) had a positive influence on farmers commercialising banana production. The study concludes that there was an association between extension marketing linkages and banana commercialization among smallholder farmers in Meru region, Kenya. Government should create and implement more policies that will favour and encourage farmers to commercialise bananas. This will help farmers increase their income.
Determinants of Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Weather Index Insurance in Embu County, Kenya
(Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2021-07) Isaboke, Hezron Nyarindo
The study examined how multiple factors influence participation of farmers in Weather Index Insurance WII in Embu County, Kenya. Data wer e collected from a sample of 401 smallholders following multi stage sampling technique The study employed the Cragg ’s Double Hurdle model in determining factors that influence participation and extent of participation in WII. Results revealed th at short rain season, household size, land size, perception of the household head on WII , owners h ip of a mobile phone a nd location of the farm were important factors in explaining participation in WII. The distance to a registered agro veterinary products outlet, insurance premium , group membership, the weather station in Runyenjes station and distan c e to the local weather station influenced probability to participate negatively. Similarly, ownership of mobile phone had a positive influence on the extent of participation in WII while the size of the household, distance to a registered agro veterinary p roducts outlet and land size were significant with a negative influence. The findings of this study highlight the importance of shaping farmers’ perceptions to wards WII, promotion of policies that allow for access and use of information and communication t echnologies ( such as mobile phones by the farming households as a pathway to providing smart so lutions to smallholder farmers in dealing with weather rela ted risks . Further, the research recommends for development of policies that would ensure modest WII insurance premiums that are aligned to the unique need s of the smallholder farmers.

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