Evaluation of Selected Factors Affecting Tomato Production by Farmers in Manyatta Sub County Embu County

Abstract

The study is about tomato production by farmers in Manyatta Sub-County. Despite favorable conditions to support tomatoes, the production by farmers has been low. The study sought to analyze the effects of some selected factors suspected to lead to this situation which include technology cost of factors and the type of labour. Limited research had been undertaken in this sector which was very critical. Data was collected using questionnaires as well as interview schedules where 26 farmers participated. The linear regression analysis method and descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the collected data. The study showed that there was positive effect of cost of factors on the tomato produced by the farmers in the region. Technology use, specifically the use of greenhouse was found to have a high boost since individual farmers using were found to be having highest production. The significance of the study was to help on defining the effect of the factors of tomato production so as policies can be made to help solve the problem. Solution to it would be to increase income by farmers and also ensure that the production to the markets is not highly fluctuating.