Factors Influencing Pyrethrum Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Molo SubCounty, Nakuru County

Abstract

Pyrethrum is very important cash crop due to its pyrethrin content which is used to make insecticides. The research seeks to determine the factors affecting pyrethrum production leading to low output in Molo Sub County, Nakuru County. This is because pyrethrum production has continually decreased over the years and optimum level has not yet been achieved. It is hypothesized that opportunities exist to transform pyrethrum production if input availability, labor availability, credit accessibility, prices and policy are addressed. In this study, survey research design was used in which target population as pyrethrum small holder farmers from Molo Sub County. From population, a sample size of sixty (60) was selected through random sampling technique, this is because the county has minimum number of pyrethrum growers. The data was collected using structured questionnaire because the respondent could feel free in answering the questions as compared to when using interviews method. The questionnaire was meant to answer the questions in relation to factors affecting growth of pyrethrum production leading to low output in the region. The questions were such as how available are planting materials, cost of labor as well as availability, the price of the pyrethrum output, credit availability, and even the impact of PBK policy on growth of pyrethrum to answer the specific objectives. Data analysis was done using SPSS to make summary both qualitative and quantitative data. The analyzed data was presented using frequency table with backup of pie charts, bar graphs or histogram. This is because when tables are only used, the work became monotonous and the reader interprets the results at a glance, this is time consuming also and may lead to wrong interpretation if the reader is not keen. After presentation, the interpretation of the results was done and discussion made. Conclusion was made on the results and recommendation made. The results obtained would help in drawing up the factors that majorly lead to low output of pyrethrum production.