Influence of Selected Factors on Irish Potatoes Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kuresoi Sub-County in Nakuru County

Abstract

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.