Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

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Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Green Grams Production A Case Study of Small Holder Farmers In Tharaka District
(University of Embu, 2020) 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.
Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Sorghum Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kibwezi East Sub County Makueni County
(University of Embu, 2020) 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.
Influence of Selected Factors on Irish Potatoes Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Kuresoi Sub-County in Nakuru County
(University of Embu, 2020) 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.
Influence of Selected Economic Factors on Choice of Marketing Channels for Pineapples in Karimoni Ward in Thika Sub-County
(University of Embu, 2020) 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.
Influence of Economic Factors On Production Of Fresh Water Fish In Manyatta Subcounty, Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Okello, Jeremiah Otieno
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic animals such as crustaceans, finfish and mollusks and aquatic plants in a controlled environment. The global demand for fish for human consumption is increasing but there has been a decline in the capture fish industry overtime. The research objectives intended to establish the influence of cost of inputs on fish production, to assess the influence of markets availability on fish farming and analyze the influence of credit accessibility on fish farming. From literature review, it was observed that availability of access to credit positively influence production of fresh water fish as there will be adequate capital to run the fish farming, it’s also observed that easy access to market and its availability influences and encourage more people to venture into the aquatic industry and proper and efficient use of the limited inputs to maximize on output also has a positive influence on production as when the good combination of inputs are used to maximize on output. The research study design was a cross-sectional survey, which collects data at a point in time. The target population of 154,632 households in Manyatta Sub County was used. The study used a sample size of 50 respondents who were selected using a random sampling technique which gave every element equal chance of choice. The sample size was arrived at using the formula by Yamane. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the fish farmers. From the findings there was a negative relationship between the cost of inputs and fish production per pond and a strong positive relationship between fish production per pond on both market availability and access to credit. The study recommended that the government should offer subsidies to the farmers in purchase of inputs like feeds and create an enabling environment for fish market.
Influence of Economic Factors on Hass Avocado Production In Gatundu South Constituency, Kiambu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Kariuki, Wachira Dennis
Avocado farming remains the economic backbone of horticultural farming in Kenya. In central Kenya in particular Kiambu County avocado farming is very popular and very high. Although they produce this much, they have not met the export market in Europe, this shows that they have not exhaustively farmed this hotcake crop. The essence of this study was to show the influence of economic factors on Hass avocado production. The specific objectives of the study were: To investigate cost of production influence high Hass avocado production, to examine the extent to which access to credit influence avocado production in Gatundu south constituency and to investigate the extent to which accessibility to market influence Hass avocado production. The target population was Hass avocado farmers both males and females. The estimated sample size was 30 farmers. The study employed stratified random sampling in order to capture the whole constituency. Systematic random sampling was used to select actual respondents. Pre-testing was used to validate the research instruments. A self-administered questionnaire with open ended questions was used and distributed to the respondents. They were later collected for analysis. The data was analyzed by the help of SPSS and assessed by the use of Pearson’s correlation coefficient and presented in frequency tables and percentages. From the findings there was a strong negative correlation between the cost of production and the Hass avocado production, a positive correlation between credit access and the Hass avocado production and a positive relationship on the access to markets. The study concluded that access to credit, access to market and low production cost have an influence on Hass avocado production. Thus will lead to meeting the high market demand, increase food security and improve farmer's income. The study recommended that the county and national government to work together to formulate policies in enhancing extension services, help farmers access agricultural credits.
Factors Influencing Tea Production A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Konoin, Bomet County
(University of Embu, 2020) Kiprono, Mike
Tea is a very important cash crop to farmers in Kenya due to its contribution to farmer's income and its contents in catechins, caffeine and thiamine. The crop is the main source of vitamin (C, B, E) for human consumption. Other components resulting from Kenya black tea include saponine, frourine, y-aminobutyric acid (GABA), minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus and manganese and also its fragrance components all of which have great importance in human nutrition and health. Despite the overall cited importance of tea to smallholder tea farmers there are a number of factors that determine their yield. The aim of this research is to determine factors influencing tea production leading to low output. Tea productions have continued to reduce over years and optimum levels have not yet been achieved. The study was conducted at Konoin, Bomet County. The results revalued that opportunities still exist in tea production if inputs availability, labor availability, credit availability and extension services availability are properly addressed. Other important variables that have contributed to low output include delivery services, cultural practices and infrastructure. The data for study is generated both from primary and secondary sources. Smallholder farmers have high contribution to meet demand for tea and contribute income in the study area .In order to achieve this government should provide farmers with adequate subsidies of agricultural inputs and increase provision of extension services to the farmers. Generally agronomic services must be dealt with in order to address low tea productivity by smallholder farmers in Konoin, Bomet County.
Factors Influencing Pyrethrum Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Molo SubCounty, Nakuru County
(University of Embu, 2020) Kevin, Kipkoech
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.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Upland Technology in Production of Arrow Roots in Makutano Ward Trans Nzoia County
(University of Embu, 2020) Mwangi, Nelly Wamboi
The research in factors that influence adoption of upland technology in arrowroots was done in Makutano Ward, Trans Nzoia County. The aim of the research was to identify the importance of upland technology in production of arrowroots on the economy of Trans Nzoia County. There are many factors that influence adoption of upland technology in arrowroot production although the research only discussed a few i.e. how size of land under arrowroots, access to credit and farmer's level of education influence the adoption of upland technology in production of arrowroots. Questionnaires were distributed to smallholder farmers of Makutano Ward Trans Nzoia County to collect primary data. Secondary sources of data were used to find out what has already been researched on factors that influence technology adoption. Correlation method of data analysis was used to analyze the data collected.
Factors Affecting Tomato Prices in The Market In Kyeni South Ward Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Mwenda, Nyaga Cerland
Tomato production is one of the key activities among farmers in Kyeni-South Ward, contributing significantly towards food security and rural economic development. The study was carried out in kyeni south ward Embu County to determine factors influencing tomato prices. Primary data was collected through formal interviews and questionnaires included household and production characteristics, markets information and social capita, seasonably and climate changes and the distance from household to market. The researcher interviewed buyers to provide information on prices and farmer-market relations. Descriptive model was used to analyze the determinants of market prices. The study analyzed the significant factors that exert influence tomato prices on the market.as well as the change of the market information to the farmers and customers and other factors like perishability, preference to customer, quality and middle-men, but there was no proper way discovered by the farmers of Kyeni South Ward on how to come against these problems. The study revealed that both formal and informal markets are accessible but about 80% use formal markets, and tomato price was the major determinant of the tomato market prices. The results showed that formal market such as farmer market offer great prospects for the development of communal farmers. The study recommended to the farmers that the effective mechanisms for collaboration and linkages and invest in market intelligence for them to improve their livelihood.
Factors Affecting the Performance of Small-Scale Tea Farmers in Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Nyoro, Mercy Njeri
The contribution of the tea sector to the economy of Kenya is enormous as it accounts for 4% of the GDP and indirectly supports 10% of Kenyans population. The main purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing the performance of small scale tea farmers in Embu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives to determine how farmers motivation influence the performance of small scale tea farmers and to establish what social economic factors determine the quality of tea produced which influence the performance of small scale tea farmers. The study adopted descriptive research design which involves gathering data that describe events and organizes, tabulates, depicts and describe the data collected. The study had a target population of 232. The study used simple random sampling to sample farmers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collected data and analyzed qualitatively using narratives and presented using themes while the qualitative data was analyzed and presented descriptively using frequency tables, correlation tables and regression tables. It was found that social economic factors affecting tea quality and farmers motivation affected the performance of small scale tea farmers and if all these factors were acted upon the would result to a better performance of small scale tea farmers thus their output will be increased.
Factors Affecting Commercial Rabbit Production in Kaplamai WARD, Trans-Nzoia County
(University of Embu, 2020) Njenga, Simon Mwangi
The study focused on evaluating factors affecting commercial rabbit production. Many rabbit farmers in Kenya rear rabbits in small scale mainly for consumption purposes thus the adoption of commercial rabbit production have remained low despite the profitability of the sector as seen from successful rabbit farmers. The study evaluated the reasons causing low commercialization of rabbit production. Such reasons included low access to extension services, low access to markets and marketing information and low existing level of technology on rabbit rearing. Specific objectives of the study was to evaluate those influencing factors by determining the extent to which extension services influence the adoption of commercial rabbit rearing, to assess the influence of market access on rabbit production and to establish the existing level of technology among rabbit farmers. The case study was Kaplamai Ward but the findings are expected to help rabbit farmers in the whole country, ministry of agriculture and other individuals who are interested. The findings will be useful too in contributing to food security agenda in Kenya. A conceptual framework was applied in the study to evaluate the relationships that exist between the independent variables, extension services, technical knowledge and market availability and the dependent variables; growth of rabbit rearing. Questionnaires interviews and observation were used to collect data. After data collection correlation coefficient was done to establish the relationships that existed between variables in order to interpret data and bring sense out of it which was used in contributing towards solving the problem.
Evaluation of Selected Factors Influencing Dairy Goat Productivity Among Small Holders in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Waruingi, Joseph Wanjama
The objective of this research was to determine the factors affecting dairy goats’ productivity among small scale farmers in Manyatta Constituency. The researcher used a sample of 50 farmers owning at least two dairy goats to represent the whole population of farmers rearing dairy goats. The researcher was restricted to farmers rearing dairy goats only. The research was aided by questionnaire which was structured with questions based on the objectives of the study and then sent to dairy farmers in Manyatta Constituency to answer the questions for the selected factors which influence dairy goats’ productivity among small scale farmers. The data was collected analyzed using descriptive statistics. The objectives of the study was to know the influence of farmers experience on dairy goat keeping, education level, breed type and finally the type of feeds on productivity of dairy goat among small scale farmers in Manyatta Constituency. The study was conducted in Manyatta Constituency because there are many farmers engaged in dairy goat rearing and the climate is conducive for dairy goat keeping linear regression analysis was to test relationship among variables (independent), statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to code, enter and compute the measurements of linear regression for the study so as to test the relationship between productivity and three variables (independent). The data findings analyzed showed that taking all other variables to zero, the type of feeds influenced productivity by 48% , the level of education influenced by 67.1% and the type breed was seen to have no influence on productivity of dairy goats in Manyatta Constituency. Further research should be carried out to explore other factors influencing dairy goat productivity; the study will be useful to policy makers, farmers and other relevant stakeholders.
Evaluation of Selected Factors Influencing Broilers Production Among Smallscale Farmers in Kabatini Ward, Nakuru County
(University of Embu, 2020) Wamatu, Nelson Mwangi
This research project was conducted to evaluate the factors influencing broilers production among small scale farmers in Kabatini ward, Nakuru. This research project aimed at bridging the gap in the performance of broilers to help local farmers and the general county to understand the impediments that deprive maximum production and enterprise development of broilers. There has been no adequate research on broilers production enterprise development as many researchers work on generality. The study was carried out as a field research by administering questionnaire to the farmers and interviews including observation of various farmers’ practices. This project was evaluating the factors such as: how of cost implications, availability of market and literacy levels influence production of broilers. This research will be helpful to the poultry farmers who have ventured into the poultry enterprise or are willing to start either in the ward, county, country and worldwide. There was also data analysis by use of correlation to ascertain relationship between variables, data presentation in form of frequency tables. The researcher also carried out further analysis using regression. This was to ascertain the effect of literacy level, market availability, cost of feeds on the dependent variable (flock size). There was also suggestion for further study, conclusion and recommendations.
Evaluation of Selected Factors Affecting Tomato Production by Farmers in Manyatta Sub County Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Gachogu, Michael Ndegwa
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.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Pig Production By Small Scale Farmers In Gatanga Sub County Murang’a County
(University of Embu, 2020) Karanja, Muchiri Joseph
The purpose of this study was to establish factors affecting small scale pig farming in Gatanga Sub County Muran’ga County. Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya economy accounting about 70% of gross domestic product. Pig is among the animals that contribute to this GDP and also among farming that can solve food crises in the Country. There is little research conducted in Gatanga among factor affecting pig farming and this necessitated this study. The study was conducted with the help of the following objective. To access the extent to which extension services affect pig production, to evaluate effects of costs of inputs on production and to determine how availability of credit services affect pig production in Gatanga Sub County Muran’ga County. The empirical review is well included in this project. The conceptual framework showing factors affecting pig farming is also included in the project. Resource based theory was used as a guiding theory. Cross section survey was used as a research design. The target population of this study was all pig farmers in the Gatanga Sub County. The data was collected by use of questionnaires. The data was analyzed by use of SPSS and assessed by use of Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and presented in frequent tables and percentages. The finding of all the result show positive correlation between the variable indicated to might be affecting pig production. The results of all specific objectives were found to be positively correlated and hence proved that production of pigs is affected by those factors. The males were the majority who conducted pig farming. There several conclusions made at the end of the study. Therefore the study recommends the County government of Murang’a through the help of the ministry of Agriculture to provide extension services that will train farmers on how to improve the production rate of pig. The Ministry of Agriculture should make arrangement with banks to be providing farmers with affordable loans of low interest rate and educate them on terms and condition of such loans.
Evaluating Factors Influencing Wheat Production Among Small Scale Farmers, A Case of Buuri Sub County in Meru County
(University of Embu, 2020) Murangiri, Mutembei Kelvin
The purpose for this study was to investigate factors influencing wheat production among small scale farmers of Buuri Sub County, Meru County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to investigate how costs of production influence wheat production of small scale farmers, to establish how extension services influence wheat production of small scale farmers and to examine how accessibility to credit influence wheat production of small scale farmers of Buuri Sub County. The study adopted descriptive survey design which was used to obtain information to describe the existing phenomena. The target population was 80 households consisting of small scale farmers. According to the records from the Ministry of Agriculture Buuri Sub County has four Wards. The Sub County has a population of 34,394 small scale farmers by the year 2014 (Ministry of Agriculture Buuri Sub County Office, 2014). The target population for this study is 18,580 small scale wheat farmers. The estimated sample size was 30 from the target population using Cochran 1963 formula at 7% level significance. The study employed stratified random sampling in order to include all the wards; proportionate allocation was used to determine the number of farmers from each ward that would be the respondents in the study. Systemic random sampling was used to select the actual respondents from the wards. Content validity was used where the researcher shared the research instrument with his supervisors to assess its appropriateness in content. A questionnaire with closed ended questions was prepared and distributed to the respondents in all the wards. The questionnaires were then collected after one week. All the questionnaires were filled and were used for analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive method and by use of SPSS. Frequency tables and percentages were used for data presentation after analysis. The findings revealed that fertilizer remains the costliest input in wheat production, followed by land preparation. Also most farmers do not attend field days and only a negligible percentage has access to credit. The national and county governments should avail subsidized fertilizer in good time and make it easily accessible. Proper sensitization should be done by agricultural extension officers to all farmers about the available extension services and county government should provide sufficient facilitation to agricultural extension officers to promote extension services. Farmers should be encouraged to form groups in order to access credit services, market their produce and acquire farm inputs collectively. Both national, county governments and financial institutions should make credit easily accessible and affordable to small scale farmers. The researcher recommends further research on causes of low attendance of field days and low level of accessing extension services in general to ascertain the underlying causes of low dissemination of extension information.
Evaluating Effects of Risk Management Strategies on Agricultural Output in Soy, Uasin Gishu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Kiprop, Lameck
The study evaluates the effects of risk management strategies on agricultural output in Soy Sub County, Uasin Gishu. Aim of the study was to establish risks facing farmers and determine risk management strategies deployed to counter these risks and assess the effectiveness of these strategies in meeting the overall objectives. The study was conducted to narrow the gap that exist between knowledge of the causes of agricultural risks and the effectiveness of these risks management strategies. This is because agriculture was considered riskier enterprise hence there was need of more research to update farmers on how to deal with these risks in case of occurrence, as they are unavoidable. Survey method was used as it involved data collection from a pre-defined group of respondents to gain information and insight on risks, effects of risks and management strategies employed. Forty one farmers were sampled randomly. In data analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation was used with the help pf statistical Packaged for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that there was a positive correlation between level of output and training of employees, increase in level of income, risk-bearing capacity and farmers ‘attitude towards risk. Crop failure, equipment and machinery failure, input cost and rainfall variability correlated negatively with the level of output. The study recommends that farmers should fully control the development status of their risk management and be adaptable; national government and county government should check how they could support implementation of efficient and effective risk management strategies in agriculture by carrying out various policy implementations and activities.
Effects of Miraa Production on Socio-Economic Livelihoods of Households and School Attendance Among Boys in Nthawa Ward Mbeere North, Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Njuguna, Japheth Mugendi
Khat (Catha edulis) also known as miraa in Kenya, belong to the family celastraceae. It is an evergreen shrub native to the tropical East Africa having a dark green opposite leaves that are chewed fresh for their stimulating effects. Prior to the expansion of the khat trade; maize, beans, green grams, sorghum and millet were the biggest crops grown in Nthawa Ward, but begun to decline as a result of miraa production in the area. In Embu County, Nthawa Ward Mbeere North, miraa is the largest source of income for small scale miraa farmers using primary and secondary learners as the workforce on plucking and trade of miraa this has effect on their psychology due to consuming and others peddling it leading to irregular attendance in school among boys. The aim of this the study was to investigate the effect of Miraa production on socio-economic livelihoods of households and school attendance among boys in Nthawa Ward Mbeere north, Embu County. The study targeted 6755 households, 8 public secondary schools and 16 public primary schools. The study adopted cluster sampling technique to select a sample of 30 households from each location and a sample of 2 and 4 secondary and primary respectively from each location. Welldeveloped questionnaires were used to collect primary data from miraa farmers, students, pupils and teachers. The study used descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and regression was used to interpret data and data was presented using frequency tables. Based on the findings of the study the researcher concluded that the production of other crops like maize and beans was declining in the study area. This was due to most small scale miraa farmers in the area valued the khat production because of its high yielding. The researcher also concluded that most students engaged in khat harvesting at night and they earned a lot of money of above 500 kshs making it difficult for them to attend classes due to some sleeping less hours and making it difficult to wake at the time they are required to be in school which led to a below average attendance rate in class. The research recommended that the government to intervene by regulating the production, consumption and the supply chain of miraa because a decrease in maize and beans production can have a food security implication. And local leaders should set a policy that prohibits boys from providing labor in farms and trading in khat business before they complete school.
Effect of Selected Economic Factors on Adoption of Cotton Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Evurore Ward, Embu County
(University of Embu, 2020) Kivecu, Silvana Wanthiga
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected economic factors on adoption of cotton production. Adoption of cotton production is a very important chance to improve the economy of Embu County. Since cotton is an important cash crop used by both, developed and developing countries, it has important implication for livelihoods of rural people. In order to achieve this, several interventions have been done in this sector. The general objective was to determine effect of selected economic factors on adoption of cotton production among small-scale farmers in Evurore Ward, Embu County. The specific objectives were to determine effect of access to market on adoption of cotton production in Evurore ward, to determine effect of cost of production on adoption of cotton production in Evurore ward and to determine effect of access to extension services on adoption of cotton production in Evurore. The study was confined to Evurore ward because it is one of the suitable areas for cotton production in Embu County the area has climate favorable for cotton production. The target population was small-scale farmers who grow cotton under little technology with small land size below a hectare. Questionnaires were used to collect data from selected farmers. A sample size of fifty was used to represent all small scale farmers in the area. The data, in form of the coded variables, was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), followed by data editing. This exercise ensured that every data entered for each questionnaire in each variable is correct. The study used descriptive survey design. Descriptive survey design was appropriate because it involves collecting data in order to answer questions concerning the status of subjects, of the study. Access to market had a strong positive relationship, access to extension services had strong positive relationship and cost of production had a moderate positive relationship on adoption of cotton production in Evurore ward. Therefore the research concluded that access to market, extension services and cost of production had a positive influence on adoption of cotton production in the study area. The study recommends that the government should facilitate development of local and international market for cotton products and ensure effective and efficient extension services.