RP-Department of Agribusiness Management and Trade (AMT)

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Analysis of collective action: the case of indigenous chicken farmers from Makueni County, Kenya
(ESci Journals Publishing, 2014) Ayieko, D.M.O.; Bett, E.K.; Kabuage, L.
Farmer groups in the world provide farmers with economies of scale, access to information, credit and markets. These farmer groups are an important intervention in Africa, due to the structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) initiated in the eighties. As a result Kenya has experienced market liberalization and reorganization in agriculture services delivery. Consequently small scale farmers are constrained in production and marketing. However, few farmers in Makueni County belong to farmer groups. In addition there is little information on why this situation persists. Therefore the objectives of the study were to assess participation of farmer in groups and determine the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on this participation. A total of 130 households were sampled in a survey, using a multistage sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire then analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression in STATA11. The results showed that:- group activity, age of group, access to market information, sex of household head, education of household head, land size, off farm income and distance to the nearest market had a significant effect on joining groups. Policy must focus on financing groups, provision of market information and improvement of infrastructure.
Analysis of Organic Product Consumption Trends among Urban Consumers in Nairobi, Kenya
(Tropentag, 2013-09) Bett, E.K.; Kiarii, E.
Organic product food trade represents one of the fastest growing food chains globally. Consumption of organic products in Kenya has increased. This is evidenced by the emergence of products labeled organic in the market, specialised organic green grocer shelves stocking organic products in major supermarkets, organic menus and specialised organic restaurants in major cities. While the main drivers for organic demand in developed countries have been documented, this is not the case for Kenya. There is a dearth of knowledge on why consumers opt to consume organic products, yet, such information is important for informing the policy making processes, consumer education and informing producers so that they produce to meet consumer's expectations. Most organic farmers are small scale producers and for them to benefit from economic opportunity provided by increased demand for organic products there is need to understand the key drivers of organic consumption. This will help to develop good strategies to match production with consumer requirements and expectations. This study analysed organic consumption trends among urban Consumers in Nairobi metropolitan. The main objective was to determine the key drivers of organic food consumption. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 308 consumers. Following the Lancaster consumer's demand theory the study assumed that consumer's utility depends on product characteristics instead of the product itself. Thus, consumers will choose the product (organic versus conventional) that possesses the combination of attributes that maximises their utility. Consumer's choice for organic foods was thus analysed within a specified random utility discrete choice model. Findings indicate that economic and socio-demographic factors (income, employment, education, household size and age) influence organic consumption in Kenya. Consumers' perceived benefits of organic food (health and nutrition) promote demand for organic products. It is thus recommended that consumer awareness through provision of information on organic food products. This is crucial to expand demand since this information will increase consumer's organic knowledge and the higher the organic knowledge the higher probability to buy organic foods. These findings are useful to the government, organic consumers, producers and development agencies in developing strategies to match production and consumption.
Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Sorghum Product ion in Lower Eastern Kenya: A Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) ap proach
(2014) Kizito, Kwena; Nyamwaro, Sospeter O.; Bett, E.K.; Chepng’etich, Evaline
There has been an increase in food insecurity probl em in ASALs of Kenya and this has necessitated a re newed interest in promoting drought-tolerant crops such a s sorghum, among smallholder farmers in these regio ns. Promotion of such crops as sorghum has been emphasi zed in these regions but the yields are low. Using a field survey data of randomly selected sample of 143 smal lholder farmers in Machakos and Makindu districts i n Kenya this paper used DEA approach to estimate thei r technical efficiency scores. Results showed that the average technical efficiency was low, 41%. Innovati ve arrangements should be enhanced to increase farm ers’ capacity to efficiently use the available resources in sorghum production.
Determinants of Consumer Perception towards Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Higher Learning Institutions in Kenya
(2014) Ayieko, David M.O.; Amolo, Julius. O.; Nyairo, Newton; Bett, E.K.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been developed to ensure food and security nutrition in the world, income generation and environmental protection for resource poor farmers. However, there are some unquantifiable risks and claims associated with GMOs. In spite of these risks, the benefits of using GMOs still outweigh the risks associated with their use. Persistent controversies and claims that GMOs are harmful to human health and the environment have led to uncertainty in their adoption by most countries especially in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA), where hunger is most prevalent. Therefore, this is a clear indication that the benefits of GMOs are unlikely to be realized. In most industrialized countries public perception of GMOs has been thoroughly investigated. In Africa, consumers have a negative perception towards GMO products. Therefore it was on this basis that the study was conducted to assess the consumer perception of genetically modified tomato at Kenyatta University. A total of 100 respondents were sampled using random sampling among various faculties. A questionnaire was administered online and the data analyzed in STATA 11. The results showed that 67% of the respondents were male and there was a significant difference in education level (p<0.001). In addition, the willingness to pay for GM free tomato, GM tomato attributes, acceptance of GM tomato, GM tomato production techniques and consumer awareness on: GM tomato importation, GM tomato safety and knowledge had an influence on consumer perception towards GM tomatoes. It is recommended to focus on establishing information hubs; integrating organic farming approach into extension services and diversification of the marketing strategy to improve on consumer perception
Does Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties Enhance Household Food Security in Maize growing Zones of Eastern Kenya
(www.iiste.org, 2014) Bett, E.K.; Ouma, James; Mbataru, Patrick
The paper evaluates the effect of intensity of adoption of improved maize varieties on household food security measured by per capita consumption expenditure, per capita maize consumption and farmer’s assessment. Three hundred and fourteen households were interviewed in the moist transitional zones of Embu, Meru South and Imenti South sub-counties in Kenya in September and October 2013. Intensity of adoption of improved maize varieties varies continuously and this feature allows estimation of the dose response function. The dose response function was estimated using generalized propensity score useful for analyzing causal effects of continuous treatments. The results indicated an increasing dose response function between intensity of adoption and per capita food consumption expenditure. The food consumption expenditure increased from KES 76 at 0.04 area share of improved maize varieties to KES 237 at 1 area share. Per capita maize consumption increased from 77 kg at 0.04 to 104 kg at 0.20 area shares of improved maize varieties but assumed diminishing return after 0.20 area shares. Likewise, the probability of food security increased from 58% at about 0.05 acres to 79 % at 1.4 adoption level. After 0.05 area share, the probability of food security decreased. Policies that increase maize productivity and ease farmer’s adoption constraints can enhance food security of households.
Drivers of adoption of Improved Maize varieties in Moist Transitional zone of Eastern Kenya
(2015-03-04) Bett, E.K.; Mbataru, Patrick; Ouma, James
Despite its role in food security in Kenya, maize deficit has increased in the recent years posing serious food security threat. This worrying trend necessitates careful review of adoption. The paper quantifies determinants of adoption and intensity of use of improved maize varieties in moist transitional zone of Eastern Kenya based on data collected between September and October 2013 from 314 farming households. Double hurdle model was used to estimate the determinants of adoption and intensity of use of improved maize varieties. Many of the institutional factors: extension contacts, farmer group membership, distance to input market and extension office were significant in explaining the probability of adoption. Fertilizer use, livestock and consumer worker ratio were identified as important farm characteristics in the adoption. Age was the only household characteristic that was associated with the likelihood of adoption. These factors were not important in the intensity of adoption. Intensity of adoption was explained by intercropping of maize and legumes, ownership of mobile phones, household size, remittances, confidence in extension workers and availability of seed of improved maize varieties. Given that different sets of factors determined the probability and intensity of adoption, considering the two decision processes for the purpose of identifying appropriate strategies for increasing productivity is critical. The results suggest strengthening of farmer’s groups, particularly innovation platforms, and extension services. Since distance to input and output market was factor in adoption, improving infrastructure would reduce transaction cost and encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies. Policies aimed at enhancing maize productivity and the adoption of improved maize by improving and maintaining the household asset base should also be central to food security strategies.
Experts' Opinion on Aging Kenyan Farm Managers: Impact on the Future of Agriculture
(Tropentag, 2012-09) Nyairo, N.M.; Bett, E.K.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya's economy contributing greatly to GDP and absolutely to food security. There is growing evidence of youth avoidance of participation in the agricultural sector evidenced by mass migration to urban areas. This study seeks to investigate these assertions and to suggest policy actions that may applied to reverse the trend. An agricultural experts' opinion on the future participation of youth in Kenya's agriculture are analysed in view of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Kenya's Vision 2030. A cross-cutting agenda in both the MDG and the Kenya's Vision 2030 is ensuring greater food security, among other development priorities. The results from this qualitative analysis suggest that potential young farmers' «35) participation in agriculture is mainly threatened by the growing expectation of better opportunities in urban areas. As a remedy, the results suggest that relevant and quality agricultural programs, particularly tertiary agriculture education is likely to positively contribute to influence a change of attitude towards agriculture. Other factors however are evident from the analysis. First, most farm household heads are reluctant to hand over the farms to potential heirs. In effect, this discourages <35 potential farmers from developing interest in farming. Secondly, farming as an activity has not been well promoted as an enterprising activity attractive to young potential farmers. Therefore, it is evident that aggressive national programs need to be launched in order include the youth in agriculture for the year 2050 and beyond if the future of Kenya's agriculture will have to remain competitive.
Factors influencing the choice of supermarket channel by smallholder vegetable farmer suppliers in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, Kenya
(Academe Research Journals., 2013) Bett, E.K.; Ismail M; Kavoi, M.M
The increasing demand for high-value food products in developing countries is creating incentives for expansion of supermarket chains as an alternative marketing system to the traditional marketing channels. However, smallholder farmers especially those in the vicinity of the urban cities and county capital townships in Kenya do not use supermarket channels effectively due to a number of factors. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors influencing the choice of participation in the supermarket supply channel as compared to that of traditional market channel. Data for the study were collected from a sample of 120 farmers - 60 supplying to supermarket supply chains and 60 supplying to traditional marketing channels. Multistage random sampling procedure was used to construct the sample. Descriptive statistics and the logit regression model were used as the methods of analysis. The results reveal that farmers participating in supermarket supply chain have significantly higher value of revenues, farm sizes, number of labourers, labour costs and input costs as compared to those supplying to traditional markets. Ultimately they had a higher gross margin of Kshs 35,346.00 compared to a loss of Kshs 1847.00 realized by the farmers supplying to traditional markets. Empirical results of the logit model indicated that the marginal probabilities for farm size, labour cost, education level, extension assistance, method of supply, group participation and formation of a supply relationship significantly influenced the choice of supermarket supply chain. Hence public and private policy needs to support the development of smallholder technical, social and institutional environments that can help them to get over the scale problem. Supermarkets can help in a number of ways such as providing technical and financial support, reviewing buying practices and treating smallholder farmers as equal partners.
Impact of Poultry Feed Price and Price Variability on Commercial Poultry Production in Murang'a County, Kenya
(2015-03-04) Bett, E.K.; Njehia, B.; Njoroge, S.
This article evaluates the impact of poultry feed prices and price variability on poultry production in rural Kenya. The study utilizes a cross sectional farm-household data collected in 2014 from a randomly selected sample of 134 farmers engaged in layers and broilers production. The authors applied Nerlovian and econometric models to estimate the causal impacts. The Nerlovian coefficient of adjustment was 0.394 for layers and 0.182 for broiler. This implies that the rate of adjustment was moderate for layer farmers and slow for broiler farmers. Thus poultry feed manufacturers should adjust prices of layer feeds moderately and the prices of broiler feeds slowly if these farmers were to remain in gainful production. Results of econometric model show that lagged prices of poultry feeds has a significant influence on layers and broilers population kept in the current period. Although there was significant poultry population growth, time and poultry population had a negative relationship implying that individual farmers were rearing less and less birds with time. This indicates that if the government develops measures aimed at reducing variability in feed prices and those that may enhance farmers ability to adjust to or cope with price changes, it would result in improved and sustained poultry production.

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