MST-Department of Agribusiness Management and Trade (AMT)

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Maize Variety Performance Under Fall Armyworm Infestation and Associated Natural Enemies un Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Embu, Kakamega and Trans-Nzoia Counties, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Anyanda, Geoffrey Nyapom
Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous pest native to America, causing crop losses and food insecurity in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). The identification of maize genotypes resources with FAW resistance is therefore crucial. This study therefore assessed bionomic parameters of resistance to FAW on six maize genotypes under laboratory conditions, evaluated the extent of damage and yield loss caused by FAW on the same genotypes under artificial and natural infestation and finally determined the associated natural enemies to FAW. The study was conducted in Kenya between 2019- 2020 cropping periods. The genotypes used included two FAW-tolerant hybrids (CKHFAW180294 and CKH191221), two commercial hybrids (WE2115 and CKH10717), and two open-pollinated varieties (ZM523 and KDV4). For bionomic parameters of resistance, larval development time and reproductive potential were assessed in response to leaves from each of the genotypes in the laboratory. FAW life table was then constructed based on laboratory bioassays. A split plot design was used to estimate the extent of damage and yield loss in artificial infestation. The six genotypes were artificially infested with FAW neonates at two vegetative stages (V5, V7) and a reproductive (R1) stage in a nethouse. Natural infestation experiments were conducted in split plot design laid out in RCBD. Leaf and ear damage scores were recorded on a 1-9 scale as well rotten ears (%), tunnel length (%), stem exit holes and grain yield were also recorded. Larval development time was significantly higher in CKH19121 maize genotypes and the lowest on KDV4. The intrinsic rate of natural increase for FAW life tables varied from 0.24 on CKH191221 to 0.41 on KDV4. The mean generation time of FAW ranged from 17.6 days on KDV4 to 22.8 days on CKH191221. In artificial infestation, foliar damage was lowest on CKH191221 and highest on KDV4 at V7 infestation stage in week 1. CKH191221 had the lowest ear damage score, whereas ZM523 had the highest scores at V5 infestation stage. The highest and lowest yield reductions were observed on ZM523 (64%) at V7 infestation stage and CKHFAW180294 (6%) at R1 infestation stage, respectively. Natural infestation trial was conducted in six major maize growing areas. The lowest mean leaf damage caused by FAW ranged from 3.2 and 3.6 in CKH191221 and CKHFAW180294, respectively. Similarly, the lowest ear damage score was reported in CKH191221. In addition, tolerant genotypes had the lowest number of stem exit holes, % rotten ears and cumulative stem tunneling. These results also revealed an 8-10%- negative loss in yield on the tolerant genotypes and 38 to 45% between the commercials and OPVs across locations. two of egg- larval parasitoid, five larval parasitoid and one pupal parasitoid species were recovered from the families Braconidae (3), Tachinidae (1) and Ichneumanidae (2). Coccygidium luteum was the most dominant parasitoid with a relative abundance of 18.9% while the least dominant parasitoid was Palexorista zonata at 6.95%. Genotypes, CKH191221 and CKHFAW180294 displayed the highest potential as promising genotypes hence baseline for further examination and deployment in SSA maize breeding populations with partial FAW resistance and yield gains.
Involvement of Community Based Organization in Enhancing Solid Waste Management in Changamwe Mombasa County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-04) Mugo Milkah Wanjiku
In Mombasa County, community-based groups have been set up to collect and dispose of solid waste with the help of the locals. Community-based organizations, however, lack knowledge about the types of endeavors that can be made in the provision of solid waste services. Even with the engagement of residential organizations, there continue to be numerous illegal dumping grounds in residential neighborhoods and waste builds up in collection centers. The study’s objective was to: assess the level of CBO engagement activities in SWM, examine the effectiveness of programs to raise awareness and evaluate solid waste collection and disposal procedures which aid CBOs in executing their tasks productively. While a qualitative study approach explored the actual situation relating to SWM in Changamwe, a descriptive survey research design was utilized to quickly acquire details concerning the opinions of a broad community. The study's target group included 172 residents who belong to the 18 community-based organizations that were registered under the name MWEMA (Mombasa West Mazingira Alliance). The use of surveys to acquire primary data was augmented by the use of interviews, focus groups, and direct observations from respondents who live in the area. The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. On the basis of an analysis and interpretation of data, similarities and differences were categorized into themes. The results showed that community based organizations were present in all of the wards, although 46.4 percent of the respondents felt that regular campaigns to raise awareness of the Organizations' activities were not very productive. 35.7 percent of respondents concurred that waste collection and segregation took place at the dump site. In line with the research, community organizations in Changamwe, Mombasa County, are heavily involved in SWM, and 33.3% of the respondents favor it. The report suggests that the county government boost SWM laws and ongoing solid waste publicity initiatives. Further, based on research, partnerships between the government and private investors are necessary to encourage participation in waste management.
Impact of Collective Marketing Participation on Smallholder Avocado Farmers’ Income in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023-09) Kwizerimana, Samuel; Nigat Bekele; Jayne Mugwe
Abstract
Analysis of Household Milk Purchase and Intrahousehold Allocation to Children among Low Income Households in Periurban Area of Dagoretti, Nairobi
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Muunda, Emmanuel Mwau; Eric K.Bett; Nadhem Mtimet
Milk is one of the most important animal sourced foods for Kenyans. The Kenyan dairy sector contributes 8% to the country’s GDP and has grown tremendously in the last two decades. Despite the growth and contribution to the economy, the dairy sector is fragmented into formal and informal marketing channels, with the latter dominating over 80% of the market, selling unprocessed milk. The informal sector is preferred for offering cheaper milk and is comparatively more accessible among low-income households, hence contributing significantly to their food and nutritional security. Despite this, there are food safety concerns that elicit the regulatory authorities to introduce regulations banning the direct marketing of unprocessed milk. There is little evidence of the extent to which both dairy subsectors play in the nutritional requirements of low-income households, especially to children who rely on milk as key source of nutrients from livestock-derived foods. Consequently, this cross-sectional study aimed at characterizing the purchase and consumption behavior of low-income households and estimating what household factors influenced the behavior. It also aimed at assessing the potential effects such policy regulations would have on the milk allocation to children below 4years in such households. Using a questionnaire, primary data was obtained from 200 respondents in Nairobi County. Descriptive statistics and OLS regression were used to understand the purchase and consumption behavior of the households. A best-worst scaling approach was used to analyze the potential effects of banning the informal dairy sector. The results revealed that 98% of the households purchased raw milk at least once during the 7 days before the survey and only 17% purchased processed milk. Results from the OLS model suggests that quantity of raw milk purchased in positively and significantly associated with income, number of children below 4 years of age and budgetary allocation to ASF. The price of raw milk and amount of processed milk purchased negatively influenced quantities purchased from informal markets. The findings also indicated that, an increase in milk price, occasioned by elimination of the cheaper option would decrease allocation to children and lower income households would replace milk with fruits or porridge, foods that are not of equivalent nutritional value to milk. These results provided insights into the behaviour of low-income dairy consumers as well as information useful to policy shapers and industry players while filling the knowledge gap of role informal dairy plays to low-income households’ food basket. The clear association of income and milk intake calls for efforts from the government to support the dairy sector with policies that promote the availability and affordability of milk, especially for a sector that feeds low-income families, as it is the case with the informal dairy markets. This study recommends that food policy changes streamlining milk value chains should account for the effects on pricing, consumer responsiveness to the price adjustments and children’s nutrition. It also recommended that regulatory and other sector players should consider interventions that strengthen informal sector as an agent of supplying affordable and safe milk to households with constraint budgets.
Profitability and Technical Efficiency Analysis of Pigeon Pea Production in Machakos County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Ngiri, Stephanina Makena; Gabriel Mwenjeri; Lucy Ngare
Pigeon pea is a drought-tolerant crop mainly grown by small-scale growers in arid and semi-arid regions mostly for income generation and enhancing food security. Pigeon pea is a very essential crop, particularly in destinations accustomed to drought. Nevertheless, its production remains low. As is with other small holder farmers, pigeon pea producers are often faced with resource-use inefficiency and high costs of inputs in production implying that the proper and efficient allocation of resources is vital to guarantee pigeon pea farmers attainment of additional benefits from their input. Hence, this study aimed at estimating the profit and technical efficiency, assessing profitability and examining factors influencing profit and technical efficiency of pigeon pea production in Machakos County, Kenya. The sample size was 346 respondents targeting pigeon pea farming households’ population. This study relied on primary data collected using structured questionnaire administered to the farmers. Machakos County was purposively selected for the study. The inefficiency effect model and a Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production analysis method were utilized to estimate profit and technical efficiency and determine the factors that determine pigeon pea farmers' efficiency. Furthermore, thorough evaluation of profit level was made possible by gross margin analysis. According to the pigeon pea gross margin analysis, pigeon pea farmers in Machakos County had a gross margin of Kshs 3470.60 per acre. The sample pigeon pea farms had profit efficiency levels ranging from 0.11 to 0.9, while their technical efficiency levels ranged from 0.09 to 0.86, according to the findings. The estimated mean level of technical efficiency of the sample farmers, which was approximately 59%, demonstrates the likelihood of increasing the quantity of pigeon pea yield by 41%. Farmers can only achieve this by effectively utilizing the resources at their disposal. On the other hand, mean profit efficiency was 44% implying that there exists an opportunity to increase profit levels by 56% when farmers’ allocative and technical efficiencies are improved. Land size, seeds and labour significantly influenced profits whereas farm size, quantity of seeds, manure and labor significantly determined pigeon pea output. The inefficiency parameter and the stochastic production frontier model were used to calculate the factors that influence efficiency where; farming experience, education, off-farm income, and access to credit all had a positive influence on technical efficiency. Contrarily, the technical efficiency of pigeon pea production was negatively influenced by sex, age, the occupation of the household head, and household size. Profit efficiency was positively influenced by education, proximity to the market, and marketing information, whereas age, occupation, and group membership had a significant and negative impact. In order to assist farmers in making sound decisions regarding the marketing of their produce, strategies that make use of current market information are recommended. It was also recommended to devise strategies for making certified planting seeds available, not only to boost productivity but also production efficiency. Lastly, effective extension services and programs should be developed by the appropriate organizations to improve farmers' capacity to increase pigeon pea productivity.
Analysis of sorghum market chain in Isiolo County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Kalawa, Gitonga Gregory; Gabriel Mwenjeri; Lucy Ngare
The sorghum market in Kenya has grown significantly over the past few years, and it has continued to expand as a result of the commodity receiving considerable attention from a various interest groups. The absence of a planned and aggressive marketing strategy for raw sorghum and its value-added products, however, continues to be a significant barrier to the market's further expansion. This study analyzed the market chain of sorghum with reference to structure, conduct, and performance, and analyzed the causal factors of selling outlets preference and selection among sorghum farmers in Isiolo County. Data was collected from 203 producers and 85 traders using random and clustered sampling respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to acquire information from respondents. Analysis was done using STATA version 14 to obtain descriptive statistics and the empirical results using multiple linear and multinomial logistic regressions. The Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient were employed to assess the level of market concentration in the research area. The performance of the sorghum market in Isiolo county, Kenya, was evaluated using the marketing margin, marketing efficiency and gross margin. The study's findings revealed that the Gini coefficient for wholesalers and merchants was 0.612, an indication that the market was very concentrated thus consequent income disparity. Additionally, this research revealed that producers had the largest gross margins of Kenya shillings Ksh11 per Kilogram, followed by wholesalers and retailers with Ksh9 per kilogram and Ksh5 respectively. I used Multiple linear regression to predict the sorghum producer market supply. Factors such as gender, selling price, farm size under sorghum production, producers’ age, education level and membership to a cooperative were found to be positive and statistically significant. In addition, to predict the sorghum trader market supply, results indicated that experience, age, selling price were positive and statistically significant while buying price and trader type were negative but significant. To determine the market outlet used by the producer, multinomial logit regression was applied. Factors such as age, education level, farm size under sorghum production, access to information regarding the market were positive and significant while membership to a cooperative group, experience and distance to the market were negative but significant. In conclusion, it was discovered that sorghum trading and production in Isiolo are profitable but uncompetitive. Therefore, this study suggests that the national government together with county government should formulate regulations that strengthens sorghum production and marketing to make it more competitive and ensure all the actors are well protected from the hefty cost that reduces their efficiency hence low-profit margins. Secondly, since the profits from both producers and traders are still low, access to information should be accelerated through investment in telecommunication platforms such as the use of cell phones to aid reliable and timely sharing of market information to the users. Given the market's relative lack of competition, it was important to establish a clear market research and development strategy for sorghum in order to remove market obstacles and advance market efficiency through quality control, decreased price volatility, and a steady supply of the commodity. Furthermore, in order to lessen the likelihood of a closed and uncompetitive market, the government must put in place an institutional structure to control sorghum contracts and assist market participants in contractual arrangements. By putting these policies into place, the county's general sorghum market may become more effective and organized, ensuring fair returns for all participants.
Analysis of Cooking Fuel Demand Patterns among Rural Farm Households in Kiambu County, Kenya
(kenyatta University, 2020) Kago, Elizabeth Wangui; Kago Elizabeth Wangui; Gabriel Mwenjeri
Cooking fuel energy is an important element in the daily livelihood of households where majority depend on fuel wood which’s readily available for energy sources. However, these natural resources experience degradation occasioned by the growing population causing an imbalance in the demand and supply. Therefore, it has decreased fuel wood availability and accessibility thus fuel scarcity making it expensive to acquire which has led households to use alternative sources of fuel. For this reason, there’s a dilemma between meeting the growing demand for fuel energy and the sustainable utilization of the limited stock of natural resources. Due to a significance disruption of bio-diversity, it has led to many households depending on the market (prices) as their main source of fuel. More so, there’s use of multiple fuel which is influenced by income and other factors. Price volatility as well as income vulnerability significantly affect household consumption patterns. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the influence of household characteristics on energy demand, determining the impact of income changes on household energy demand patterns and identifying the energy demand patterns for fuel used by households to address the persistent problem of fuel insecurity. Guided by neoclassical demand of consumer behavior, Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) was used for analysis. Data was collected from 200 respondents using systematic random sampling. Analysis was done using STATA version 13 to obtain descriptive statistics and the empirical results. The results indicated that firewood, charcoal and kerosene are necessary goods while LPG was a luxury. Expenditure elasticity for the fuels were positive implying that the fuels were normal goods and an increase in income will lead to higher consumption. The main determinants of energy demand were gender, education level and occupation of the household head as well as age and household size. It is recommended that government and other stakeholders formulate income oriented policies to augment household earnings which will increase their purchasing power. Furthermore, the government should enact policies to ensure LPG is affordable with a view to mitigate against environmental degradation. Additionally, capacity building by educating both the old and young by giving information on the negative impacts of using such fuel and the benefits derived when the public switch to modern fuels. Besides, strategies are needed to identify affordable, scalable and accessible efficient fuel-saving cooking practices to the local context.
Adoption Intensity, Perception and Profitability of Organic Based Soil Fertility Management Technologies in Murang’a and Tharaka-Nithi Counties, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2021) Mwaura, George Gacheru; Erick K. Bett; Jayne N. Mugwe; Felix K. Ngetich
There have been major efforts to introduce and promote organic based technologies among the smallholder farmers to address low and declining soil fertility. Despite these efforts, adoption of these organic based technologies has been dismal. This study aimed to; (1) determine the socio-economic factors that influence adoption intensity of organic based technologies for soil fertility management, (2) determine perceived benefits by farmers of using organic based technologies, and (3) determine the profitability of using organic based technologies for managing soil fertility. The study was carried out in two subcounties; Meru-South and Gatanga where these organic based technologies have been introduced and promoted previously. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 150 households selected randomly from each study area were interviewed. Tobit regression model was used to analyse the adoption intensity of organic based technologies. Nine organic based technologies were adopted. Socio-economic factors that influenced the adoption intensity in Murang’a were gender of the household (+), age (-), level of education (+), household size (+), access to external labour (+), training (+), total livestock unit (+), total land under cultivation (+), title deed ownership (+), agricultural group membership (+), household access to credit (+). In Tharaka-Nithi, the following were determinants of adoption intensity gender of the household (+), education level (+), size of the household (+), access to external labour (+), years of experience (+), training (+), total livestock unit (+), land under cultivation (+), title deed ownership (+), agricultural group membership (+), access to credit (+). The study further examined farmer perception. The perceptions were based on four variables; potential to improve soil fertility, potential to improve yields, profitability and labour requirements of organic based inputs. To analyse farmers’ perceptions, an ordered logit regression model was fitted into the data. Farmers’ perception results showed that majority of the respondents in Murang’a (115, 76.7%) and Tharaka-Nithi (104, 69.3%) strongly agreed that organic based technologies can improve yields. Factors that influenced perception were gender (-), household size (+), external labour (+), total livestock unit (+), group membership (+), training (+), land under cultivation (-), and credit access (+). Financial analysis of the maize enterprise was carried out using the gross margin analysis. Manure and manure+fertilizer was considered, while sole inorganic fertilizer was included in the analysis for comparison purposes. Gross margins showed that in Murang’a manure+fertilizer yielded 1962 Kgha-1, manure yielded 1820Kgha-1, and inorganic fertilizer recorded 1483 Kgha-1. In Tharaka-Nithi, manure +fertilizer yielded 1940 Kgha-1, manure yielded 1723 Kgha-1, inorganic fertilizer 1689 Kgha-1. Manure reported higher gross margins (44074) in Murang’a while manure+fertilizer showed higher gross margins (45625) in Tharaka-Nithi. This study recommends using organic-based inputs because they have been perceived to have the potential to increase crop yields and improve soil fertility. Also, the gross margins of sole manure and manure+fertilizer were higher than the gross margins of sole fertilizer.
Determinants and Profitability of Coffee Market Outlet Choice among Farmers in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2021) Keru, Zacharia Ndungu; Bernard Njehia; Lucy Ngare
The coffee industry is a significantly important contributor to the Kenyan economy. Relatively, this is as a result of coffee farmers’ productivity which trickles down to their individual decisions at the farm and marketing level. When there are different outlets in the coffee market, farmers are expected to utilize the opportunities provided by selling through the most beneficial market outlet. Murang’a County has cooperatives, licensed millers, direct sale and informal traders as the existing marketing outlets. This study aimed at investigating the determinants that lead farmers to the choice of selling coffee through the different marketing outlets and the profits generated through their decisions. The specific objectives were: determining the marketing characteristics of the coffee farmers; analyzing the determinants of coffee market outlet preference and analyzing the farm profitability obtained from the choice of different market outlets. This study was based on the rational choice theory where the farmer weighs in on profit margins and factors that come into play during marketing before choosing an outlet based on the degree of happiness and satisfaction. Purposive sampling method was used in selecting 150 farmers from a sample population of 70,000 farmers. Sample sizes of 68(Kandara), 42(Gatanga) and 40(Kangema) were generated through proportional distribution of respondents. Descriptive statistics techniques such as pie-chart, tables, bar graphs, means and percentages were used in analyzing coffee marketing characteristics of farmers; The Multinomial Logistic Regression model using Stata v13 was used in analyzing the determinants of coffee market outlet choice; and Gross Margin was used in analyzing profitability of outlets. The study findings on marketing characteristics of coffee farmers shows that: Majority of farmers sold coffee in fresh cherry form, followed by dried beans, pulped beans and then clean beans; Sixty percent of farmers had more than twenty years of experience in coffee marketing; More than half of farmers sold quantities below 1 tonne; Sixty one percent of farmers sold coffee below the price of ksh.50 before the survey period; 23% of farmers owned coffee transportation equipment, 29% acquired credit from outlet, 52% were updated with coffee marketing information; Cooperative societies were the most selected followed by Millers, multiple outlets, informal traders and direct sale; Cooperative societies were selected by 72% of members and 20% of non-members, millers by 4% of members and 50% of non-members, informal traders by 6% of members and 13% of non-members, multiple outlets by 17% of members and 12% of non-members, direct sale by 4% of non-members and 0% of members. The regression outcomes on the determinants of coffee market outlet choice showed that the statistically significant estimates at 5% level of significance are quantity offered for sale, distance to market outlet, coffee outlet price, farmer’s experience, credit, ownership of transport, lack of up-to date market information and lack of off-farm income. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant estimates significantly influences the probability of selling coffee to/through either of the four market outlets. The profits acquired between farmers selling to different outlets was statistically different (p=0.02) implying that direct sale is shown significantly as the most profitable (GM=415) followed by millers, cooperatives and then informal traders. In view of the research findings, several recommendations are suggested: Coffee cooperative societies should invest in milling plants and offer credit to farmers; Farmers should avoid selling coffee to informal traders and instead dry coffee and sell to millers as dried beans.
Assessment of the Performance of Small-Scale Dairy Farming in Meru County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-06) Kainda, Seberah
Despite the apparent importance of the dairy sub-sector to Kenya’s economy, the sector is plagued with low milk production. The general objective of the study was to assess dairy performance among the small-scale farmers in Meru County. The specific objectives were (i) to characterize small-scale dairy farmers; (ii) to assess the profitability of small-scale dairy enterprises; and (iii) to determine the factors influencing profitability among small-scale dairy farmers in Meru County. The research used cross-sectional design where 150 small-scale dairy farmers were selected from the subgroups using simple random sampling technique. Gross margin analysis was used to analyse profitability while multiple linear regression analysis using ordinary least square method was used to determine the factors influencing dairy profitability. The mean age of dairy farmers in Meru County was 45.7 years with 92% being men who are the household heads. 92% of the farmers had formal education and 68% had experience of more than 10 years. The average household size was 5 members. Only 29.3% of farmers had applied for a dairy enterprise development loan. Most of the farmers were members of groups and had attended dairy farming trainings. Dairy in Meru County was characterised by intensive farming technologies for instance zero grazing system. The average land size under dairy was 0.7 acres and the average herd size was 3 cows. Results also show that there is potential for increased small-scale dairy performance in Meru County. Dairy farming was profitable with farmers receiving an average gross margin of Ksh. 5,299 per cow per month. The model shows that herd size, education level and credit access have significant influence on dairy profitability. In view of the study findings the study recommends that the policy makers should take initiative in enacting laws aimed at lowering the cost of inputs thus reducing production costs. Secondly the study recommends that the government should prioritize investing in farming as a way of promoting employment to the population. The study also recommends use of alternative improved feed such as homemade dairy ration to reduce feed cost as one way of maximizing profits from small-scale dairy farming. Finally, the study recommends that policy intervention should be aimed at establishing breeding centers for dairy cows in order to enable farmers increase herd size, formulation of laws which can help farmers get access to loans in order to invest in dairy farming and transfer of knowledge through provision of extension services to educate farmers on dairy management.
Technical, Economic and Allocative Efficiency among Maize and Rice Farmers under Different Land-Use Systems in East African Wetlands
(Kenyatta University, 2019-04) Kamau, Philip N.
East African farmers have been facing low crop productivity as indicated by low yields of major staples, maize and rice, leading to food insecurity. As a result, the respective governments have offered solutions such as the introduction of high yielding maize and rice varieties. Farmers have expanded their farms into productive areas such as wetlands in an attempt to increase output to counter the effects of climate change complications, population pressure, and the declining productivity in the upland fields. Agricultural production is done under different agricultural land-use management systems including; upland-rainfed, upland-irrigated, and wetland-only. Continuous pressure on wetlands compromises wetlands’ capacity to offer other critical ecosystem services. This calls for a need to enhance efficiency in production to strike a trade-off between food production and wetland sustainability. Productive efficiency will ensure increased output with reduced wetland degradation, especially from further drainage. The objectives of this study were to identify the determinants of productivity, assess technical, allocative, and economic efficiency under the different systems, and determine the factors influencing productive efficiency. Three wetlands (Ewaso Narok, Namulonge, and Kilombero) were purposively selected. A sample of 445 households was randomly selected using a semi-structured interview schedule in a household survey. Stochastic frontier analysis was used to analyze technical, allocative, and economic efficiency scores while a two-limit Tobit model analyzed determinants of productive efficiency. Results indicate that maize farmers under the upland-irrigated system had a relatively higher technical efficiency at 52% level. Those under the wetland-only system had the highest mean allocative efficiency and economic efficiency levels of 59% and 35% respectively. Maize farmers under upland-rainfed system could proportionally save resources up to 59% by operating on wetlands best technical efficiency frontier of 93% level. Rice farmers had technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of 59%, 72%, and 46% levels respectively. Those operating at the mean technical efficiency could have inputs saving up to 37% of the resources by operating on the wetlands best frontier of 94% level. The study concludes that the upland-irrigated system is associated with the highest maize productive efficiency and that there can be a sustainable expansion of land in rice production in Kilombero wetland. The study recommends that governments and other stakeholders should ensure interventions that guarantee agricultural extension and formal education, which are necessary for improved maize and rice productive efficiency. National and county governments should encourage sustainable maize production under the upland-irrigated system especially with subsidized alternative water sources to enhance farmers’ efficiency and sustainable agricultural production in wetlands. There should be an intervention to enable farmers to use optimal fertilizer amounts in rice production to enhance sustainable expansion of rice production with minimized degradation and drainage.
Structure, Conduct and Performance of Soybean Marketing in Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-02) Ngum, Ambe Mercy
Soybean has the potential of contributing significantly to Kenya’s national objective of enhancing food security. The demand of soybean has increased from roughly 150,000MT in 2008 to 220,000MT in 2011, while supply is roughly between 50,000MT to 120,000MT. Many efforts have been put in place by the government to increase on the production and productivity of soybean. However, soybean farmers are faced with the difficulty in accessing the market, while on the other hand traders are experiencing an insufficient supply. Little is known about the soybean market in the central highlands of Kenya. This study therefore aimed at assessing the structure, conduct and performance of soybean markets. Specifically, the study determined the structure of the soybean market, the conduct and performance of the soybean market as well as opportunities and challenges affecting the marketing of soybean in Embu Tharaka-Nithi and Meru Counties. Key informant interviews were carried out among soybean farmers’ groups (16), Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries (3) and soybean processing companies. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents comprising of processors (16), wholesalers (15), retailers (86) and assemblers (3). Data was collected mainly on characteristics of respondents and marketing information such as quantities of soybean traded by wholesalers and traders, pricing, availability of price information and access to market. Data was used to calculate Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI), gross margins, marketing margin, and marketing efficiency. The results showed that there were eight (8) important marketing channels. Channel one the shortest (farmer-consumer) and channel three the longest (farmer, assembler, wholesaler, retailer and consumer). The HHI showed that wholesalers were competitive (0.0997); retailers were relatively competitive (0.1701) while processors indicated an oligopolistic market structure with an HHI index of 0.18 which is highly concentrated. Farmers, wholesalers and assemblers sold their soybean to processors at a fixed price given by the processors. The prices ranged from Ksh 58 to Ksh 70. Quantities traded were low with an average of 333.3kg for wholesalers, 793.33kg for assemblers and 47kg for retailers in the year 2016’. There were no trader associations in the study area even though farmers engaged in group marketing. Marketing Efficiency Indices revealed that Channel one was the most efficient. Constraints to marketing by farmers include low prices, lack of processing equipment’s, inadequate marketing arrangements, and high cost of processing. Wholesalers, retailers, processors and assemblers complained of in-adequate supply of soybean. The study recommends that more processors be encouraged to enter the soybean market and farmers encouraged to do value addition so as to increase their returns.
Analysis of Consumer Preference for Product Attributes:A Case Of Indigenous Chicken in Makueni And Nairobi Counties, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-03) Ndenga, Charles
Indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) are important source of livelihoods and food to majority of rural and urban households in Kenya. Consumers prefer indigenous chicken due to its nutritional and health benefits. Despite these benefits, productivity levels of Indigenous chicken are low resulting to shortages in supply. In the recent past, research has focused on increasing productivity levels of indigenous chicken resulting to improved indigenous chickens. However, acceptability and utilization of indigenous chickens is still higher compared to that of improved indigenous chickens. This can be attributed toa dearth in information on consumer preference attributes in indigenous chicken which are not available in improved indigenous and exotic chickens.This study aimed to fill this gap in knowledgeby analyzing preference attributes in indigenous chicken meat and eggs which influences their choice in Makueni and Nairobi counties. This was achieved through three specific objectives that aimed to; evaluate social economic factors influencing consumption frequency of indigenous chicken, assess indigenous chicken meat and eggs attributes that influences choice and analyze the influence of indigenous chicken meat and eggs attributes on price. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents inNairobi and Makueni counties. Primary data was collected in a cross sectional survey design using semi structured questionnaires that were administered through interview schedules. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis with the aid of Microsoft Excel and STATA 11 version software. For the first objective, binary logistic regression model was employed, in the second objective principal component analysis was used while hedonic pricing model analyzedthe third objective. Results of the logit model indicated that age, education, gender, price and household size influenced consumption frequency. Principal component analysis results revealed that; Skin colour, size, tenderness, sex, freshness, skin texture and price influenced choiceof indigenous chicken in both counties. Consumers in Nairobi paid a premium price of 6% for cocks while in Makueni, chickens aged 8-20 weeks attracted price premium of 10% over those aged above 28 weeks. Chickens with black and white plumage colour received price discounts of 23% and 18% respectively. In indigenous chicken eggs, consumers in Makueni paid price premium of 10% for white shell coloureggs while those in Nairobi paid price premium of 9% for brown colour over white coloured eggs. The study recommended that farmers should adopt production methods that enhance incorporation of the preference attributes. Tradersshould adopt appropriate marketing mix based on attributes of preference and segment the chicken market based on the social economic characteristics of the consumers. Research institutions need toincorporate attributes of interest to consumers in their breeding programmes so as to enhance consumer acceptability and utilization.
Impact of improved poultry production technologies among smallholder indigenous chicken farmers in Kakamega And Makueni– Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2018-05) Kamau, Christopher Njuguna
Indigenous chicken (IC) farming contributes to the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers in Kenya. It constitutes 80% of the poultry population in Kenya. Kakamega and Makueni are Counties where most of smallholder farmers rear IC. However, IC production has been constrained by several bottlenecks including; unimproved genotype, diseases and increased mortalities resulting in low productivity. A strategy by scientists and stakeholders, production technologies such as; improved indigenous chicken (IIC) genotypes and fabricated chick brooders have been developed and disseminated to the farmers with an aim of increasing productivity. However, the status of adoption and the impacts of the IIC technologies on productivity remained scanty. Therefore, the general objective of this study was to determine the level and intensity of adoption and impact of poultry production technologies among smallholder farmers in Kakamega and Makueni. Data were collected through interviews with a sample of 384 household’s selected using multi-stage sampling. Results revealed that majority (60%) of the households practised semi-intensive production system. A double hurdle approach was used to analyze the level and intensity of use of IIC and fabricated brooders. Results showed that farm size, gender of the household head, group membership, distance to the training centre, off-farm activities and IIC awareness significantly affected the adoption decisions. Household size, group membership, age of the household head, access to credit, off-farm activities and flock size were major determinants of intensities of adoption. Propensity score matching approach was used to analyze the impact of IIC on egg productivity. Results showed significant impact of IIC on egg productivity/hen/year. Gender of the head negatively affected egg production while level of education, group membership, distance to the training point and other off-farm activities positively affected egg production. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability of IC. Rearing of unimproved IC was a profitable enterprise. However, rearing IIC proved to be even more profitable with annual gross margins of Ksh. 14,238 and Ksh. 9,824 per 100 birds with IIC and IC production system systems, respectively. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policies should target strengthening the IIC farmer’s network, in order to access information on IIC production. Second, access to markets for farmers requires improvement to improve profits. Additionally, there is a great need to encourage enterprise diversification among IC farmers. Further, policies should target on developing programs that support more women in poultry production.
Membership decision and intensity of participation in avocado producer and marketing groups in kandara sub county, Murang’a County
(2017-11) Maindi, Nyambune Catherine
Collective action through formation of Avocado producer and marketing groups (APMGs) is one of the interventions adopted by Murang‟a County government to enable smallholders mitigate the market imperfections and contend with the recent transformations in agri-product markets. Despite this, most of the APMGs are dysfunctional due to free riding and lack of member commitment regarding participation in the group and its operations. Participation in group operations is critical to enable the members leverage their input and output resources in order to achieve economies of scale, enforce democracy, transparency and accountability of group leadership besides fostering member solidarity, trust and cohesion. This study therefore, analyzed the determinants of decision to join APMGs, participation and intensity of participation in APMG activities, in Kandara Sub County, Murang‟a County. Probit model was applied to analyze the decision to APMG membership and double hurdle model for participation and intensity of participation in the APMG activities. Participation and intensity of participation in group sales, annual contributions and group meeting attendance were used as proxies of member commitment to the APMGs. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire to interview 138 households who were sampled randomly (110 group members selected proportionately to the group size and 28 nonmembers) from Kandara Sub county in Murang‟a County. The data was then analyzed in STATA 13. The probit results indicate that avocado quantity, gender, farm experience, assets, off-farm income and information access had a positive effect on the probability of joining APMGs. The double hurdle model results revealed that avocado quantity, education level, household size and credit access emerge as key determinants of participation in the APMG activities. Finally, farm size, membership density, group age, trust index, group size, homogeneity index, decision making index, fine existence and provision of free inputs had a significant effect on the intensity of participation. Policy implications drawn by this study encourage strategies that enhance member registration and commitment to the APMGs. First, strategies to foster inclusivity in decision making in group matters as well as offering incentives such as free inputs and imposing fines to non-compliant members should be encouraged. Also, the group size should constitute of group sizes 14 to 19 members. In addition, polices to facilitate accessibility of credit markets to smallholders and market information can enhance production and better quality avocadoes thus heighten participation in the producer and marketing groups. Finally, there is need to foster trust among the group members and other actors involved such as the extension providers, export agents and NGOs to win the members confidence to the APMGs
Socio-economic factors affecting technical efficiency of small holder’s maize production in Rwanda
(2017-05) Narcisse, Mulinga
Maize is still largely a subsistence food crop under promotion as a food security crop and source of income for smallholders. In a bid to attain self-sufficiency, Rwanda made remarkable efforts to develop the subsector. These were mainly directed towards the expansion of the area under maize, organisation of farmers’ cooperatives and easy access to inputs. In improving maize productivity and marketing of maize several both public and private interventions were added in Musanze and Bugesera districts those interventions include breeding, distributions of improved seed that are pest and diseases resistant and promotion good agricultural practices. Despite efforts put up by the Government of Rwanda and other stakeholders, maize still faces low productivity compared to the expected potential yields and the actual yield. The objectives of this study were to estimate the technical efficiency level in maize production in both Musanze and Bugesera districts and to determine some socio-economic factors affecting technical efficiency of maize producers in Rwanda. Primary data was used. Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) with the Cobb-Douglas functions on a random sample of 276 maize farmers. The findings indicated that the mean technical efficiency for maize production in both districts is 23% which means that farmers can increase their output through efficient use of available resources and existing technology if they are to be technically efficient. The study concluded that age, educational level, fertilizers, labor, land size, seeds, visit of agent of extensions and access to credit were significant variables leading to technical inefficiency in Rwanda. On the other hand, family size, type of seeds, and experience, had no significant impact on farmers' inefficiency. To increase technical efficiency for maize production in the Rwanda, the study recommended improvement in education level of the farmers and availability of funds in the optimum time.
Analysis of factors influencing farmers' participation in collective marketing initiatives in Maara, Meru south and Mbeere South Sub-Counties, Kenya
(2016) Mate, Harold M
This study was carried out in Meru South, Maara and Mbeere South sub-counties in the Republic of Kenya. The purpose of this study was to analysis the factors affecting farmers' participation in collective marketing initiatives. Marketing of agricultural commodities in Kenya is unsystematic coupled with high transport costs, low prices, exploitation by middle men and insufficient markets information among other factors that force farmers to sell when prices are lowest. Studies in the past have focused and examined the advantages of collective action, while little is known or documented on the dynamics of smallholder participation in collective action initiatives. The objective of this study were to evaluate the effects of farmer groups' characteristics and activities on participation in collective marketing of food crops; To examine the household and farm factors that influences the participation of farmers in collective marketing of food crops and to assess farmers' perception on the benefits of marketing food crops collectively. Simple random sampling was used to sample individual farmers while purposive sampling was used to sample farmer groups who participated in the study. Primary data were collected using semi - structured interview schedules administered to farmer groups (n=59) and individual farmers (n=273). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Logit regression and Principal Component Analysis in Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Results indicate that the age of the group had significant effect on the participation of a group in collective marketing (p<0.05). The average age of groups not participating in collective marketing was 9.07 years while those participating had a mean age of 5.44 years (p<0.05). Group activities significantly affected the participation of groups in collective marketing initiatives (p<0.05). Training in collective action positively influenced the participation of farmer groups in collective marketing (p<0.05). Participation of farmers in collective marketing was influenced by group membership (p<0.05), land tenure (p<0.05), off farm income (p
Impact of Feed Price Variability on Commercial Chicken Production in Murang'a County
(Kenyatta University, 2015) Njoroge, Samuel Chomba; Bett, Kiprotich Eric; Njehia, Bernard
Layers and broilers production suffer from high chicken feed prices or price variability in Kenya. Murang'a county is not an exception .. This study aimed at investigating the impact of chicken feeds price variability on layers and broilers production. The study investigated the impact of prices and quantities of layers mash and broiler finisher mash, rate at which farmers adjusted their chicken population levels, growth rates of chicken population and feed price and price variability of the feed prices. The study used compound growth rate model to estimate the rate of growth in layers and broilers population and chicken feed prices. Coefficient of variation was used to determine the variability of chicken feed prices. The Nerlovian model was used to estimate the rate at which farmers adjusted their layers and broilers population. Price elasticity of demand for layers and broiler finisher mash were investigated. The study used multiple regression model to estimate the effect of chicken population, lagged chicken feed prices, and lagged quantities of chicken feed consumed and time on current chicken population. The direction and magnitude of the relationship between the variables and chicken population were investigated. Data was collected from 60 operating and randomly selected chicken feed retailers and 134 chicken farmers. Data was obtained directly from chicken feed retailers and farmers from January to late April 2014. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using pretested questionnaires. The data obtained through interview surveys was processed and analysed to estimate the impacts of the various variable on chicken population. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and excel was used to analyse the data. The study employed growth production and price theories and descriptive research design. The results of the study revealed that layers and broilers population grew at a continuous growth rate of 5.9% and 9.9% per year respectively. The annual growth rate of average retail price per 70kg was 19.7% for layers mash and 15.7% for broilers mash. The estimated coefficient of variation (COY) of retail price of layers mash was between 3.6% and 6.9% while that of broiler finisher mash ranged from 1.7% to price 2.0%. The results indicate that price variability had lower impact on the allocation of finances to broilers production than layers production. The Nerlovian coefficient of adjustment was moderate for layers (0.3) and low (0.2) for broilers. The results of econometric model showed that the lagged price of layers mash and broiler finisher mash had significant impact on the chicken population. There was a negative relationship between time and layers population. The study results indicate an increase in chicken population implying increased demand for chicken feeds. The increases in chicken feed prices have made feeds less affordable and have affected the allocation of finances to purchase them. Thus the government should promote establishment of feed factories, enhance market information and research, provision of extension services and better access finance to both farmers and feed traders.
Effective marketing of dairy product in Kenya (With particular reference to Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited - KCC Ltd)
(2016) Muroiga, Wilfred M
Effective marketing has been based on dynamics of market mix. A new concept based on "8" Ps has been explored and used to segment current and potential market of KCC. The concept has been applied to assess the marketing effectiveness in KCC. Technological and management development is a necessity in the Dairy industry and this has been broadly explored in the advanced literature review. Research and development is a necessity in the dairy industry and the subject has been covered in the project with a recommendation made to KCC to establish a research centre. Recommendation on future study and a conclusion summary has also been made at the end of the project.
Assessment of profit efficiency among sweet yellow passion fruit farmers in Mbeere South, Embu County
(Kenyatta University, 2016-06) Mwita, Amos Chacha
The horticulture industry in Kenya has been very successful in the last one and a half decades. This subsector has grown to become a major employer and foreign exchange earner. In 2014, fruits contributed Kshs. 51.5 billions accounting for 22% of the domestic value of horticultural produce. The sweet yellow passion fruit variety is gaining adoption in Mbeere South Sub-county due to its apparent adaptation to the hot arid conditions and a ready market. Efforts had been made to promote the production and marketing to boost smallholder farmer income by various passion fruits stakeholders. Despite the efforts, profit levels were considered to be dismal as some farmers were investing highly to the fruit agribusiness venture but ending up making losses due to high production costs. The causes of the varying profits had not been empirically established. The economic/profit efficiency level of the agro-enterprise was therefore unknown and further the use of agricultural credit on the sweet yellow passion fruit by smallholder farmers in Mbeere South was not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze profit efficiency levels among smallholder sweet yellow passion fruit farmers, to determine the influence of socio-economic and institutional factors to profit efficiency among sweet yellow passion fruit farmers, and to measure the use of credit among sweet yellow passion fruit farmers in Mbeere South sub-county. This study used primary data which was obtained from smallholder farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire that was administered to farmers through an interview schedule. In this study, the target population was defined by the smallholder farmers producing sweet yellow passion fruit and the sample size was 90. A purposive sampling method was employed to select Mbeere South as the area of study and a systematic random sampling method was used to select two locations from each division in the district. Systematic random sampling at an interval of 1 respondent was used to select a sample from each division for the study; that is every second sweet yellow passion fruit farmer was selected. The obtained data was analyzed using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method and descriptive statistics by running a model on frontier 4.1 version and STATA 11 Softwares respectively. The study showed that the profit efficiency levels ranged from 23% to 90% with a mean of 76% implying that an estimated 24% profit loss was being made due to a combination of both technical and allocative inefficiencies. The study also found out that the frequency of farming experience, group membership and access to market information influence profit efficiency significantly. Therefore it is recommended that extension education investments should be scaled up through producer organizations to improve agricultural productivity and agricultural marketing through proper search and use of marketing information.

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