Analysis of profitability of organic vegetable production system in Kiambu and Kajiado counties of Kenya
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Date
2013
Authors
Ndungu, S.K.
Macharia, I.
Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Crop Science Society
Abstract
Though there are many documented reasons that make farmers adopt organic farming system, economic benefits present
a major motivation. The study was conducted to analyse the profitability of organic production system as an investment alternative
to conventional farming in the two Kenyan Counties of Kiambu and Kijiado so as to appraise its contribution to improvement of rural
livelihoods. The study collected data on costs and returns from 208 smallholder vegetable farmers who were composed of 78 organic
and 130 conventional farmers. The means of variables of the two samples were compared using chi square, while factors associated
with adoption of organic production system were analysed using logistic regression. Factors influencing profitability of organic
production system were evaluated using ordinary least square regression. Organic production system was found to have higher gross
margins for kales and spinach. Age, farming experience, and number of trainings attended; availability of irrigation, target market
selected, production per acre, cost of production and price per unit were found to have a bearing on the profitability of an a given
vegetable. In addition, age, farming experience, irrigation, land ownership and County of residence were found to be associated with
adoption of organic vegetable production system.
Description
Presentation
Keywords
Organic, Profitability, Smallholder production systems, Vegetables
Citation
African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11, pg. 605 - 611 2013, African Crop Science Society