Domestication of Terminalia Brownii among Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Kenya: A Double Hurdle Approach.
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Date
2019-08-31
Authors
Luvanda, Albert, M.
. Kamau, Christopher, N
Uchi, Sylvia, M.
Bala, Pauline
Okeyo, Michael M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IISTE
Abstract
Evidence has shown that the population of Terminalia brownii continue to dwindle in its native range due to
drought, agricultural expansion and settlement and over exploitation for charcoal, beehives, carvings and timber.
High levels of exploitation accompanied by awareness creation on value addition remains an exit strategy towards
poverty alleviation for improved rural livelihoods, hence, the need to support its domestication. Scientists and
researchers have prioritized promotion of this species in Eastern Kenya. However, information on intensity of
domestication of the species remained scanty. A sample of 346 T. brownii producers were selected using a multistage sampling procedure in Embu, Machakos, Kitui and Makueni Counties in Kenya. Primary data was collected
using a pretested structured questionnaire while secondary data was acquired from the Kenya Forest Service offices
in the study area. A double hurdle econometric model was used to analyse the determinants of decision and
intensity of use of T. brownii. Results revealed that five variables that significantly influence the decision to
domesticate T. brownii include; education level of household head, importance of farm to the household income,
access to credit, dependency ratio and intercropping. On the other hand, education of the household head, size of
the farm and total income from livestock sales influenced intensity of domestication of T. brownii. Therefore, there
is need to develop programs to sensitize farmers on the importance of the species on their farms. Lastly, we need
to promote structures for commercialization of the agroforestry products from this tree species to reduce
unemployment
Description
A Research Article in Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development
Keywords
Terminalia brownii, Domestication, Agroforestry, Dryland, Double Hurdle
Citation
Luvanda, Albert & Luvanda, & Njuguna, Christopher & Kamau, & Sylvia, M & Uchi, Sylvia & Bala, Pauline & Okeyo, Michael. (2019). Domestication of Terminalia brownii Among Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Kenya: A Double Hurdle Approach.