Risk and benefit analysis of investments in conservation technologies under varying climate in Eastern Kenya.
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Date
2014-08
Authors
Ngugi, Lucy Wangui
Journal Title
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Abstract
Soil degradation and moisture stress remain the major constraints and
environmental threat to agricultural productivity in the semi-arids of Kenya, which
account for more than 80% of the total land mass. Government development
partners and donor institutions have been promoting soil and water conservation
technologies aimed at reducing soil erosion and in making more water available
for agricultural production. Investments in soil and water conservation
technologies can be undertaken when sufficient returns are guaranteed and the
risks thereof are known. This study assessed soil and water conservation
technology investment by farmers, examined factors that influence investment into
soil and water conservation technologies, quantified the costs and the benefits of
short term investments in soil and water conservation technologies and finally, it
identified the potential opportunities to reduce risks of investments in soil and
water conservation technologies under variable climatic conditions. The study was
carried out in Mwania and Kalii watersheds in Machakos and Makueni Counties of
Eastern Kenya. Two stage sampling method was used to obtain the sample size of
farmers used for the household surveys. First the watersheds were delineated, and
the number of HHs picked from sub locations depending on the sampling frame of
that sub location to obtain a sample size of 380 households. Purposive sampling
method was later used to obtain total of 120 households based on the SWC
technologies invested by the farmers. Descriptive statistics were conducted using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The crop simulation model APSIM
was used to generate yield data under irrigation, tied ridges and terraces which
were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOV A) using R-statistical software.
Results indicated that terraces were the most used SWC technology in both sites
while tied ridges and mulching the least invested technology in Mwania and Kalii
respectively. High cost and input unavailability locally were the key factors
constraining investments in SWC technologies. On the other hand, benefit accrued
after investing in SWC technologies was the significant factor promoting the
investments. Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) during 2010/2011 SR season indicated
that irrigation and tied ridges yielded the highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.3
and 2.5 in Mwania and Kalii respectively in maize production. Terraces gave the
highest BCR (1.5) in Kalii under bean production. ANOV A results indicated that
the technology used, fertilizer rate applied and the season type were significant in
both maize and bean production. Modeling results indicated that investing during
above normal seasons was risky in all technologies but beneficial during normal
seasons. Model simulations further indicated that fertilizer application led to up to
73% and 61% yield gains in maize and beans production when up to 30kg Nlha
fertilizer was applied. The study recommends development of strategies that will
ensure reduction of prices of farm inputs and their availability in the study area,
farmers' economic empowerment to enhance investment in irrigation and tied
ridges to ensure food security in semi-arid Eastern Kenya.
Description
Department of Agricultural Resources Management (ARM), 85p. 2014,
S 625 .K4N48