Despite sustained efforts by various research organizations in developing and disseminating climate resilient varieties, adoption of climate resilient potato varieties (CRPVs) remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This has been majorly attributed to limited coordination between formal research institutions and farmers hence sidelining farmers’ preferences especially smallholder farmers. Considering farmer preferences in the breeding process may yield optimal combination of varietal attributes hence increasing adoption. Therefore, this study used a discrete choice experiment to investigate farmers’ preferences and mean Willingness to Pay (WTP) for various attributes of CRPV. Results indicate that farmers have a strong preference for high resistance to pests and diseases as compared to other attributes which include low water requirements, short maturation period and high yield. Despite farmers preferring low prices for CRPV attributes, we also note that they were low price responsive. This study emphasizes on the need for participatory breeding efforts that embed traits preferred by farmers hence satisfying the demands of different population segments based on age, gender and education level.
Trade unions play a key role in enhancing employee welfare and performance in organizations. In Kenya, the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) is a trade union for academic staff in all the public universities, with a Chapter in every university and whose objects include ensuring better welfare for its members. Through a cross-sectional survey, this study examined the contribution of the UASU to employee welfare and the extent of its effects on employee performance. The study was undertaken at UASU Egerton University Chapter, Njoro, Kenya. A representative group of 82 respondents was obtained by simple random sampling from a sample frame of the 435 general members of the UASU. The respondents provided information regarding the contribution of the activities of the UASU to employee welfare and their influence on employee performance. Results indicated that the UASU had different but positive impacts on the variables affecting employee welfare and, consequently, employee performance. In descending order of importance, maternity, pension, housing and medical schemes were some of the benefits from the activities of the UASU. However, availability of recreational facilities received least attention from the UASU. The UASU should, therefore, be maintained and strengthened to further improve on quality delivery of products and services in the University by its members. Keywords : Employee welfare; Employee performance; UASU; Egerton University, Kenya
Pearl millet is the fourth most important cereal after maize, rice and sorghum in terms of cultivation and production in the tropics, yet the least traded of all cereals in Kenya. New pearl millet varieties (KAT/PM1, KAT/PM2 and KAT/PM3) were introduced in response to low yield and birds’ menace that was wiping out the traditional pearl millet varieties in Kenya. Despite this, limited information exists on consumers’ willingness to pay and the determinants of willingness to pay estimates for these newly introduced varieties products. This study was undertaken to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay and the determinants of willingness to pay estimates for these pearl millet products. Results showed that most consumers (70%) were willing to pay a premium price with the mean willingess to pay off 42% over finger millet market price. Age, number of children below 12 years in a household, gender of household head, income and awareness levels were the important factors that positively influenced consumers’ willingness to pay premium prices. Key words: Pearl millet, new varieties, willingness- to-pay, consumer, Kenya.
The aim of this study was to identify the determinants influencing the intensity of adoption of farm innovations among smallholder rice farmers in the West-Kano Irrigation Scheme amid the rising demand for rice in Kenya, which significantly outpaces local production. Despite the introduction of various innovations, adoption rates and influencing factors remain scarcely explored. Data were collected from 116 smallholder rice farmers using a standardised questionnaire. The Standard Poisson Model was employed for data analysis due to its suitability in handling count data, specifically the number of innovations adopted by farmers. This model helped identify key factors influencing innovation uptake. Findings reveal that several factors significantly impact adoption of farm innovations, including number of household income contributors, the proportion of land used for farming, decision-maker's farming experience, land ownership, and access to transportation and infrastructure. Notably, 98 per cent of farmers used improved seeds, 38 per cent adopted the line transplant method, and 97 per cent implemented pest management practices. Additionally, 47 per cent used the urea deep placement method and all participants engaged in some form of mechanised farming. The study concludes that understanding these factors can optimise policies aimed at enhancing rice productivity and commercialisation. Recommendations include employing the use of demonstration farms, collaborating with key rice value-chain actors, and building capacity. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policy formulation and strategic interventions that support the adoption of agricultural innovations, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of the rice sector in Kenya.
The objective of the study was to identify the socio-economic and institutional factors which influence the level of awareness of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects and in so doing to highlight the policy implications for the stakeholders when designing clean development mechanism projects among smallholder farmers. Findings shows that 23% of the farmers were correctly aware of the project and the results of the ordered logit model indicate that age, gender, education level, group membership, existence of tree farming and contact with extension services was found to influence awareness level of smallholder forest Carbon projects. To assist the community to adapt to climate change and produce sufficiently on a sustainable basis and achieve the desired food security under climate change challenges, the study recommends policies to increase awareness of such agro-environmental initiatives and that of extension providers should distinguish their clientele anchored on vital demographic characteristics such as age and gender. If the probability of younger farmers to be aware this initiative is higher, extension communications should be directed to such age group, particularly during initial stages project information dissemination.
Constant droughts especially in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) have led to recurrent crop failures and livestock losses. Households have therefore resulted to other alternatives which can provide both food and income. Trade in indigenous fruits contributes to livelihoods through income generation and as a safety net for consumption and income smoothing. This paper presents the analysis of economic returns from harvesting and marketing indigenous fruits and the socio economic factors that influence participation in trade of indigenous fruits. The results are based on a survey conducted in Nuu division, Mwingi District, where 120 randomly selected households were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic regression model, Gross Margin Analysis, and Benefit cost ratios were used during the analysis. Data was processed and analyzed using SPSS20. The Gross margins depicted harvesting of indigenous fruits for trade as a profitable venture. High benefit cost ratios of greater than 3.0 were reported in all the three fruits under study. Higher returns to labour and other associated costs were notably reported in the distant market as compared to the local market. The analysis of socioeconomic factors influencing participation in indigenous fruits’ trade identified household size, gender, form of employment and market distance to be significant variables. Respectively, market distance and household size negatively and positively influenced participation in harvesting indigenous fruits for trade. The female headed households and low income earners were more likely to participate in trade of indigenous fruits.
The objective of the study was to evaluate maize farmers' perceptions towards organic soil management practices in Bungoma County. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 650 smallholder farmers and primary data was collected using observations and interviews with the help of a semi-structured schedule. In the analysis, a Likert-type five-point continuum scale was used to rank farmers perceptions with one (1) as the most and five (5) as the worst check. The results showed that farmers were invariably concerned about the environment and were interested in protecting agricultural resources both for the present use and for future generations. Application of green manure and cultivation of legume crops were perceived to improve soil fertility and soil structure. Further, agrochemicals were perceived to have a negative effect on both human and animal health and their over-application leads to development of pest resistance to pesticides. The study revealed a relationship between perception towards organic soil management practices and some socio-economic and institutional factors such as age, education, household size, extension, training and farm distance. The study recommends policy interventions in enhancing farmers' awareness through training and technical advice on organic farming practices through agricultural extension services and developing information networks among farmers.
Production of Potato (Solanum tuberosum. L) has been declining over the years in Sub-Saharan Africa due to climate change resulting into low food supply and low income among smallholder farmers. Despite Climate-Resilient Potato Varieties (CRPVs) having the potential of increasing farmers' resilience to climate change, previous studies show that uptake of these varieties is still significantly low. More so, standard techniques such as Tobit and Probit models yield biased adoption rate estimates despite existence of vast literature on technology adoption. This study sought to determine true population adoption rates under partial exposure and their determinants using the modern Average Treatment Effect (ATE) framework. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample 384 farmers from Meru County. Focus group discussions and structured questionnaires through household survey were used to collect primary data. Results revealed that the main factors affecting adoption were access to information, quality seeds, training, group membership and variations in agro-ecological zones. The actual population adoption rate was 6.3% whereas the potential adoption rate was 30.7% revealing an adoption gap of 24.4% due to partial exposure. To improve adoption rates, this study recommends increased efforts in exposing farmers to CRPVs through training and increased extensions services.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the factors that influence consumption of indigenous fruits during periods of food shortage among the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL) and then assess the contribution of the indigenous fruits to household income and food security. The study was carried out in Nuu division, Mwingi District where a sample size of 120 households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Multi stage sampling method was used. The logit, Gross Margin Analysis, Pearson's correlations and t-tests were used for analysis. The results of the logit model indicated household size, education and income to be significant variables in influencing household decision to consume indigenous fruits in order to cope with food shortage with income and education having a negative influence and household size a positive influence. Utilization of indigenous fruits for consumption and sale was found to be higher among the low income earners and contributed to total household food insecurity coping strategies.
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