Abstract The agriculture sector is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 33 percent of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP). The agriculture sector employs more than 40 percent of the total population and 70 percent of the rural population. Kenya’s agriculture is predominantly smallholder farming and is carried out on farms averaging 0.2–3 ha, mostly on a subsistence basis. The objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the use of mobile phone-...
Abstract/Overview Kakamega County is a rich agricultural area where various food and cash crops are grown. However, changes in climate coupled with declining soil fertility over the area have an impact on crop production, and hence affect food security especially among small scale farmers. On the basis of this scenario, this study sought to explore the existence and determine the characteristics of climate variability/change, assess its impact on small scale farmers and explain their resi...
Abstract/Overview Abstract. Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a major oilseed crop and has economic and nutritive benefits for rural farmers. Although the adoption of new technologies and increased contact with extension agents as one way of increasing production has improved production, productivity of groundnut remains low. This study used the ex-post facto research design with the aim of analyzing the socio-economic determinants of groundnut production in Kenya. Using purposive, multis...
Abstract/Overview In Kenya, value addition in Irish potatoes provides farmers with substantial income. However, the adoption of value addition practices is still low among farmers. Currently, there is a dearth of information on the factors affecting the adoption of value addition practices among smallholder Irish potato farmers in Bomet County. Using single cross-sectional data from 200 randomly selected respondents, the study determined factors affecting the uptake of value addition prac...
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the factors affecting sheep and goat milk consumption in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya. Specifically the study sought to assess sheep and goat milk production, assess sheep and goat milk consumption, and identify sheep and goat management practices for optimal milk production in Kyawango and Kibauni Locations of Mwala Sub County of Machakos County. Data was collected from a sample of 120 respondents using questionnaires and observations and ...
Abstract: Livestock production is critical in poverty reduction through food security improvement and rural development. Demographic characteristics, agro-ecological zone and market structure influences the the different livestock production systems. In order to plan for suitable interventions by Kitui County to enhance livestock production, this study aims to identify and document existing livestock production systems,and assessed household vulnerability to food insecurity in identified liv...
Abstract: While taking Kenya as a case study, the study was designed to assess the state of food security in Africa. It specifically assessed food production and consumption trends, evaluated efforts being made by the Kenyan government and other players (NGOs) to address food security concerns in Kenya, and explored the challenges and opportunities attributed to food security concerns in the country. The type of design adopted for this particular study was a case study. The study comprised n...
Abstract: The water hyacinth, an exotic plant of Africa was first introduced about 120 years ago by explorers and naturalists. It is believed to have been imported from South America where it is an indigenous plant. It was first seen in Kenya in the early 1980's and in Lake Victoria in the early 1990's. Its proliferation left unchecked has caused a myriad of problems to the regular lake users, the fishermen, fish traders and the fish processor not to mention the interference with domestic an...
Abstract: Food aid has been the subject of the day especially in famine and crisis prone areas with many people losing their lives as a result of hunger. This may have been as a result of the nature of some places being inhabitable due to the climatic conditions of the place or soil conditions making the place agriculturally unproductive, others may be as a result of political motivations such as civil strife especially in areas where governance in some states is unstable. However, others cl...
This study explores the threats of climate change on agriculture and food security globally, focusing on Nigeria. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on its agricultural sector. The research conducts a comprehensive literature review and synthetic analysis to identify the key factors that make Nigeria's food production systems susceptible to climate change. Nigeria's diverse climate, influenced by latitude, topography, win...
Abstract: The adverse impact of climate change on agricultural production and productivity is increasing over time in Ethiopia. Smallholder farmers are the most vulnerable group of the society to the effects of climate change in this country since their livelihood depended on rainfed agriculture. This study was carried out to examine smallholder farmers’ vulnerability, perception, the choice of adaptation strategies, and institutional adaptive capacity of local institutions to climate chan...
Abstract: Climate-smart agriculture is expected to play a key role in tackling climate-related challenges to agricultural livelihoods and food systems. However, the implementation of these programs involving efficient, sustainable, and productivity-enhancing technologies and their adoption rate has remained low, particularly among small-scale farmers. The purpose of the study was to analyze determinants of climate-smart agricultural practices adoption in Toke Kutaye district, West Showa Zone...
Abstract: Social networks are an essential source of risk-sharing and capacity building strategies for responding the adverse effects of climate change. However, researches on climate change adaptation strategies not recognized the role of social networks. The current study aims to assess the role of social networks in facilitating smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change in Woreilu district, South Wollo zone, Amhara national regional state, Ethiopia. More specifically,...
Abstract: Maize is the second most important cereal crop in eastern Ethiopia. However, climate change and variability is affecting its productivity in the region. Thus, studies that included survey, climate data analysis, and field experiment were therefore conducted with five objectives: 1) to assess smallholder maize farmers’ perception of climate change, their current adaptation options, and factors affecting their use of adaptation options in eastern Ethiopia; 2)to analyze past and pro...
Abstract: Climate smart agriculture is an approach that minimizes the adverse effects of climate change by increasing production, strengthening adaptation, and providing mitigation to smallholder farmers. This study was initiated to identify major climate smart agricultural practices adopted, analyze factors affecting the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, and evaluate the impact of the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices on the annual income of smallholder farmer...