Factors Influencing the Intensity of Adopting Rice Farm Innovations Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in the West Kano Irrigation Scheme, Kenya

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Enhancing rural livelihoods in ASALS through feedlot finisher ration validation for small ruminants' early markets

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to identify intensive small ruminant rearing and feedlot finishing rations based on evaluated small ruminant grass-legume finisher rations among Dorper sheep farmers in Narok County. Feedlot finishing rations are limited in Kenya, perhaps due to a paucity of sheep and goat finishing formulae on the market, coupled with a lack of expertise in formulation. The experiment used a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with three groups: TR0 (control, traditional grass grazing), TR6 (Ration 6), and TR8 (Ration 8). Each treatment involved 10 sheep, with the control replicating farmers’ current practices. The trial assessed growth performance metrics, including average daily weight gain (ADG) and final market weights, along with meat quality evaluations using a Linkert scale and semi-structured questionnaires. After 12 weeks, significant differences (p<0.044) in market weight were observed. Sheep on Ration 8 achieved the highest mean weight (45.8 kg), followed by Ration 6 (40.8 kg), while control group had the lowest (38.1 kg). The organoleptic evaluation revealed that ration 8 produced well-marbled, tasty, and juicy meat, ideal for barbecue preparation. Ration 6 yielded tender, soft meat with less fat cover suited for marination and stew. The control group produced tougher, less fatty meat that tended to burn during roasting. Meat quality ratings showed a preference for feed trial carcasses over the control, although the assessment was limited to roasted meat, excluding fried or boiled samples. The findings underscore the potential of formulated finisher rations, particularly Rations 8 and 6, to improve growth performance and meat quality, addressing market demands for premium sheep products.

Journal of Agriculture and Agronomy (JAA)

Factors Influencing the Intensity of Adopting Rice Farm Innovations Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in the West Kano Irrigation Scheme, Kenya

Enhancing rural livelihoods in ASALS through feedlot finisher ration validation for small ruminants' early markets