Socioeconomic factors and soil fertility management practices affecting sorghum production in Western Kenya: a case study of Busia county
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Date
2014-09-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Journal of Experimental Agriculture
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), though ranked as the third most important staple food crop
in Kenya, farmers still experience periodic crop failure and this is a threat to food and income
security. This paper attempts to find the underlying factors responsible for low production and
establish farmers’ perceptions on soil fertility management. A cross-sectional study was carried out
in Busia County, to relate socioeconomic factors and soil fertility management aspects affecting sorghum yields. Structured interviews and observations were used for data collection, considering
the variables: demographic factors, income, farmers’ perception on soil fertility replenishing options,
access to agricultural advisory services and yields of sorghum. Results indicate that women are
predominant (57.3%) sorghum producing farmers in the County. Literacy level reveals majority of
the farmers (49.3%) have primary education as optimum suggesting sorghum production to be
through hands-on experience. Individual land ownership was the norm with most farms being 1.5 to
2.0 hectares. Income among respondents is below USD 1.25 per day. Sorghum is ranked very
important (56.7%) and is a resource against food shortage. Many farmers (41.3.0%) use traditional
seed from previous harvests with 24.0% purchasing seed from agro-dealers or being provided by
non-Governmental organizations/projects. Intercropping is associated with food security, improved
yields and land inadequacy and not to soil fertility restoration. Inadequate knowledge on the role of
legumes and crop residue recycling in soil fertility improvement exists and 38.7% of farmers have
access to agricultural information. Gender, social norms, literacy, fertilizer use, accessibility to
advisory services and farmers’ perception on soil fertility management options are concluded to
impact on sorghum production in Busia County. The existing database on the alternative
researched options to restore soil fertility and increase crop yields could be channeled through
demonstration plots to farmers in a participatory manner in order to facilitate adoption.
Description
Keywords
Busia county, demographic factors, income, soil fertility management