Economic Aspects Influencing Adoption of Grain Amaranth/ Maize Intercrop in Kiminini Sub County- Trans- Nzoia County
Main Article Content
Keywords
Grain amaranth, maize, intercrop, adoption, smallholder farmers, economic, food security, Kenya
Abstract
Maize cultivation in Kenya has traditionally been the dominant agricultural activity due to its importance as a staple food crop. However, shifting climatic patterns, declining soil fertility, and market volatility have necessitated the exploration of alternative cropping systems that offer resilience, sustainability, and economic viability. Grain amaranth, characterized by its nutritional richness and adaptability to diverse agroecological conditions, presents a promising opportunity for agricultural diversification. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops in the same field, offers a strategy to harness the benefits of grain amaranth alongside maize cultivation. This approach has the potential to enhance farm productivity, income stability, and resource utilization while mitigating risks associated with mono-cropping systems. Also, the small parcels of land in Kiminini Sub County have continued to reduce further to a level that their economic potential have been depressed. Therefore, this study assessed economic aspects influencing adoption of grain amaranth/ maize intercrop in Kiminini Sub County- Trans- Nzoia County, Kenya. A survey using structured questionnaire was carried out among 100 smallholder farmers from 5 wards of Kiminini Sub County. Data collected was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and the binary logistic regression model. There were significant differences (p<0.05) observed with regard to adoption of grain amaranth/maize intercrop. Economic factors generally showed regression analysis of r=0.774, p<0.05, hence influencing significantly the adoption of grain amaranth/maize intercrop. The study concludes that resource factors influence farmers’ adoption decision. The study recommended that policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should focus on implementing targeted interventions such as market development initiatives, access to affordable credit facilities and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing farmers' financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen extension services, facilitate knowledge exchange platforms, and foster partnerships between research institutions, government agencies and local farming communities to provide tailored support and promote the adoption of grain amaranth/maize intercropping as a viable agricultural strategy in Kiminini Sub County.
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Kenneth Malaba Kisuya , Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.o. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, Kenya