Factors Influencing Performance Of Food Production Projects In Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing performance of food production projects in Kenya: A case of Kenya Cereal Enhancement Project and Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods, Machakos Town Sub-County. The objectives of the study was to examine influence of drought management, to assess influence of extension services, to examine influence of pests and diseases and to assess influence of crop improvement strategies on performance of food production projects in Machakos Town Sub-County. The study applied the Demographic Theory to support the literature reviewed followed by the conceptual framework that showed the inter-relationship between the study variables. This study employed a descriptive survey design which allows the researcher to gather information, summarize, present and interpret data. The total target Population was 567 respondents which included 532 farmers, 15 project managers, 12 Kenya Cereal Enhancement Project Representatives and 8 extension service providers. A sample size of 82 respondents was used in the study using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires. The researcher then employed quantitative methods of analysis in the analysis of data collected from the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. The study found out that majority of the respondents were of the opinion that implementation of food projects can lead to increased food production. Some of the respondents agreed that the County does not have proper measures in place to address losses from drought. From the study findings, majority of the respondents have sought pest control extension services in their farming activities which was the most sought out extension service. The respondents strongly agreed that the overall cost of the method to deal with crop pests and diseases determined its adoption. Most of the respondents disagreed with the statement that the current inter-crop breeding technology has improved food production in Machakos County. The study recommends that effective strategic plan to manage drought and its effects on food production projects should be sound and participatory so as to ascertain its sustainability and effects. It is recommended that each food production project should be assigned a personal extension service officer from the planning stage until completion of the project so as to monitor and evaluate the project’s farming needs and employ his/her services when needed as valuable data is recorded. It is suggested that another study should be done in order to ascertain the extent to which GMO technology can be implemented especially in arid and semi-arid areas in order to improve food security. The results of this study will benefit farmers and other stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and various policy makers.