Assessment of the Effects of Use of Good Agricultural Practices on Irish Potato Production and Marketing in Kenya

Abstract

The current trends of Irish potato production in Kenya are characterised by low yields that do not meet the increasing demand, especially in urban areas. This condition has been aggravated by using basic farming techniques, for example, uncertified seed, continuous cropping, and poor cultivation methods. Good agricultural practices (GAPs) have the potential of transforming low yields to high yields among smallholder farmers who can offer surplus produce to the market, especially in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). These practices promote high agricultural productivity, which contributes to food security and better livelihoods. The low yield realised in potato production has been noticed by government and research institutions who have come up with innovations on GAPs to improve the yield and commercialisation of the farmers. This study assessed the effect of the use of GAPs on potato production and marketing in Kenya. Specific objectives addressed were to: i) examine factors that influence the intensity of use of GAPs by potato farmers; ii) assess the effect of intensity of use of GAPs on potato yield and iii) examine the effects of intensity of use of GAPS on market participation by potato farmers. The study focused on farmers in Bungoma and Nyandarua Counties due to the use of Irish potato as a cash crop in the regions. This study used a baseline survey where data was collected in 2016 by giving a structured questionnaire to 260 respondents who grew potato in the previous year. Data were analysed using the Poisson Regression model, Ordinary Least Squares, and Tobit Model. Results of the estimated Poisson Regression model showed that socio-economic factors influenced the extent to which smallholder farmers used good agricultural practices to increase their productivity. The results revealed that socio-economic factors such as the need for extension services, hired labour, the value of assets, and distance to the produce market significantly....................................................................................................................................