A Linear programming approach to the optima.L allocation of resources and combination of crop enterprises in the Perkerra irrigation scheme, Kenya

Abstract

The need to study farming at the farm level and to try to improve the we lfare and security of the farmer and his family with structural changes effected via the adoption of improved farm plans cannot be Over emphasised in the developing countries. Powerful models to study farming at the farm level and the ways in which it can be adjusted to the advantage of the farming family have been in vogue since the late 1950's. One of these basic models is linear pr0gramming which, through the use of high speed computers and due to its ability to handle very complex systems

such as are found with subsistence and other small scale farming, has been used in this study.

The study looks at the Peerkerra Irrigation Scheme and tries to recognise the allocation of the exipting stock of resources on a typical holding for the maximization of the Gross Mar0~n. It is shown that vigorous derivations of weights (prices and costs) and by using these in linear programming equations I for_pplans can be obtained which yield higher Gross Margins than the existing plan in (.le P.I.S.