Factors contributing to agricultural productivity in Kenya; a case of Ruiri location in Buuri District
Abstract
The study was carried out to investigate the factors contributing to agricultural productivity in Ruiri location of Buuri district to improve agricultural production through extension services. The strategy for revitalizing agriculture is a national policy document aimed to achieve a progressive reduction in unemployment and poverty. Purpose of study was to assess factors contributing to agricultural productivity in Ruiri location in Buuri District.
The objectives of the study were, to find out how training of farmers has improved agricultural productivity, to assess the extent to which input provided to farmers have helped increase agricultural productivity and investigate how community participation has improved agricultural productivity. Farmers in Ruiri have been empowered through extension services by both private and public service providers and have translated these skills into farming as a business for increased income hence improved standards of living
The study adopted a descriptive survey method and data was collected using questionnaires, through simple random sampling, personal interviews and focus group discussions. The total population of 1200 and a sample of 120 households was used and data was analyzed using descriptive method in form of measure of frequencies, percentages and the analysis was presented in form of frequency table.
The findings showed that training was effectively done to the farmers who were then able to translate the knowledge and skills into actual farm interventions at individual phase. This eventually led to increase in production hence increase in income. Capacity for community based resource persons should be initiated as a sustainability strategy so as to extend training to more farmers so as to empower the whole location including the youth
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya