A dynamic study of smallholder mixed farms in Wundanyi location, Taita district, Kenya: activities, performance and interactions

Abstract

This study undertook a dynamic survey ofa sample of thirty mixed dairy-crop farmers for 11 months over two rainy seasons. The study identified the farmer's objectives ancl observed the system over a sufficient period to get a quantitative and qualitative measure and trends of their activities, performance and interactions. The farming system was identified to be a low input, low output system although there are little exogenous shocks 011 both crops and livestock. There is, therefore, room for improvement in optimization of resources and productivity. This can be done by diversification and stabilization of production with other crops and livestock species coupled with Government social protection measures.