Challenges and opportunities in grain amaranth cultivation: a study on small scale farmers in mweiga location kieni west district.

Abstract

Due to its unique properties grain amaranth has gained an increased attention in the world. The grain has some agricultural ability to grow successfully in adverse environment like the arid and semi-arid lands due to its drought tolerant characteristics. The grain matures fast, can be intercropped with other crops and has got high returns in a good season. It’s known to have high nutrition value than most grains. Grain amaranth therefore has got the ability to fight food insecurity and levels of poverty among the world rural poor and especially in Kenya where the long-term goal of food security has not been met. In spite of its positive attributes the levels of grain amaranth cultivation are still very low the world over and especially in Mweiga location.The study sought to find out the challenges facing small scale farmers cultivating grain amaranth in Mweiga location. This was done through; establishing farmers’ access to information and support services; marketing and its influence on grain amaranth cultivation; and establishing the level of grain amaranth cultivation in Mweiga location