Strategies Used by Large Scale Grain Growers to Enhance Productivity in Soy Sub-county, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural sector over the last decade has played a key role in propelling the economies of countries and providing food to the growing population. Grain growing farming strategies are those unique methods that can be employed to increase the number of bags produced in the fields or in any farming system. Strategies can differ according to the location, and the choices of the farmer. It is reported that about 75% of large-scale farmer’s in countries plant grains in their farms compared to 85% small scale farmers who grow mainly fast growing crops The main objective of the study was to assess strategies used by large scale grain growers to enhance productivity in Soy Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The specific objectives that aided the broad objectives are: To establish how modernized strategies influence productivity among large scale grain growers in Soy Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, To examine how risk management strategies influence productivity among large scale grain growers in Soy Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, To assess how support strategies influence productivity among large scale grain growers in Soy Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the diffusion of innovation theory. The systems theory descriptive survey research design to be a method in which detailed information is obtained from a target group using structured questions or forms. The target population of the study was 158 large scale grain growers farmers found in Soy sub-county in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed simple random sampling technique to obtain the sample size of 113 from the target population of 158. Simple random sampling technique provided a simple method in which representatives were chosen from the entire population without any biasness. The research used structured questionnaires to collect data. The coded data was then be analyzed using descriptive statistics with open ended questions analyzed qualitatively. The study found that majority of the grain growers are using modernized strategies in their farms to enhance productivity, use of certified seeds have increased the number of bags produced, and farm mechanization has increased the number of yield per hectare. This study further found that risk management strategies are employed in farms, crop insurance is important in enhancing productivity in the farms. Extension services support have increased more yield per hectare, and credit facilities are important in enhancing productivity in the farms. In general there are certain farming strategies that are employed by large scale farmers that help them enhance productivity in their farms.