Impact of Mechanization on Maize Output in Kenya

Abstract

The main aim of this research project was to determine the impact of mechanization on maize output in Kenya as well as providing policy recommendations on the use of machinery as a modern way of improving maize productivity. The study adopted Egerton University Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development 2010 (being the most recent at the time of the study) Household Survey. The raw data from the institute was collected from targeted rural smallholder farmers all over Kenya. Cross-sectional household data was analyzed for the year 2010 in Kenya using the Cobb-Douglas function. Two-Stage Least Squares Estimation was used as credit facility use was applied as an instrument to mechanization. The study sample consisted of 1,634 farmers who planted maize with 352 out of the 1634 farmers in the sample purchased fertilizers and 133 used pesticides. All farmers in the sample used some form of machineries such as tractors, farm implements, harvesters, planters, ridgers, shellers among other farm machinery and implements. On average, farmers spent only Ksh. 995 on machinery. Many farmers are small-scale farmers with an average of 0.78 acres used for maize production. The results of the empirical analysis found that machinery use has a weak positive impact on maize production with its usage among small-scale farmers, having no major effects on maize output due to the challenges of economies of scale. Fertilizer use is the most critical input and government should continue to subsidize it, in improving maize production as it boosts soil health. The study recommends that both the county and national government establish and embolden mechanization units through public-private partnerships to serve rural farmers. Legislations should also be passed to curb the issue of land mutation in arable areas to encourage the use of farm machinery in agriculture.