Determinants of sorghum productivity among small-scale farmers in Siaya County

Abstract

The productivity of sorghum in Kenya is on decline despite sorghum being one of the suitable crops for the arid and semi-arid areas commonly found in Kenya. The study therefore aimed at establishing the effect of the selected socio-economic factors on sorghum productivity using a case of small-scale farmers in Siaya County. The four sub-counties considered for this study were selected on the basis of sorghum production. Stratified and random sampling techniques were applied to identify a sample comprising of 300 smallholder households in the study area. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedules administered to the selected farm households. The characteristics of the smallholder farmers sampled were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square multiple regression model. The results showed that farm size under sorghum, labour, farm gate price, serena and seredo seed varieties were significant determinants of sorghum productivity in the study area. Based on these findings, the study recommends provision of improved seed varieties to the farmers. Policies targeted at promoting industrial use of sorghum will increase sorghum demand and promote its uptake. In addition, agricultural development policies should target provision of such services like training and extension support to enhance sorghum production in Kenya.