A survey of rural farming practice in two provinces of Kenya. 1. Demographics, agricultural production and marketing
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Livestock Research for Rural Development.
Abstract
A total of 558 farmers were interviewed in the districts of Kakamega and Machakos in Kenya during 2007–08 regarding their family circumstances and agricultural activities. Approximately 60% were in the age range 20 to 49 while almost 40% were more than 49 years old and 60% of respondents were females. They had spent a variable length of time in farming from <10 to more than 40 years. The average size of farm holding was between 0.4 and 2.0 hectares and almost all respondents were involved in mixed farming (crops and livestock). Livestock species discussed included poultry, cattle and small ruminants and were kept in a range of combinations. Most poultry keepers had between 1 and 20 chickens. Crops included maize, beans and cowpeas and a range of others including horticultural activities. Most farms had to provide supplementary feed to livestock which included hay, napier grass and maize stalks for ruminants and flour residue, maize and commercial feeds for poultry. Respondents used eggs and poultry meat for domestic consumption and surpluses were sold either from the house or at market, sometimes involving an intermediate trader. Additional income from produce sales was used to purchase domestic items including food and fuel.
Description
Keywords
Agricultural production,, animal disease,, rural farmers,, survey,, vaccine, Kenya,
Citation
Volume 24, Article #87.