Publication: Comparative Analysis of Crop Yields of Selected Crops (Maize, Rice and Kales) before and after The Introduction of Irrigation Technologies in Kimira-Oluch Irrigation Schemes, Homa Bay County, Kenya
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2020-11
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African Development Bank (ADB)
Publisher
East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya
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Abstract
Kenyan’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture which contributes greatly to gross domestic products (GDP). Nearly 80% of the country’s population resides in the rural areas and are engaged directly in agricultural activities which account for over 75% of the total agricultural output. In addition, the sector contributes to food security, employment opportunities and income generation as well as nutritional balance to the farming families. It is therefore enough to say, agriculture still remains the backbone of the country’s economy because of what it offers. Kenya has a huge potential of water resources including rivers, lakes and dams for the development of irrigation systems however, the country still continues to import food especially maize despite having ability to feed its own citizens. To solve the paradox of food insecurity, irrigation technologies need to in place. This paper therefore tries to compares the yields before and after the introduction of irrigation technologies in Kenya, precisely in Kimira-Oluch irrigation scheme using a paired t-test to determine whether there is statistically significant difference between productions level per unit area of selected crops (Maize, Rice and Kales) for participants of rainfed (before irrigation) and irrigated agriculture participants. From the results it was observed that, calculated value (observed) of t was found to be -0.5150 which was in the acceptance region and thus, we accept H0 and conclude that the difference in yields before irrigation (rainfed agriculture) and after irrigation (irrigated agriculture) is insignificance hence we can infer that irrigation technologies is not applied effectively in Kimira-Oluch thus resulting to a low yields. This is a clear indication that most of the factors of production such as irrigation waters and land are underutilized. The study will assist the policy makers and irrigation stakeholder to shift focus on innovations or technologies that can benefit both irrigation participants and non-irrigation participant.
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Keywords
Crop Yields, Irrigation Technologies, Rainfed Agriculture, Irrigated Agriculture