Farmers’ perceptions of the impact of soil erosion on maize production in soy division, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya

Abstract

Soil erosion is a major problem especially in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya and cause significant effects to agricultural production particularly on rain fed cultivation. This study aimed to examine farmers’ perception of the impact of soil erosion on maize production in Soy Division, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya. It was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine farmers’ knowledge of soil erosion, to assess factors that influence soil erosion, to explore farmers’ perceived impacts of soil erosion on maize production, and to assess soil erosion mitigation measures. The study was based on Marginal Zone Theory of Lewis Binford and Kent Flannery (2005). This study utilized descriptive survey design and used probability proportionate to size (PPS) random sampling technique and simple random sampling method. Secondary data was collected through review of materials including books, websites and published and unpublished reports. Primary data was sourced through questionnaires and interview schedules administered to a sample size of 135 subjects out of a target population of 5993 heads of households and informants through face-to-face interviews that included government officials, NGOs and CBOs, and chiefs who were selected through non-Probability sampling; purposive sampling. Field observations were also carried out through observation checklists to ascertain the information collected by the above instruments. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using test-retest technique after being piloted in three locations of the Division. The data was recorded and analyzed using qualitative; narrative, and quantitative technique; descriptive statistical methods including frequencies, means and percentages then presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. The findings revealed that farmers’ were knowledgeable about soil erosion phenomenon and aware of its occurrence as supported by (70.4%) of the respondents, the main causes of soil erosion were poor cultivation methods and practices, slope gradient and length, rainfall intensity and runoff and cultivation of marginal areas. The findings revealed that maize production was decreasing due to soil erosion as stated by 73.1% of the respondents and the mitigation methods currently applied by farmers to curb erosion were mainly channel terracing. The study concluded that farmers in Soy Division were knowledgeable about soil erosion as indicated by their ability to explain the meaning and identify its indicators. The farmers also perceived that soil erosion caused reduced maize yield due to factors such as the removal of top soil through soil erosion which cause loss of organic matter/residues and the disturbance or destruction of maize seeds and plants. The study recommended that farmers need to adopt conservation methods and practices that offer multipurpose benefits and soil and water conservation systems. The study further suggested that further studies could be done on the role of gender in the management of soil erosion and its role in maize yield, the role of government in soil and water conservation and the challenges faced in implementing land use policies.