Assessment of Farmers challenges with Rice productivity in selected Irrigation schemes in Western Kenya

Abstract

This research was conducted in three rice irrigation schemes in Western Kenya namely; Ahero, West Kano and Bunyala in August 2011. The main objective of the study was to evaluate socio- economic challenges facing rice growing farmers; and to developed strategies to assist households improve their economic status, household food security and water management for irrigation. The research sample was computed at 200 households, data was collected using a questionnaire, observation and analysed by statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 11. The major findings indicate over 90% of respondents are permanent residents in the schemes and 57% are male- headed, whereas 41% are female –headed. Over 93% of the households rely on rice production as their main source of income. Most farmers in AIS (95%) and WKIS (86%) grow rice on less than seven acres of land, most of which is allocated by National Irrigation Board. Results from the study indicate over 76% of own the land under rice production. In terms of crop variety, 56% of farmers in Ahero prefer IR2793 as compared to 50% of farmers in Bunyala. In West Kano 59% of the farmers rank Basmati 317 variety highly. In the absence of IR2793 rice variety, farmers prefer to cultivate Basmati 317. Their reasons for preferring respective rice varieties is due to long experience in cultivation and lack of awareness on new improved rice varieties. Based on these results, it is observed the three irrigation schemes reveal a vicious cycle of poverty. The farmers living conditions are characterized by low purchasing power, high rice crop production costs, low levels of education of women and overcrowded households. The study recommends an improvement in the use of modern technology in rice production for improved socio- economic status of these households in western Kenya.