| dc.description.abstract | This study was conducted between April and December 2011 to examine perception of
smallholder farmers in four districts of Kakamega County, Kenya in adoption of Bambara nut
production as food security crop. The study was conducted to determine relationship between
the perception of the farmers and some socio-economic factors. Bambara nut, a crop a species
only identified and classified as “underutilized” crop. The crop has several production
advantages compared to other legumes. Bambara nut, a crop a species only identified and
classified as “underutilized” crop and has several production advantages compared to other
legumes. Three hundred and eighty four respondents used for the study were selected by random
sampling while focus group discussions and interview schedule were employed to gather
additional data through survey and correlational research study designs. Descriptive and
inferential statistical tests were used to analyze collected data. The findings showed that farmer
perceived adoption of bambara nut production was high, but however, despite its vast potential
production at household level was low and hence, its the utilization at household level was quite
low too. And that; age, labour availability, credit availability, farmers’ income, membership to
social organizations significantly influenced farmer’s perceveived decisions to adoption of
bambara growing as a food security crop. However, farmers level of education, land size,
marketing and provision of extension service did not significantly influence farmers’ perception
in their decision to adoption of bambara nut production as food security crop. Overall, it was
found that farmers had positive perception towards adoption of bambara nut production as food
security crop. However they had a number of challenges e.g lack of certified seeds for planting,
lack of extension service information on the crop and labour shortages particularly duting peak
periods. To ensure sustainaible increase in production and utilization, there is need for
adelibarate efforts to be stepped up by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and
other stakeholders to provide agronomic information for fomulating and implimenting research
programmes towards commercialisation of this crop. This would lead to increased production
and assist to fight against hunger and food insecurity.
Key words: Perception , Food Security, Bambara nuts, “underutilized” Adoption | en_US |
