An assessment of the factors influencing commercialization of green maize in Nandi South-Sub-County, Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

An assessment of the factors influencing commercialization of green maize in Nandi South-Sub-County, Kenya

Pius Cheruiyot, Shadrack Kipkoech Sitienei
Department of History, Political Science and Public Administration, Moi University, Kenya

Abstract: Maize cereals have become a dominant food crop for both human and domestic animals in most parts of the globe especially Sub-Saharan Africa. This study endeavors to assess the factors which influence the farmers of this product to sell the green maize in Kenya. The study will be guided by two objectives; what are the available government policies on food security (maize) and what are the motivating factors for commercialization of green maize. The geographical scope of the study is Nandi South Sub-county, Kenya while the time scope 2016-2017. The study adopted a qualitative approach by critically analyzing the available literature to reach a logical conclusion. The study found that; the government of Kenya has policies- Credit facility policy, Price reduction policy, which are but in paper where its implementation does not see the light of the day. The famers are motivated to sell green maize by the following factors: Higher returns to farmers, demand of Green Maize and Productivity, no guarantees of returns by the government on dry maize, the middle men tend to benefit and farmers plight are ignored. The study recommends that the government should guarantee farmers maximum returns. In conclusion, for a country to develop the population should be well fed hence the government should implement policies which will be able to ensure there is enough food reserve and the farmers to be ensured maximum returns on their products.

Key Words: Green maize, farmers, food, policies, government, commercialization

I. INTRODUCTION

In Kenya, the maize crop is harvested, it is dried and shelled. The maize cereals attained are put to different uses, such as posho flour for making ugali. Currently, green maize is becoming popular with the urbanite populations who use the maize to make githeri local meal of mixed beans and maize. In many households in Kenya, dried maize cobs serve as alternative source of energy used for cooking. The maize stoppers are used to make silage for the dairy sector. McCann (2000) pointed out that, by 1920s, maize cereals had become a dominant cereal crop to both African & European farmers in Kenya.
In the recent past, there has been an increase in the harvesting of green maize for sale. Many farmers sold their crop to traders who transport them in large quantities to various towns of Kenya. Others sold green maize to silage makers. These practices may have an effect on the availability of dried corn

Read More