Access and Use of Seasonal Climate Forecasts Information on Maize Crop Production in Vihiga County, Kenya
- April 6, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Geography
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue III, March 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Ambubi Andrew Josephert1*, Cholo Wilberforce2, Mulinya Caroline3, Paul Obino Ong’anyi4
1Department of Geography, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
2Department of Health Sciences, Masinde Muliro University, Kenya
3Department of Geography, Masinde Muliro University, Kenya
4Department of Geography, Kibabii University, Kenya
*Corresponding Author.
Abstract: Vihiga County has been faced by drastic reduction of maize crop yields in recent years making the realization of food security unattainable. The county live in absolute poverty, and therefore food insecure. The purpose of this study was to exploit the extent of access and use of seasonal climate forecast information by small-scale maize farmers on maize crop production in Vihiga County. The scope of the study mainly focused on evaluating the influence ofaccess and use of seasonal climate forecast information as the most adaptive strategy on maize crop production. This study was conducted through descriptive survey research design. This study targeted a population of 3,234 households of small-scale farmers with > 1 to 4 acres of land. The sample size of 153 households was used in the study. A systematic sampling technique was employed by purposeful selection of three constituencies of Hamisi, Vihiga and Luanda. Secondly, by purposeful selection of three wards of Muhudu, Mungoma and Luanda South that cut across agricultural zones in the county. Finally developing a sample frame of 3,234 households. Meteorologists and crop officers were purposefully sampled based on their availability. Primary data on the access and use of SCF information on maize crop production were collected by use of pre-tested Questionnaires. The secondary data was collected by use of Key Informant Interview Schedule for meteorologist and crop officers for the period 2004-2014 on rainfall, temperature, and maize crop production. Data was analysed both in descriptive and inferential using Microsoft software’s. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the extent of access and use of SCF on maize crop production. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between access and use of SCF and maize crop production in Vihiga County. The information obtained provided a feedback on the extent to which farmers are responding to seasonal climate forecasts information and provided a framework for improving maize crop production in Vihiga County. The study showed that there is a decline in maize crop production in Vihiga County and yet farmers accesses and uses SCF information. Where by the number of bags per acre dropped from 21.5 bags to 15.2 bags between (2004-2014). The study found that there is no significant relationship between access, use (r=0.018588, p=0.098141). The study concludes that futher research need to be conductedin the area to find out the main cause of decline in maize production in Vihiga County.The study however recommends the County government and the NGO’s in Vihiga County to come up with interventions strategies that may help small-scale farmers to increase maize crop production.
Key words: Seasonal climate forecasts, access and use, maize crop production
