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Masters Theses and Dissertations

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    Productivity and Profit of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Kiambu District.
    (KeMU, 2007-07) Mwangi, Solomon Maina
    Small scale dairy farming (commonly known as zero grazing units) has become an important enterprise in central Kenya. This is because of lack of adequate land to practice other farming activities, but still it faces a number of challenges. As a result of lack of adequate land and consequent enough feed. A study was carried out in Kikuyu division of Kiambu district using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the small scale dairy farming was not attracting new investors as those who were interviewed indicated that they have been in the practice for more than five years.One of the reasons sought to explain the reason to the failure to attract new investors was found to be lack of adequate feeds. A majority (82%) depended on napier grass as the major fodder for their livestock, which had to be grown within the farm. The napier grass they grew from their farms was not adequate for their dairy cows due to small land sizes; a majority had less than one acre of land where napier and other household crops were to be grown together and hence were forced to buy feed to make up for the balance or search from road sides. It was apparent that a good number (50%) of the farmers did not keep dairy health records and less than 40% had training in dairy farming. This made the farmers to depend mainly on private veterinaries for their livestock health. Calving interval was sacrificed and lactation period extended to be able to have at least some milk for a longer period of time but the milk yields were on average low; between ten to fifteen litres per cow per day. Economic evaluation of the enterprise showed that a majority of the farmers were working at a loss due to low milk market prices and exploitation by middlemen who were paying them poorly for one litre of milk. Although some cooperatives were available, the price fetched from them was far low to offset the small scale dairy farming daily expenses and hence the farmers were forced to borrow finances from other sources to fund their dairy farming. Therefore, a policy needs to be put in place that will take care of milk market prices and protect small scale dairy farmers from exploitation by cooperatives and middlemen compounded with regular training in dairy farming will make the enterprise a success .
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    Status of Yam (Dioscorea Spp ) Production ,Distribution and Utilisation in Meru Central ,Kenya
    (KeMU, 2007-06) Mugambi, Joseph Murithi
    In Kenya yam is treated as a minor crop despite its high potential for income generation and provision of food security. A field study was undertaken to establish the status of yam in Meru Central, a major yam production area in Kenya. The study focused on identification, characterization and distribution of existing cultivars in three agro ecological zones. Methods of utilization were also determined. A total of 120 farmers, 40 traders and 10 extension and research officers were interviewed. The crop has a rich biodiversity. Twenty four different cultivars were identified by local names. They were distinguishable through tuber, stem, leaf and maturity characteristics. Farmer's preference for cultivars was based on yields, maturity period and ease to harvest. It was concluded that further work should be carried out to characterize cultivars at molecular level. . Yams were always grown as intercrops with other crops. No farm inputs were used other than farm yard manure. The crop matured within 4 to 36 months and yielded between 25-260kg per plant per year. The roots were primarily used in boiled form. Approximately 80% of farmers relied on oral literature for yam production and utilization. The crop appeared to have potential for provision of food security and income generation. It was concluded that knowledge on yam production and utilization with elderly members of the society should be harnessed and documented .
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    Gender Parity in the Smallholder Tea Sub-Sector in Imenti South District ,Kenya
    (KeMU, 2007-06) M'itunga, Albert Miriti
    Tea is an enterprise that utilizes a lot of labor. This study was conducted to compare women and men in ownership, production, and post production management of tea. The study was organized into two parts; one, covering ownership and production activities, and the other, post production management. It covered 104 registered smallholder tea farmers in three factory companies, one Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), and one hundred and fifty (150) public tea buying centers in Imenti South District. Women owned 1% of registered land parcels and 0.2% of the total land area. Approximately 25% of tea SACCO bank accounts were registered in their names. In terms of total productivity, there was no significant difference between farms owned by men or women. Women did more than twice the number of roles performed by men and spent more hours awake per day. However they spent fewer hours on tea. On an equal working day, women significantly picked more tea than men. They also provided the bulk of family labor as well as casual and overall total labor used for picking. Approximately 94% of total labor was sourced from the tea growing areas within Imenti South District, and 51 % was hired. Women were disadvantaged in the recruitment of directors, senior management staff, technical and skilled staff, and unskilled staff. There was no significant difference in gender for the factory office staff cadre. From the study results it is concluded that women were disadvantaged and the situation requires redress through specific policy changes in the sub sector.
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    An Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Coffee Production and Farmer Incomes in the Highlands of Mount Kenya
    (KeMU, 2007-05) Mutua, Joseph Mwiti
    Kenyan farmers face a lot of challenges in production and marketing of coffee. A field study was carried out in three districts in the highlands of Mount Kenya, a region which produces about 80% of the national coffee production where coffee production and farmer incomes have been declining for the last ten years. The objective of the study was to quantify changes in coffee production, quality, prices and farmers incomes. It was also to determine the interrelationships between production, quality, prices, farmer earnings and finally establish the influence of the trends in coffee production, quality, prices and payments on farmers and farmer organisations. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to coffee farmers, society executive management members, farmer organizations in Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru Central districts and also to government institutions, milling and marketing agents. A total of 137 representatives were interviewed. The study showed that the coffee industry in Kenya is affected negatively by production of low quality coffee, delayed payments, low farmer earnings, low coffee production, lack of use of farm inputs, long marketing chain, mismanagement of co¬operative societies, high prices of farm inputs and lack of credit facilities. Farmers felt that coffee earnings can be improved by shortening the marketing chain, availability of farming credit to coffee farmers, production of high quality coffee, and better management or the coffee cooperative societies. It was concluded that, the farmers require to produce high volumes of quality coffee. There is need to set a fund to avail affordable credit to farmers. Strategy for value addition and production of specialty coffee should be evolved in coffee marketing. A change of government policy in coffee production and marketing requires to be effected, in order to improve organizational coffee marketing structures. .
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    Socio-Economic and Related Technological Factors Influencing Productivity in the Smallholder Sub-Sector of the Kenya Tea Industry: A Case Study of Nandi District
    (KeMU, 2007-06) Kiprono, Paul Kiprop
    Tea continues to be one of the main foreign exchange earners in the Kenyan economy and the industry employ 75% of the rural population. It is composed of the large scale sub sector owned by the multinationals and the smallholder sub sector mainly owned by the local farmers. Tea production in the smallholder sub sector is still very low compared to the large scale/estate subsector. The low production in the sub sector has been attributed to several socio-economic and technological factors which include, poor labour utilization, low fertilizer application, low adoption of improved technologies, and low plant population among others. A study was carried out to identify the socio-economic and technological related factors which influence tea productivity in the smallholder sub sector of Nandi district. A field survey was carried out among 126 farmers who were randomly sampled from the list of registered tea growers in Chebut tea factory. Key informants were also identified and interviewed, data from the survey and secondary sources was analyzed, and the following were identified as the main socio-economic factors that influence tea productivity, low labor allocated to tea production, low number of tea bushes owned, and low proportion of land under tea where as low use of mineral fertilizer and low number of plucking rounds are the technical factors which do influence productivity. It was concluded that the factors that influence yield significantly include rate of fertilizer application, number of bushes owned by the farmer, amount of labor utilized and its efficiency. Other factors such as off-farm income, number of clones, proportion of land under tea and tea as a main income were not significant in explaining tea productivity in the catchment. It was recommended that proper system of remuneration should be developed to motivate and employ a higher percentage of the available family labor in tea production. The extension service department should sensitize farmers on proper fertilizer use. This study indicated that fertilizer application highly influenced productivity
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    Effects of Food Safety and Quality Standards on Smallholder Vegetable Farming in Meru Central District ,Kenya
    (KeMU, 2007-06) Mwoga, Gilbert Muthee
    Household interviews were conducted during the months of May to September 2006 covering eighty-five smallholder farmers operating in major vegetable growing areas of Meru Central District. The study was conducted to find out the current status of smallholder farming in relation to compliance with food safety and quality standards. Contract farming, membership in a marketing group and level of incomes from export crop influenced compliance to food safety and quality standards. However, households tended to diversify in and outside the farm as a way of spreading risks and consolidating incomes. There were alternative crop enterprises in cases of non¬conformity but this was dependent on the agro ecological zone. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has caused some positive changes in the sector. Despite uncertainty caused by implementation of "EUREPGAP", there has been a spill-over of benefits in the production of other crops. The stringent requirements have moved some players out of the business but the effect was nullified by new entries leading to an increase in production . It was concluded that the future of smallholder export vegetable farming is dependent on the influence of smallholder organization arrangement such as contract farming and marketing groups and earnings from the export vegetables. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has positively influenced the sector towards a more streamlined production and marketing
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    Relationship between Agricultural Practices and Incidence of Malaria in Small-Scale Farming Sector: Case Study of Meru Central District, Kenya
    (KeMU, 2007-06) Marete, Peninah Nkirote
    Abstract. A field study was carried out to investigate the relationship between incidence of malaria and agricultural practices in small-scale sector in three ecological zones of Meru Central District. Ninety farmers were interviewed on how they perceive malaria incidence in relation to agricultural activities. The perceived time of high incidence of malaria affects various farming activities. According to the farmers, the most affected activities were weeding and harvesting. Other affected activities were land preparation and planting. Significant associations were observed between incidence of malaria and irrigation, livestock grazing system, planting of bananas and proximity of crops and weeds to the house. In addition farmers associated malaria with consumption of some foods. The farm family was found to be affected by malaria illness in various other ways. These include high expenditure on medical bills, loss of productive time in sickness, sale of food and livestock to meet medical expenses, purchase of nets and other protective measures, social beliefs against some food products and absenteeism for school going children. It was concluded that malaria has a great impact on farming and that some farming practices influence incidence of the disease. The effects of irrigation, livestock system and bananas on incidence of malaria as well as the association with some foods should be investigated further to determine the nature and extent of the association.
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    Social Economic and Environmental Impact of Community Based Small Holder Irrigation: A Case Study of Kabaru Location, Nyeri
    (KeMU, 2007-06) Karimi, Barnabas Kinyua
    A field survey was carried out to establish the socio economic and environmental impact of community based smallholder irrigation in Kabaru a semi-arid region in the leeward side of Mount Kenya. The broad premise is that the introduction of an irrigation project in an area can increase agricultural production and serve as an engine of agricultural and general economic growth and development. A sample of 120 farmers from nine irrigation projects was used. The study attempted to identity the social, economic, technical and environmental constraints and has suggested possible mitigation measures. The study findings show that community based small-scale irrigation has increased agricultural diversity and the number of crops in a year. In general, it has increased horticultural production but reduced the capacity of food grain crops. Its environmental impact is reflected in degraded soils, deforestation, and increased health risks to farmers and farm workers. Generally, water extraction and use has been deregulated and misused. It was concluded that there is need for proper water pricing and management and adequate monitoring of the projects. It is important to track the subtle changes in soil and water quality for effective control of social and environmental problems that are so far observed. Providing adequate production resources to farmers is also critical in improving productivity in the irrigated farms.
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    Evaluation of the Factors that Determine the Success of Small Scale Retail Businesses:
    (KeMU, 2009-01) Gatobu, Rintaugu Mugwika
    ABSTRACT. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small-scale retail businesses within Meru Municipality. Small-scale retail businesses play a significant role in the country's economy. This sector provides goods and services and is also a driver in promoting competition and innovation; hence enhancing the enterprise culture, which is necessary for private sector development and industrialization. In this study small scale retail businesses are treated as MSE"s for purposes of this research. Many countries in the world have realized the importance of small-scale retail businesses and therefore are working to increase performance and competitiveness. This is necessary if the small - scale retail businesses can effectively respond to the challenges of creating productive and sustainable employment opportunities, promoting economic growth and poverty reduction. In Kenya, small scale retail businesses cut across all sectors of the country's economy and provide one of the most prolific sources of employment not to mention the breeding ground for medium and larger industries, which are critical industrialization today, these enterprises are found in every corner of Kenya they have great potential for creating a variety of jobs, while generating widespread economic benefits in order to enhance the capacity of small scale businesses to create durable and decent jobs, the government, in consultation with key stakeholders have reviewed a way forward for the millennium goals. It was in the light of the above that the study was designed to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small scale retail businesses. The scope of the study was limited to Meru Municipality. The location was chosen because it gave good representation of small scale retail businesses. The enterprises provided good characteristics and results of small-scale retail businesses. The research design for the study was a survey, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected, in order to evaluate the factors that determine the success of small scale retail businesses. The population of the study was small scale businesses operating within Meru municipality. The target respondents were owners of small scale retail businesses. Random sampling method were used, which realized a sample size of 265 businesses out of the 1325 registered retail businesses ,across all sectors of the total population. Questionnaires were the main data collection tool. Secondary data was from Meru municipal Council records. Analysis of the data used multiple regressions to check the relationship between the independent variables i.e. financial resources, external business environment, education, experience of entrepreneurs and dependent variable i.e. business profits. It was established that most of the retail businesses in Meru Municipality are Some of the major challenges these businesses face include lack of business skills, unfavorable governments polices and dynamic consumer behavior. Among the recommendations that the government should initiate are incentives to encourage the retail traders to train in basic business management skills, as this be achieved by liaising with prospects.
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    Impact of Performance Contracting in Public Service Delivery
    (KeMU, 2009-04) Kenneth, Ndungi Nduati
    ABSTRACT Public sector reforms have become the norm in the present world. This has been necessitated the poor performance of the state enterprises that have become a burden both financially and administratively. Tax payers have come out openly demanding the value for their money i.e. efficient, effective and ethical delivery of service to the citizens. In Kenya, these public sector reforms have been• embraced partly through signing of performance contracts. This research project looks at the impact of such performance contracts in the National Registration Bureau. The department charged with registering Kenyans of 18years and above in the former Meru Central District. It tries to find out whether "Not Previously Registered" figures increase with the signing of performance contracts. Not Previously Registered refers to Kenyans acquiring identity cards for the first time. It is also aimed at finding out whether there are other variables that the government can tap to enhance the "Not Previously Registered" figures. These independent variables include financial resources and events taking place like elections and referendums. The project encountered its own limitation when some data could not be found in the initially designed offices. This was overcome by consulting the National Registration Bureau Headquarters Nairobi, at an extra cost of time and money. The officers at the National Bureau Headquarters were hesitant to give the data until when permission was granted by the director. Justification of the project is outlined as well as the objective. The project encompasses both theoretical and empirical literature review, showing what other writers views on performance contracts are. Using secondary data from the North Imenti District Registrar's office, covering the period 1999 - 2008, and analyzing it using descriptive statistics, the research was able to identify the periods with high and low "Not Previously Registered" figures. During this period, Kenya has had 2 general elections and a referendum in 2005 factors that affect the performance of the department. It is during the later years of this period that the National Registration Bureau embraced use of performance contracts and this paper tried to establish if the 'NPR' figures go up with the signing of the PCs, thus better Public Service Delivery. The project sampled 49068 cases from a population of 135292 cases. Data presentation and analysis was done using bar graphs and percentages.