Determinants of rice production in Ahero irrigation scheme in Kisumu county, Kenya

Abstract

selected through simple random sampling. Primary data was obtained by questionnaires administration. Instrument Validity was tested using agricultural economists while reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha and the results showed a reliability coefficient of 0.709. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variables and the results indicated that the coefficient of fertilizer quantity is statistically significant at 5% (Coefficient = 0.624; p =0) while the levels of education (Coefficient -0.029; p = 0.521), farm size (Coefficient = 0.014; p = 0.802) and age (Coefficient = 0.115; p = 0.180), were not significant at 5%. The R2 = 0.34 meaning that 34% of the variation in output level is explained by the independent variables. F-statistics (coefficient= 19.837; p = 0.000) was significant at 5% implying that the chosen determinants are important in determining rice output. The study recommended that farmers should apply 31 to 40kgs/acre of fertilizer; more individuals with college education should join rice farming; area under rice cultivation should be increased and those with ages of 21 to 30 should be encouraged to join rice farming. This study may be significant in enhancing knowledge and understanding of the determinants of rice production which may help in prescription of policies designed to influence the efficiency of rice production.