A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

| Peer-Reviewed

A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi

Published in International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 8, Issue 3)

Received: 2 June 2023 Accepted: 20 June 2023 Published: 6 July 2023

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.

Published in	International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 8, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
Page(s)	46-58
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Green Gram, Climate Change, Adaptation Strategies, Yield, Technical Efficiency

References

[1]	Matiu, M., Ankerst, D. P., & Menzel, A. (2017). Interactions between temperature and drought in global and regional crop yield variability during 1961-2014. PloS one, 12 (5), e0178339.
[2]	Muoki, C. R., Maritim T. K., Oluoch, W. A., Kamunya, S. M., & Bore, J. K. (2020). Combating Climate Change in the Kenyan Tea Industry. Front. Plant Sci. 11: 339.
[3]	Osima, S. E., Indasi, V., Zaroug, M. A. H., Edris, H., Gudoshava, M., Misiani, H., Nimusiima, A., Anyah, R., Otieno, G., Ogwang, B. and Jain, S. (2018) Projected Climate over the Greater Horn of Africa under 1.5°C and 2°C Global Warming. Environmental Research Letters, 13, Article ID: 065004.
[4]	Serdeczny, O., Adams, S., Baarsch, Coumou D., Robinson A., Hare W., Schaeffer M., Perrette, M., & Reinhardt J. (2017). Climate change impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa: from physical changes to their social repercussions. Reg Environ Change 17, 1585-1600.
[5]	World Bank, (2020). Climate Risk Profile: Kenya.
[6]	Guntukula, R., & Goyari, P. (2022). How does the yield variability in rainfed crops respond to climate variables? Evidence from pulses yields in Telangana, India. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 12 (2), 262-280.
[7]	Mugo, J. W., Opijah, F. J., Ngaina, J., Karanja, F., & Mburu, M. (2020). Suitability of Green Gram Production in Kenya under Present and Future Climate Scenarios Using Bias-Corrected Cordex RCA4 Models. Agricultural Sciences, 11, 882-896.
[8]	Muriu A. (2019). Climate Smart Agriculture East Africa Program: Value Chain Analysis Report: Green gram, Kenya.
[9]	Bita, C. E., & Gerats, T. (2013). Plant tolerance to high temperature in a changing environment: scientific fundamentals and production of heat stress tolerant crops. Frontiers in Plant Science, 4: 273.
[10]	Mumo, L., Yu, J., & Fang, K. (2018). Assessing impacts of seasonal climate variability on maize yield in Kenya. International Journal of Plant Production, 12 (4), 297-307.
[11]	Aggarwal, P. & Singh, S. (2012). Climate Change Impact, Adaptation and Mitigation in Agriculture: Methodology for Assessment and Applications. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi., 16: 222-241.
[12]	Ahmed, M., Sameen, A., Parveen, H., Ullah, I., Fahad, S. & Hayat, R. (2023). Climate Change Impacts on Legume Crop Production and Adaptation Strategies. In Global Agricultural Production: Resilience to Climate Change (pp. 149-181). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
[13]	Ali, A., & Erenstein, O. (2017). Assessing farmer use of climate change adaptation practices and impacts on food security and poverty in Pakistan. Climate Risk Management, 16, 183-194.
[14]	Vijayasarathy, K., & Ashok, K. R. (2015). Climate adaptation in agriculture through technological option: determinants and impact on efficiency of production. Agricultural Economics Research Review, 28 (1), 103-116.
[15]	Hakim, R. O., Kinama, J., Kitonyo, O. M., & Chemining’wa, G. N. (2022). Effect of Tillage Method and Mulch Application on Growth and Yield of Green Gram in Semiarid Kenya. Advances in Agriculture, 2022.
[16]	Ray, L. I., Swetha, K., Singh, A. K., & Singh, N. J. (2023). Water productivity of major pulses–A review. Agricultural Water Management, 281, 108249.
[17]	Mwangi, H. G., Irene, W. G., Ooro, P. A., Githunguri, C., Esilaba, A. O., & Lusike, W. (2023). Changes of Soil Conditions and Maize Yield After Years of Conventional or Reduced Tillage on a Mollic Andosol. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 87 (1 & 2), 9-9.
[18]	Wang, X., Müller, C., Elliot, J., Mueller, N. D., Ciais, P., Jägermeyr, J.,... & Piao, S. (2021). Global irrigation contribution to wheat and maize yield. Nature Communications, 12 (1), 1235.
[19]	Degani, O., Gordani, A., Becher, P., Chen, A., & Rabinovitz, O. (2022). Crop rotation and minimal tillage selectively affect maize growth promotion under late wilt disease stress. Journal of Fungi, 8 (6), 586.
[20]	Adzawla, W., & Alhassan, H. (2021). Effects of climate adaptation on technical efficiency of maize production in Northern Ghana. Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer. Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 9 (1), pages 1-18, December.
[21]	County Government of Kenya (CGoK) (2018). County integrated development plan 2018–2022. Kenya: County Government of Tharaka Nithi.
[22]	Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), (2019). Kenya population and housing census. Population by county and sub-county. Nairobi: Government Printer.
[23]	Singh, K. K. (2022). Research Methodology in Social Science. KK Publications.
[24]	Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Age International.
[25]	Battese, G. E., & Coelli, T. J. (1995). A model for technical inefficiency effects in a stochastic frontier production function for panel data. Empirical economics, 20, 325-332.
[26]	Kalele, D. N., Ogara, W. O., Oludhe, C., & Onono, J. O. (2021). Climate change impacts and relevance of smallholder farmers’ response in arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya. Scientific African, 12, e00814.
[27]	Lu, J., Carbone, G. J., Huang, X., Lackstrom, K., & Gao, P. (2020). Mapping the sensitivity of agriculture to drought and estimating the effect of irrigation in the United States, 1950–2016. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 292, 108124.
[28]	Sundareswaran, S., Ray Choudhury, P., Vanitha, C., & Yadava, D. K. (2023). Seed Quality: Variety Development to Planting—An Overview. Seed Science and Technology: Biology, Production, Quality, 1-16.
[29]	Jena, B., Nayak, R., Bhol, R., & Sahoo, S. (2022). Soil and Foliar Application of Molybdenum on Yield, Biochemical Quality of Green Gram (Vigna Radiata L.) Grown in Fe Rich Soils. Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 51 (4), 689-696.
[30]	Tursun, A. O. (2022). Effect of foliar application of seaweed (organic fertilizer) on yield, essential oil and chemical composition of coriander. Plos one, 17 (6), e0269067.
[31]	Nikam, V., Ashok, A., & Pal, S. (2022). Farmers' information needs, access and its impact: Evidence from different cotton producing regions in the Maharashtra state of India. Agricultural Systems, 196, 103317.
[32]	Musafiri, M., Kiboi, M., Macharia, J., Ng'etich, K., Okoti, M., Mulianga, B... & Ngetich, K. (2022). Does the adoption of minimum tillage improve sorghum yield among smallholders in Kenya? A counterfactual analysis. Soil and Tillage Research, 223, 105473.
[33]	Morugán-Coronado, A., Linares, C., Gómez-López, M. D., Faz, Á., & Zornoza, R. (2020). The impact of intercropping, tillage and fertilizer type on soil and crop yield in fruit orchards under Mediterranean conditions: A meta-analysis of field studies. Agricultural Systems, 178, 102736.
[34]	Lv, L., Gao, Z., Liao, K., Zhu, Q., & Zhu, J. (2023). Impact of conservation tillage on the distribution of soil nutrients with depth. Soil and Tillage Research, 225, 105527.
[35]	Das, S. K., Karki, T. B., Gyawaly, P., Neupane, R., Bhattrai, R. K., Kaduwal, S., & Chaulagain, B. (2022). Regenerative Agriculture and its Prospects in Nepal: A Review. Agronomy Journal of Nepal, 6, 95-102.
[36]	Krishnaveni, S. A., Supriya, C., & Sridhar, S. M. (2021). Impact of foliar nutrition on the yield and economics of greengram (Vigna radiata). International Journal of Chemical Studies, 9 (2), 11-13.
[37]	Saleem, S. & Khan, S. (2023). Phyto-interactive impact of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles and Rhizobium pusense on morpho-physiological and yield components of greengram. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 194, 146-160.
[38]	Ji, I., Vitale, J. D., Vitale, P. P., & Adam, B. D. (2023). Technical efficiency of US Western Great Plains wheat farms using stochastic frontier analysis. Journal of Applied Economics, 26 (1), 2178798.
[39]	Bakare, A. Y., Ogunleye, A. S., & Kehinde, A. D. (2023). Impacts Of Microcredit Access On Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Adoption And Rice Yield In Kwara State, Nigeria. World Development Sustainability, 100047.
[40]	Lejissa, L. T., Wakjira, F. S., Tanga, A. A., & Etalemahu, T. Z. (2023). Smallholders' Conservation Agriculture Adoption Decision in Arba Minch and Derashe Districts of Southwestern Ethiopia. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2023.
[41]	Muchomba, M. K., Muindi, E. M., & Mulinge, J. M. (2023). Overview of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Crop, Its Economic Importance, Ecological Requirements and Production Constraints in Kenya. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 24 (2), 1-11.
[42]	Gautam, P. V., Mansuri, S. M., Prakash, O., Patel, A., Shukla, P., & kushwaha, H. L. (2023). Agricultural Mechanization for Efficient Utilization of Input Resources to Improve Crop Production in Arid Region. In Enhancing Resilience of Dryland Agriculture Under Changing Climate: Interdisciplinary and Convergence Approaches (pp. 689-716). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
[43]	Kitheka, D. M. (2023). Identification and validation of African indigenous knowledge practices on management of crop pests in Kitui West sub-county (Doctoral dissertation).
[44]	Naik, B. M., Singh, A. K., Roy, H., & Maji, S. (2023). Assessing the Adoption of Climate Resilient Agricultural Technologies by the Farmers of Telangana State. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 59 (1), 81-85.
[45]	Chaudhary, R. S., & Dhakal, S. (2023). Weed Management in Pulses: Overview and Prospects.
[46]	Rawat, D. K., Khan, M. A., Kumar, A., Prasad, J., Prajapati, S. K., & Prajapati, B. K. (2023). Response of Different Levels of Salicylic Acid on Growth Characteristics, Chlorophyll Content, Yield Attributes and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) under Rainfed Condition. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13 (3), 232-242.
[47]	Tanti, P. C., & Jena, P. R. (2023). Perception on climate change, access to extension service and energy sources determining adoption of climate-smart practices: A multivariate approach. Journal of Arid Environments, 212, 104961.
[48]	Halder, A., Poddar, R., Dey, A., Kundu, R., & Patra, S. K. (2022). Frequency of Irrigation and Boron on Growth, Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Economics of Summer Green Gram in Humid Sub-Tropical Climate. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 53 (2), 180-198.
[49]	He, G., Wang, Z., & Cui, Z. (2020). Managing irrigation water for sustainable rice production in China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 245, 118928.
[50]	Auci, S., Barbieri, N., Coromaldi, M., & Vignani, D. (2021). Innovation for climate change adaptation and technical efficiency: an empirical analysis in the European agricultural sector. Economia Politica, 38, 597-623.
[51]	Tilahun (2021). The cost and benefit analysis of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder crop producers in the case of Sekela district, West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia, Cogent Economics & Finance, 9: 1, 1999590.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. (2023). A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 8(3), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2023, 8(3), 46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2023;8(3):46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13,
  author = {Mathenge Beatrice Mugure and Gathungu Geofrey Kingori and Dennis K. Muriithi},
  title = {A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {8},
  number = {3},
  pages = {46-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  abstract = {Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
AU  - Mathenge Beatrice Mugure
AU  - Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
AU  - Dennis K. Muriithi
Y1  - 2023/07/06
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 46
EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
AB  - Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure

Department of AGEC, AGBM & AGED, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Gathungu Geofrey Kingori

Department of Plant Sciences, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Dennis K. Muriithi

Department of Physical Sciences, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. (2023). A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 8(3), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2023, 8(3), 46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2023;8(3):46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13,
  author = {Mathenge Beatrice Mugure and Gathungu Geofrey Kingori and Dennis K. Muriithi},
  title = {A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {8},
  number = {3},
  pages = {46-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  abstract = {Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
AU  - Mathenge Beatrice Mugure
AU  - Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
AU  - Dennis K. Muriithi
Y1  - 2023/07/06
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 46
EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
AB  - Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download