Socio-Economic factors affecting Maize Production in Kapseret Sub-County, Kenya
Keywords:
Uasin-Gishu, Kapseret, Maize, Consumption and Small holderAbstract
Maize is a major staple food crop in Kenya and an important source of food and income for smallholder farmers. However, maize production among smallholder farmers remains relatively low. This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing maize production among smallholder farmers in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Data were collected from 326 smallholder maize farmers through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using a linear regression model to examine the relationship between selected socioeconomic factors and maize production. The results showed that land size, land preparation costs, amount of credit, on-farm income and extension services had statistically significant relationships with maize production. Land size had a positive and significant coefficient (β = 0.153, p < 0.001), while extension services also had a positive and significant coefficient (β = 0.069, p = 0.001). Amount of credit, on-farm income and land preparation costs were also positively and significantly associated with maize production. Gender and education level did not have statistically significant relationships with maize production. The regression model explained 82.9% of the variation in maize production and was statistically significant overall (F = 133.748, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that improving maize production requires greater access to productive land, affordable credit and effective extension services, while supporting farmers to manage production costs. Strengthening these areas could help smallholder farmers increase maize production and improve household livelihoods.
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