ASSESSMENT OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION AS A CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICE IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Climate change negatively affects Kenya’s rainfed-based agriculture, especially in the country’s central region of Murang’a County, where a decline in yield of beans and maize has been linked with erratic rainfall and frequent drought episodes. Sustainable solutions include uptake of climate smart agriculture practices (CSAPs), such as cultivation of cassava, a crop that’s inherently hardy, requires minimal inputs and sustainably yield under harsh climatic conditions. Despite these benefits, adoption of cassava as a CSAP in Murang’a is still low and negligible. Through a cross-sectional survey of a total 246 respondents in cassava value chain, the present study examined the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) towards cassava as CSAP, the levels of production and utilization and factors affecting its cultivation in Murang’a County. A Likert scale of 1-5 revealed a moderate knowledge level (55.3%) and positive attitudes and perceptions (>75%) towards cassava. About 88% of the farmers cultivated cassava on <0.5 acre of land yielding mostly <1.0t/ha, thus indicating a subsistence production. Utilization involved direct household consumption (100%) and sale in local markets of value-added products. Only 30% carried out value addition thus limiting potential cassava commercialization. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the positive predictors of higher cassava production (≥1 ton/acre) were higher knowledge scores, positive attitudes towards cassava farming, higher education level, older age, and female-headed households. For cassava utilization, the significant predictors were higher knowledge scores and older age (55 years and above). Major barriers to cassava adoption included pests and disease management, lack of certified or clean planting materials, inadequate and costly extension services, inaccessible credit / loans and price fluctuations. Therefore, to scale up adoption of cassava farming as a CSAP, the present study recommends strengthening farmer training and extension services, promoting cassava value addition and market linkages, and improving access to certified planting materials, affordable credit, and effective pest and disease management to enhance cassava production and utilization.