Modeling Selection of Agro-Technologies: The Case of Legume-Cereal Crop Sequencing in Njoro Division of Nakuru District, Kenya

Abstract

Crop rotation technology involving cereals and legumes is beneficial to the overall crop soil environment. However, the profitability of the technology varies spatially by type of farming system. The objective of this study was to assess the economic viability of legume-cereal crop rotation technologies and their adoption potential amongst smallholder farmers in Njoro Division of Kenya's Nakuru District. Input and yield data for screening of legume-cereal technologies were obtained from the Egerton University Wheat/Chickpea Project. A structured questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of 45 households to collect primary farm-level data. Linear programming (LP) models were used to optimize existing activities and those from legume-cereal agronomic trials. Based on income differential between optimal and existing farm plans, legume-cereal crop sequencing would significantly contribute to smallholder farm income. Profitability of the legume crop was found important in determining the economically optimum rotation. The study recommends that the legume-maize/wheat rotation technology is economically viable with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and dolichos (Lablab purpurius L. (Sweet)) as the legumes. The coupling of agricultural technology with credit is recommended as the best strategy for smallholder agricultural development.


Keywords: Legume-cereal rotation, linear programming, technology adoption


[IJARD Vol.3 2002: 1-7]