Smallholder rice production: A case study in the Kano plains.

Abstract

This study deals with smallholder rice production in the Kano plains in Kisumu District. It is an attempt to examine the various Socio-Economic factors influencing smallholder rice production. The study reveals that the study area is suitable for rice production, because of goodsoils and availability of water for irrigation, although for the good yields to be met those recommended factors have tc be taken seriousIy , Such factors include: (1) rainfall unreliability (2) age and sex of the farmer (3) women active participation (4) Size of land holdings (5) The cultivation of other crops apart from rice which significantly influence both the hectarage under rice and its productivity. (6) Lack of enough credit facilities (7) High illiteracy rate. However the potentiality of rice in this area is not to be doubted as the smallholder production and areal extent in existence has greatly contributed to the economic development of the study area and the individual farmer. Due to the above findings and conclusions it is recommended that the proper utilization of irrigation mechanism to help these smallholder farmers should be looked into. Extension services should be intensified accompanied by literacy compaigns and farmer's trainings. To the future academic researchers, the role of women should be fully investigated and broad agronomic and Socio-Economic factors should be undertaken s9 as to get an intergrated and a full analytical study.