Factors influencing yield of arrowroot production among small scale farmers: a case of Abothuguchi West Division, Meru Central, Kenya

Abstract

Arrowroot is a very. important crop that provides livelihood to many people inform of food security, income, employment creation, medicinal value and has potential for industrialization Estimated area under the crop in the world is 0.943 million hectares, with a production of 5,735 tons being grown by small scale farmers. Studies undertaken on arrowroot in other countries indicate that there are challenges in the crop production. In Kenya, farmers are increasing acreage under arrowroot, but the yield per unit remains low.

In light of this, the researcher carried out a descriptive survey using sample, to establish the factors influencing yield of arrowroot production among small scale farmers in Abothuguchi West division, Meru Central district, Kenya. Ninety six interviews were conducted using interview schedule and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with help of SPSS. Results established that overall the factors under study contribute to production of more of small tubers (63.3%) than large tubers (36.7010), Out of this, the respective factors influencing yield of arrowroot production are as follows: quality of propagation materials 37010 and 6JOIo; pure stand spacing 36.2% and 63.8%; pests and diseases damage 21.2% and 79.8%; harvest maturity indicators 41.4% and 58.6% excluding period of time to maturity of over twelve months and height of over90cm which produced only large tubers); and social cultural factors with 32% and 68% of large and small tubers respectively.

However, the lead factor with more small tubers was pest and disease damage (21.2% large tubers and 79.8% small tubers). The study concludes that the various factors influence yield of arrowroot production in varying degrees with more of small tubers than large tubers. There are recommendations for urgent intervention by all arrowroot value chain stakeholders to improve practice and development of the crop, which include scholars, researchers, extension agents and ministry of agriculture to design a policy to mitigate the constraining factors hindering improvement of yield of arrowroot production