An analysis of factors affecting smallholder mixed farming activities, performance and interactions in Wundanyi location, Taita district, Kenya

Abstract

Principal component analysis was used to analyze data collected from a dynamic study of thirty mixed dairy-crop farmers. The study was undertaken for II months over two rainy seasons to analyze the major production factors affecting the smallholder mixed farming in this area. The major factors were identified as own and hired labour, cost of inputs, price of milk, milk marketing distance and herd number dynamics. F~rlT1 output. sales and income and cattle characteristics and management were the most important factors influencing the activities, performance and interactions of the system