Effect of farmer production management skills on status of Economic stimulus aquaculture projects in Kisumu west constituency, Kisumu county, Kenya

Abstract

Food and nutrition insecurity is a concern for the Kenyan government. As a result, various policy interventions have over time been implemented to deal with food and nutrition challenges within the country. Economic Stimulus program is one such intervention with specific objectives to create employment opportunities, improve nutritional status of the constituents and contribute towards rural development across the 140 selected constituencies, Kisumu West Constituency being amongst them. Despite the significant investment of resources by government, small holder aquaculture production showed a decline both nationally and within the area of study. Production within area of study was below the national average despite having suitable conditions alongside farmers being trained and capacity built on pond management skills. This awakened the necessity to establish the effect of farmer production management skills on the status of the Economic Stimulus aquaculture projects in Kisumu West Constituency, Kisumu County, Kenya. The study’s specific objectives were to: evaluate the influence of resource mobilization on production of aquaculture, assess the effect of farmer acquisition of pond management skills on the status of aquaculture, and determine the effect of post-harvest interventions on the income earned through aquaculture. The study results could inform stakeholders as agents to come up with appropriate corrective measures to address the emerging issues affecting aquaculture performance. A total of 389 farmers were administered with questionnaires in person, through the snowball sampling method from a population of 417 farmers. A descriptive research design was employed through a survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data was collected using questionnaire, key informant interviews and observation. Secondary data was collected from peer-reviewed publications, and journals. Quantitative data generated frequency tables, then analyzed to percentages, mean, Chi-square, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the variables. Qualitative data was coded to create themes and categories. Thematic analysis was done for themes and contingency tables developed for categories. The analyzed results were then presented using text, tables, pictorials and graphs. Personal-financed farms experienced better production levels and fewer dropout rates compared to those funded by the government. Though farmers were trained on pond management skills at the initiation stage, subsequent training and capacity building by extension officers was not satisfactorily done to ensure farmer acquisition of the required skills. At 0.05 confidence level, the Chi-square values on farm status and predator identification, early disease detection, feeding, record management, pricing, storage, and value addition showed dependence hence the need for enhanced training. At 0.05 confidence level, the Chi-square values on farm status and cold storage, funds to restock, sourcing for the market, and value addition evidenced dependence, directly affecting fish pricing. The study recommends the establishment of the best management practice and capacity-building on pond management skills, and the creation of improved marketing infrastructure for the farmers. The County Government should increase budgetary allocation for aquaculture and enlist extension officers for in-service training on aquaculture professional development and capacity building. The study results would be beneficial to planners and policy makers for management and implementation of future projects and interventions