http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/190 2026-06-09T05:50:28Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2754 ANALYSING THE POTENTIAL OF CARBON FARMING FOR INCOME IMPROVEMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA. KIPROP, JOHN Smallholder farmers in Kenya face the dual challenge of declining soil fertility and increasing vulnerability to climate change, both of which constrain agricultural productivity and household income. However, sustainable carbon farming presents an opportunity to enhance income generation through carbon trade while improving household incomes. Despite its potential, limited awareness and access to climate information hinder its full realization. This study addressed this practical problem by quantitatively examining how socio-economic factor influencing climate information for carbon farming, potential of agroforestry in generating carbon incomes, efficiency of water harvesting and management practices towards drought resilience, effect of minimal land tillage for better crop productivity and improved household livelihoods influence carbon-farming among smallholder farmers in Eldama Ravine and Baringo Central Sub- counties, Baringo county, Kenya. The study adopted a correlation design and utilized a mixed-methods approach combining structured household surveys (n = 374), field observations, and key-informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with heteroskedasticity standard errors, supported by descriptive and diagnostic tests for classical OLS assumptions. The dependent variable Carbon Farming was constructed from four measurable indicators: access to climate information, perceived carbon income, efficiency of water harvesting and management practices towards drought resilience, and effect of minimal land tillage for better crop productivity and improved household livelihoods. Empirical results demonstrated strong model performance and significant predictive capacity across all objective-specific models. The pooled regression model achieved an adjusted R² = 0.608 and F = 189.875 (p = 0.000), confirming that approximately 61% of variation in carbon-farming could be explained by the combined effects of the independent variables. Socio-economic variables such as Gender (β = 0.014, p = 0.048), (β = 0.021, p = 0.058), and household income (β = 0.062, p = 0.007) emerged as significant determinants of climate information for carbon farming, suggesting that human capital and resource endowments substantially shape farmers’ ability to adopt and sustain carbon-farming. Agroforestry, Indigenous drought tolerant agroforestry trees, Exotic drought tolerant agroforestry trees, Fruit farming and Fodder trees statistically significantly predicted Carbon incomes with R 2 = 0.545, while Water harvesting and management practices, Spring restoration and protection, Riparian restoration and protection, and Roof water harvesting statistically . R 2 = 0.681, p-values for all variable pairs exceed 0.05 indicating that the assumption of homoscedasticity was met. These findings confirm that practical, low-cost interventions yield measurable carbon and productivity benefits. The aggregated analysis further estimated an average perceived carbon income of 56.98 (KSh. 7,407.4) per month, underscoring the economic potential of verified carbon-credit participation for rural livelihoods. In conclusion, carbon farming offers a viable income-generating opportunity for smallholder farmers in Baringo County, but its success depends on improved climate information access and targeted awareness efforts. The study recommends capacity building on agroforestry and carbon farming, distribution of tree seedlings to farmers, and sensitization programs on carbon trading. Additionally, gender-sensitive approaches should be integrated into agricultural extension services to bridge the gender gap in climate information access and empower women in decision-making. Strengthening climate information dissemination channels and enhancing extension services will be crucial in optimizing the benefits of carbon farming and improving household incomes in the region. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2742 AN ASSESSMENT ON TRAINING OF SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY AFFECTS HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY YATOR, MARGARET Food security revolves around the availability, access, and intake of nutritious food. Therefore, to realize food security, trainings for farmers is often encouraged to enhance productivity. However, most small-scale farmers often rely on their traditional knowledge and patterns for farming. The main purpose of this research was to examine the establishment of a relationship between training small-scale farmers and food security and evaluate training carried out in Moiben sub-county with the aim of improving household food security status. The specific objectives were to establish the effectiveness of food production training on food security among small-scale farmers, to examine the effectiveness of financial literacy training on food security of small- scale farmers and to determine the effectiveness of adoption of agricultural technologies on food security of small-scale farmers in Moiben sub-county and socioeconomic factors influencing food security. The study adopted a mixed-methods design focusing on positivism philosophy. The target population was 10,869 small-scale farmers from which a sample size of 385 small-scale farmers within Moiben sub-county was derived. The instrument for collecting data used for the research was a questionnaire which contained items to address each objective and was able to measure household food security status using food insecurity experience-based measurement scale. The findings of food insecurity status showed that the prevalence rate for severity and moderate severe food insecurity were 40.062% and 58.74% respectively. Research experts checked validity, while reliability test was performed by use of Cronbach Alpha test and the result of reliability was set at a level of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 29. Inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was performed to test hypotheses. Descriptive data was presented in tables, figures and pie charts, while inferential statistics was presented using multiple linear regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically as per objective as they emerged. Results indicated that, training small-scale farmers on food production improved food security by 0.036 units, increase in one unit of financial literacy increased food security by 0.102 units and increase in one unit of the adoption of agricultural technologies decreased food security by 0.000824units.Statistical significance indicated the F- ratio using Analysis of variance that training on food production, financial literacy and adoption of technologies was statistically significant at a value of P ≤ 0.05. Further, correlation analysis was conducted between socio- economic and food security was conducted education level positively correlated with food security with a value of 0.151 indicated a significant value of P ≥ 0.05. The findings are significant with regard to increasing the information available on food security to small-scale farmers where agriculture institutions act as resource centers such as KALRO (Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organization), Ministry of Agriculture, academic institutions such as Universities and Colleges, and Journals. The study recommends more training session and diversity of information on areas to be trained, which directly influence food security such as new technology, and adequate awareness about the training to be conducted among small-scale farmers. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2724 MARKET ACCESSIBILITY AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY: THE CASE OF KEIYO NORTH SUB- COUNTY, KENYA KANGOGO, LILIAN Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) is increasingly regarded as a sustainable agricultural enterprise with notable social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is considered a promising strategy for improving food and nutritional security, fostering gender inclusion, and reducing poverty in rural Kenya, particularly in counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet. Due to their adaptability, low input requirements, and cultural acceptability, IC are well-suited for smallholder farmers. However, market access for IIC products remains fragmented and transient. This study evaluated the accessibility of IIC markets and adoption levels among smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County, focusing on Keiyo North Sub- County across three topographic zones. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 816 farmers, with 371 sampled using stratified sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and regression analysis. The findings revealed that 76% of respondents had access to breed information, and adoption was significantly associated with factors such as education, gender, household size, and agriculture-based income. While most farmers practiced regular feeding, the high cost of commercial feeds (reported by 68.1%), disease burden, and limited veterinary access constrained productivity. Only 45% had direct contact with poultry buyers, and market prices varied significantly by location and season. PCA results demonstrated a strong relationship between market access and the adoption of improved IIC practices, underlining the role of structured markets and extension services in enhancing uptake. Economic Resources (β = 0.314) had the strongest positive influence, suggesting that farmers with greater financial capacity, land, and education were more likely to adopt improved practices. Production Practices (β = 0.278) and Market Access (β = 0.211) also had significant positive effects, emphasizing the importance of technical knowledge and access to reliable markets. Disease Control (β = 0.167), though relatively weaker, remained a significant factor, highlighting the need for enhanced veterinary extension and vaccination programs. Despite the potential of IIC farming to boost household income, nutrition, and resilience to climate shocks, barriers such as unstructured markets, limited access to market information, and inadequate disease control reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends that county governments intensify extension outreach, support local feed formulation, improve veterinary services, and structure poultry markets to scale adoption and maximize the socio-economic benefits of improved indigenous chicken farming. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2722 ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME FROM FARM GATE DRY MAIZE GRAIN SALES AMONG SMALL-SCALE MAIZE FARMERS IN KEIYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA YANO, ANDREW The growth rate in the agricultural sector has been slow in recent times, as shown in the national governments’ bulletins on the performance of various agricultural sub-sectors. Farm gate maize prices have been unstable and sometimes fluctuate to levels too low to cover farmers’ production costs, sparking much debate. This has exposed maize farmers in Keiyo North Sub-County to skewed pricing mechanisms that sometimes work against them. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the economic Determinants of household income from farm gate dry maize grain sales among small-scale maize farmers in Keiyo North Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine how socioeconomic, marketing, institutional, and pricing factors affect household income among small-scale maize farmers. The study was guided by the Random Utility Maximization (RUM) theory, and both descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were used. Data was collected from a sample of 232 small-scale maize farmers out of a target population of 4,107 farmers, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was done with questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple Linear Regression was employed to analyze objectives one to four. Descriptive results showed that 46.9% of the small-scale maize farmers were aged 41 to 50 years. About 31.13% had attained primary education. Further, 41.51% had between 5 and 10 years of farming experience. The average land size under maize was 2 acres. The mean annual maize output per acre was 41 bags, with an average of 33 bags sold. The average price of a 90 kg bag of maize was Ksh 2,993. Over half (57.55%) of the farmers belonged to groups, 50.47% had access to extension services, 67.92% did not access credit, and 78.77% had access to market information. The regression analysis on socio-economic factors revealed that age, education level, and land size were statistically significant at the 1% level, with positive coefficients of 0.604, 0.782, and 0.308, respectively. Farming experience was significant at the 5% level with a positive coefficient of 0.329. Marital status and family size were significant at the 5% and 1% levels, with negative coefficients of 0.281 and 0.098, respectively. The analysis of marketing factors indicated that maize output and maize price were significant at the 1% level, with positive coefficients of 0.003 and 0.015. Regarding institutional factors, group membership, credit access, and extension access were significant at the 1% level, with positive coefficients of 2.723, 2.999, and 1.595. Pricing factors showed that maize sales and maize price were significant at the 1% level, with coefficients of 0.001 and 0.018. Access to market information was significant at the 5% level, with a positive coefficient of 0.282. Consequently, the researcher concluded that improving farmer education and strengthening household farming skills through extension services would increase maize production and, ultimately, household income. Additionally, increasing market information would help farmers sell their maize at favorable prices, and allocating more land for maize cultivation could boost output, thereby improving farmers&#39; welfare through higher income. Improving road infrastructure would also help farmers access markets more easily, lower transportation costs, and leave more money in their pockets. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2718 FACTORS DRIVING THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED CASSAVA CULTIVARS IN TESO SOUTH, BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA ’ OBONG’O, ERICK Cassava&#39;s significance as a food crop is underscored by its ability to thrive in poor soils, withstand drought, and tolerate marginal conditions where other crops might fail. Despite its recognized importance and the introduction of improved cultivars, cassava output in Busia County remains poor. This study analysed the social, economic and institutional factors driving the adoption of improved cassava cultivars among 167 smallholder farmers in Busia County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: document the level of adoption of improved cassava cultivars among smallholder farmers in Teso South, Busia County; determine the challenges facing cassava production among smallholder farmers in Teso South, Busia County; investigate farmers’ perceptions of improved cassava varieties among smallholder farmers in Teso South, Busia County and determine the social, economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of improved cassava cultivars among smallholder farmers in Teso South, Busia County. Data was collected from the sampled farmers using a multistage sampling procedure in six wards. A Binary Logit model was used to investigate the effect of the selected social, economic and institutional factors on the adoption of improved cassava cultivars. Majority 127(76.0%) of the respondents indicated that they had not adopted improved cassava cultivars on their farms. A high prevalence of pests and diseases (65.9%) constituted the major challenge. Education level (p = 0.001), group membership (p = 0.001), and extension visits (p = 0.007) are highly significant, with each positively affecting adoption rates. Higher income (p = 0.010) also increases the likelihood of adoption. Additionally, gender (p = 0.045) and involvement in other farming activities (p = 0.029) are significant, indicating that active engagement in farming positively impact adoption. Farmers’ perceptions through cultivation techniques, input costs, ease of innovation implementation and farmers’ opinions through peer experiences significantly emerged as practical factors driving adoption. The results revealed that the average farm size in Teso South is 2 acres (48.2%), while that set aside for cassava cultivation by households is 0.25 acres (66.4%). To achieve effective adoption in Busia County, it is crucial to develop strategies that create affordable access to improved cassava cultivars. The roles of extension agents, along with a solid understanding of adoption theories, constraints to adoption, and the determinants of adoption, should be integrated into the social system of smallholder farmers through improved institutional support. Policies should be enacted to enhance access to affordable inputs, strengthen extension and farmer groups, promote gender inclusive interventions, and encourage youth participation to improve adoption and productivity in cassava farming. The study acknowledges potential methodological limitations such as recall bias and unobserved confounding variables, which may have implications for the robustness of the findings. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2642 ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF DAIRY COW MILK PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MARAKWET EAST SUB-COUNTY, ELGEYO-MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA CHELANGA, RICHARD KAINO Dairy farming remains a major economic backbone in Kenya, contributing food and income to the households of many small-scale farmers. In Marakwet East Sub-County, however, annual milk production has plateaued at approximately 25 metric tonnes of milk despite concerted improvement efforts in recent decades. The average milk production per cow per day between 2016 and 2021 was 5.52-5.75 liters against a national potential of 10-12 liters per day achievable under optimal dairy farming conditions. This study’s specific objectives were to determine socio-economic, technological, farm production, and institutional factors influencing dairy cow milk production among small-scale dairy farmers in Marakwet East Sub-County. Production and resource allocation theories guided the study while descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were adopted. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire from 230 small-scale dairy farmers through purposive, stratified, and systematic random sampling techniques. Secondary data was collected from existing records. Multiple Linear regression model and Cobb-Douglas production functions (double log-linear form) were used to analyze data. Descriptive results revealed that the mean age of the small-scale dairy farmers was 47 years, owned on average 3.3 acres of land, with 16.8 years of farming experience, and earning an average annual farmer income of KShs. 91,938. Multiple linear regression results revealed that a unit increase in the level of education, family/household size, farmer’s experience, and total farmer’s income positively affected dairy cow milk production by 60.2%, 109.1%, 131.1%, and 112.2%, respectively. Technological factors like artificial Insemination, deworming services, high-yielding fodder/pasture, improved feeds, and improved dairy breeds positively affected milk production by 69%, 68.4%, 183.4%, 178% and 167.2% respectively. Further, results revealed that a unit increase in the type of land tenure system, access to extension services and credit facilities, and membership in farmer organizations had a positive influence on milk production by 45%, 172.4%, 190.4% and 105.6%, respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function results revealed that a unit increase in farm size, capital, type of dairy breed, farming system, access to veterinary services, and quality feeds positively influenced milk production by 21.51%, 82.37%, 46.23%, 89.97%, 82.60% and 108.23%, respectively. To enhance dairy milk production, the study recommends strategies that encourage farmers to direct their resources toward securing high-quality feeds and improving their farming systems, promoting interventions and activities geared towards the adoption of technologies that improve milk production, such as access to credit facilities, subsidies, or micro financing programs to boost farmers' capital, and enhance veterinary care and education. Additionally, policymakers should encourage the adoption of high-yielding breeds through subsidies and breeding programs. There is need to improve access to quality feeds, farming system, and capital to boost milk production. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2641 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF INPUT SUBSIDY ON POTATO PRODUCTION, PRODUCTIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MARAKWET WEST SUB- COUNTY, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA Kibor, Ben Agricultural input subsidies are widely promoted to improve access to critical farm inputs such as fertilizers and certified seeds, especially among resource-constrained smallholder farmers in developing countries. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the extent to which such subsidies impact productivity, profitability, and technology adoption among Potato farmers in Kenya. This study evaluated the influence of agricultural input subsidies on the livelihoods of smallholder Potato farmers in Marakwet West Sub-county. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of subsidies on Potato yields, determine their influence on profitability, and examine their role in the adoption of improved production technologies. The study was guided by the Theory of Production and the Cobb-Douglas production function, applying both descriptive and explanatory research designs. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 372 smallholder farmers from a target population of 5,499, from whom data were collected using structured questionnaires. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, the Cobb-Douglas model, and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that 58.0% of farmers received subsidized fertilizers, averaging 537 kg per household, while 83.1% received subsidized Potato seeds, averaging 1,600 kg. Most farmers received fertilizer and seed subsidies once per year, indicating limited seasonal coverage. The average yield of Potato was 9.8 t/ha without subsidies, increasing to 17.1 t/ha with fertilizer subsidy, 12.9 t/ha with seed subsidy, and 21.8 t/ha when both subsidies were received. Profitability also followed a similar trend, with net returns above total variable cost increasing from Kshs 145,764 (31%) without subsidies to Kshs 458,439 (56%) with fertilizer subsidy, Kshs 291,364 (47%) with seed subsidy, and Kshs 718,564 (69%) with both. However, only 32.2% of farmers adopted certified potato production technologies despite the availability of subsidies. Regression analysis showed that agricultural subsidies significantly influenced potato yield (R2 = 0.714, P < 0.01), profitability, and technology adoption. Fertilizer quantity (β = 0.679, P < 0.001), seed quantity (β = 0.481, P = 0.012), and combined subsidy access (β = 1.315, P < 0.001) were the most influential predictors driving observed improvements. The study concludes that fertilizer and seed subsidies are effective in improving yields, profitability, and the uptake of certified agricultural technologies, thereby contributing positively to farmer livelihoods. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government enhance the reach, targeting, and consistency of input subsidy programs, including increasing access to both fertilizers and certified potato seeds. There is also a need to support research on high-yielding, drought- and disease-resistant potato varieties, and strengthen market access through the elimination of brokers and improved farm-to-market linkages. For future research, longitudinal studies are suggested to evaluate the long-term livelihood effects of input subsidies, particularly on income stability and food security. Further studies should examine gender- disaggregated impacts of subsidies and assess the efficiency of digital delivery systems such as e-vouchers in enhancing transparency and accountability in subsidy distribution. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2528 THE EVALUATION OF IRISH POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS OF MARAKWET WEST, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA Cheruiyot, Joyce Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is a major food and cash crop in the Kenyan highlands like Elgeyo Marakwet county. It is widely grown by smallholder farmers and it contribute to food security, rural employment, and household income. Despite the crop potential, productivity remains low due to limited access to improved technologies, poor seed quality, pests and diseases and inadequate market linkages. A survey was conducted in Moiben/ Kuserwo, Cherang’any/ Chebororwa, Lelan and Kapsowar ward in Marakwet West SubCounty. The study evaluates potato production technologies among farmers in Marakwet West Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to:(i) describe socioeconomic characteristics of potato farmers, (ii) identify potato production practices and technologies used, (iii) assess the perception of farmers on suitability of potato varieties adopted and, (iv) assess the extent to which potato production technologies affect yield. The study employed a descriptive research design using structured questionnaires, interview schedules, and field observations. Data was collected from a sample of 173 selected potato farmers and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 62% of the farmers were male, aged 41-50 years, had potato growing experience of less than 5 years, attained secondary level of education, were members of Cooperative society and operating on land size of below 5 acres. Besides, most farmers were not trained in potato production technologies, but were implementing the technologies. Moreover, the household head determined the decision on to the application of the technology. While improved technologies such as certified seed use, fertilizer, and pest and disease management among others were known, adoption remained partial due to high input costs, and weak extension support. It was also established that, farmers were not using the certified seed but instead they majorly sourced seeds from other farms. This is because the seeds were either not available to them, expensive, or lacked information about them. From this study, it was also concluded that, Shangi potato variety was grown by majority of the farmers in the region because of its first maturity rate, it is of high yield, and good market demand. Tigoni, Asante and Kerr’s Pink were potato varieties grown by very small group of farmers (5%). In the regression model, it is shown that the model is significant at 5% level. This indicates that the independent variables predict the dependent variable. The R Square is 0.312, meaning that 31.2% of the variance in the yield of potato is explained by education, gender, visit by extension, technology implementation and others. From the study only few variables were run hence the low R square. The study recommends enhancing extension services, improving access to affordable inputs and, promoting farmer preferred sustainable technologies. These measures would increase productivity, strengthen household incomes and contribute to food security. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1229 ANALYSIS OF WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ALTERNATIVE LOCAL READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOOD FOR MALNUTRITION MANAGEMENT IN WESTERN KENYA BARASA, AUGUSTINE WAFULA Malnutrition still remains to be a major hurdle in Western Kenya with mortality rates of children under the age of 5 standing at 64 deaths per 1000 live births; higher than the national average of 52 deaths per 1000 live births. Ready‐to‐use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) have been proven to be one successful intervention for management of malnutrition. These are macronutrient and energy dense foods that have been fortified with minerals and vitamins. They also do not require any preparation before use, are easy to store and can easily be preserved from bacterial contamination. Despite their enormous benefits, most communities in Western Kenya have been unable to access the RUTFs. Currently, they are no indigenously local made RUTF that meet the required criteria in Kenya despite its potential. Research has shown that there is potential for the production of a local RUTFs bearing in mind that most of the ingredients are grown locally in Western Kenya. However, little is known about the consumer acceptability of a local Ready-to-use foods and the monetary value attached to it in Western Kenya. This prompted this study which aimed at establishing the willingness to pay of consumers for an alternative local Ready-to-use therapeutic foods and the price they would attach to the product. The utility maximization framework guided this study. It postulates that consumers make decisions on what to purchase with the goal of maximizing their expected utility. The study employed a household survey on 383 respondents residing in Bungoma and Busia County who use the current RUTFs. Questionnaire were used in collecting primary data on factors, challenges and willingness to pay for alternative local RUTFs. It covered respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the respondents’ socio economic status and willingness to pay. The effect of socio-economic status, RUTFs consumption frequency and Household dietary diversity score on the consumer willingness to pay and price was assessed using Cragg’s double hurdle model. The willingness to pay for a local alternative RUTFs was high at 252 out of 400 respondents accounting for 63 percent. Among the challenges experienced in accessing the existing RUTFs were high transportation costs (33.3 percent), Shortages in stock (29.6 percent), Stigmatization (22.2 percent), harassment from harsh hospital staff (6.4 percent), frequent illness (6.2 percent) and long queues in the RUTFs dissemination centres (1.2 percent). Gender, Monthly income, HDDS, Size of Household and Marital Status were found to positively influence the WTP while frequency of consumption of RUTFs negatively and significantly affected WTP. Gender was positively significant to price of an alternative local RUTFS while distance to dissemination center a negative influence on the price of an alternative local RUTFs. The study therefore recommends increased investments and policy support for increasing production of a local RUTFs to satisfy the demand and ultimately manage malnutrition in Western Kenya. Furthermore, ingredients used in production of RUTFs should be sourced locally creating a marketing opportunity for the locals to the producers of RUTFs and hence economically benefit the locals. The socio economic characteristics, specifically the Gender of respondent, HDDS, Monthly income, Size of Household, Frequency of RUTFs use and marital status should be considered when developing a marketing mix for the product. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1119 QUALITY LEAF AND SEED PRODUCTION OF VINE SPINACH (BASELLA ALBA L. AND RUBRA L.) IN WESTERN KENYA Maina, Faith Leafy Vegetables (ALV) that is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B9 and Vitamin C • It is also good source of income • Despite its nutritional and medicinal benefits, this crop is not included in the top ten priority African leafy vegetables for research in Kenya. • The area under crop in Kenya has not been well established because it is semi domesticated and grows along fences. • Vine spinach in Western Kenya is purely established from vines which means that new varieties cannot be created, low productivity is experienced and diseases are easily passed on to the next generation • Use of seeds for propagation is virtually nonexistent in Kenya and this is attributed to non availability of seed forming varieties 2021-03-01T00:00:00Z