Environmental factors and extension services influencing maize production among smallholder farmers: a case study of Bungoma-North Sub-County, Kenya

Mercy Nafula Kombe; Rose Onamu; Lydia Wamocha

doi:10.51867/scimundi.6.2.8

Authors

Mercy Nafula Kombe Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1536-918X
Rose Onamu Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9837-792X
Lydia Wamocha Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.2.8

Keywords:

Climate Variability, Environmental Factors, Extension Services, Food Security, Kenya, Maize Production, Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

Maize production is a critical aspect of agriculture, especially in developing countries where it contributes significantly to food security and rural development. This study investigated the environmental determinants and extension service factors impacting maize yields among smallholder farmers in Bungoma-North Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study examined the role of environmental factors such as climate variability, temperature changes, and rainfall patterns, as well as the influence of agricultural extension services in facilitating the adoption of modern farming techniques to enhance food security. The study employed a survey research design with a target population of 10,548 smallholder maize farming households. A sample of 318 respondents was selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires, interview schedules, and secondary data were used as research instruments. Pilot testing was conducted in the neighboring Mukuyuni location, and test-retest reliability was established. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings revealed that environmental factors accounted for 51.2% (R² = .512, p < .05) of maize production variance, with erratic weather patterns being the most significant challenge. Extension services significantly influenced production, explaining 52.2% (R² = .522, p < .05) of the variation. Over 88% of farmers strongly agreed that rainfall variability had increased, and 86.5% affirmed that environmental factors had influenced annual yield levels. While over half of respondents reported receiving extension visits, 73% faced significant challenges in accessing extension services. The study concludes that both environmental adaptation strategies and strengthened extension service delivery are critical for improving maize production among smallholder farmers. The findings provide baseline information that can be used by researchers, agricultural officers, and government authorities to encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices and enhance extension service accessibility for improved food security.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abate, T., Mugo, S., De Groote, H., & Regassa, M. W. (2015). A quarterly bulletin of the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Project (CIMMYT-Kenya). DT Maize, 3(2), 1-4.

Abebaw, D., & Belay, K. (2001). Factors influencing adoption of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 5(1), 1-20.

Begna, T. (2020). Effects of drought stress on crop production and productivity. International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences, 6(9), 20-24. https://doi.org/10.20431/2454-6224.0609005

Chiaka, J. C., Zhen, L., Yunfeng, H., Xiao, Y., Muhirwa, F., & Lang, T. (2022). Smallholder farmers contribution to food production in Nigeria. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 47-50. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.916678

Ching Seng Yap, Keling, W., Poh Ling Ho, & Omar, Q. (2023). Technology readiness of farmers in Sarawak: The effect of gender, age, and educational level. Information Development, 4(6), 70-83.

Chumo, M. K. (2013). Determining factors that affect maize production in Turbo Constituency, Kenya (Unpublished master's research project). University of Nairobi.

Daly, H. E., & Farley, J. (2011). Ecological economics: Principles and applications (2nd ed.). Island Press.

Food and Agriculture Organization. (2006). FAO statistical data. Author.

Food and Agriculture Organization. (2007). Swaziland drought flash appeal. Author.

García-Díez, J., Gonçalves, C., Grispoldi, L., Cenci-Goga, B., & Saraiva, C. (2021). Determining food stability to achieve food security. Sustainability, 13(13), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137222

Gwademba, J., Mutai, B., & Muli, D. (2023). The role of agricultural extension services in maize productivity among smallholder farmers in Tana River County, Kenya. East African Journal of Rural Development, 5(2), 45-61.

Huang, L., Dou, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, J., Chen, G., Zhang, X., & Wang, R. (2021). Toward a research framework to conceptualize data as a factor of production: The data marketplace perspective. Fundamental Research, 1(5), 586-594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2021.07.007

Kiprono, K., et al. (2020). Effect of atmospheric pressure changes on the growth stages of maize in western Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Science, 12(4), 78-92.

Kirimi, L., & Jayne, T. S. (2015). Maize production and marketing in Kenya. Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development.

Koimbori, J. K., Shisanya, C. A., Murimi, S. K., & Petterson, R. (2019). Impacts of climate variability on maize yields in Bahati Sub-County, Kenya. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 7(2), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.12691/aees-7-2-2

Kombe, M. N., Onamu, R., & Wamocha, L. (2025). Environmental factors on maize production among smallholder farmers to enhance food security in Bungoma-North Sub County. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 12(2), 1570-1581.

https://doi.org/10.52589/AJAFS-PSTVQ0VA

Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New Age International.

Maitra, S., & Singh, V. (2021). Invited review on "maize in the 21st century": Emerging trends of maize biorefineries in the 21st century. Journal of Cereal Science, 101, 10-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2021.103274

Malimi, E. (2023). Effects of agricultural input subsidies and extension services on farm labor productivity among maize farmers in Tanzania. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 74(3), 421-438. https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-9552.12518

Mamuye, W. (2021). Determinants of smallholder farmers participation in formal credit and challenges faced by institutions: The case of Mojana Wodera District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. International Journal of Finance and Banking Research, 7(1), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfbr.20210701.12

Mugambi, P., & Kamau, J. (2021). Impact of global warming and drought on maize production in Kenya: A longitudinal panel analysis. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(3), 45-59.

Mugenda, O. M., & Mugenda, A. G. (2003). Research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. African Centre for Technology Studies.

Mutai, B., et al. (2018). Credit access and climate change adaptation strategies among maize farmers in Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 7(2), 34-48.

Nanjundeswaraswamy, T. S., & Divakar, S. (2021). Determination of sample size and sampling methods in applied research. Proceedings on Engineering Sciences, 3(1), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.24874/PES03.01.003

Ndung'u, P., & Njoroge, A. (2021). Access and usage of e-extension services among smallholder farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 16(7), 102-117.

Ngqulana, A., Oladele, O. I., Nontu, Y., Midya, L., & Mdoda, L. (2025). A systematic review on enhancing the technical efficiency of genetically modified maize adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: The role of agricultural extension services and barriers to success. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1609417. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1609417

Njeru, F., Mwaura, S., Kusolwa, P. M., & Misinzo, G. (2022). Maize production systems, farmers' perception and current status of maize lethal necrosis in selected counties in Kenya. All Life, 15(1), 692-705. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895293.2022.2085815

Njoroge, J. W., Murunga, J., & Karau, J. (2024). Determinants of food security among rural households in Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences and Technology, 10(7), 68-75. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajbe.7.1.2201

Ojala, A., et al. (2014). Maize production and food security in Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Science, 6(3), 112-128.

Okwama, C., Ouma, S., & Wekesa, J. (2022). Enhancing food security through agricultural extension services: The case of integrated crop-livestock farming systems in Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 22(3), 157-178.

Olwande, J., et al. (2009). Smallholder maize production efficiency in Kenya. Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development.

Oluoch, K. O., De Groote, H., Gitonga, Z. M., Jin, Z., & Davis, K. F. (2022). A suite of agronomic factors can offset the effects of climate variability on rainfed maize production in Kenya. Scientific Reports, 12, 16043. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19286-2

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

Ruth, O. N., Unathi, K., Nomali, N., & Chinsamy, M. (2021). Underutilization versus nutritional-nutraceutical potential of the Amaranthus food plant: A mini-review. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 68-79. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156879

Santpoort, R. (2020). The drivers of maize area expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa: How policies to boost maize production overlook the interests of smallholder farmers. Land, 9(3), 68-76. https://doi.org/10.3390/land9030068

Simiyu, S. W. (2014). Factors influencing maize production among small-scale farmers in Kenya: A case of Bungoma Central Sub-County (Unpublished master's project). University of Nairobi.

Tittonell, P. A., Vanlauwe, B., Corbeels, M., & Giller, K. E. (2008). Yield gaps, nutrient use efficiencies and response to fertilisers by maize across heterogeneous smallholder farms of western Kenya. Plant and Soil, 313, 153-174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-008-9676-3

Wambugu, L., Kirui, P., & Kipkoech, M. (2023). Village-based advisors as extension service providers for smallholder maize farmers in Kenya: Evidence from Kiambu County. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 11(2), 76-89.

Wanyama, M., et al. (2009). Agricultural training and maize production among smallholder farmers in Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 15(3), 245-260.

Wekesa, J., & Otieno, S. (2019). Rainfall fluctuations and their influence on maize farming in Bungoma County. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(4), 201-215.

World Bank. (2006). Gender and agriculture in Kenya. World Bank Group.