Browsing by Author "Buba Daffeh"

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    Effects of aflatoxin-inhibiting technologies on productivity of groundnuts in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2025) Buba Daffeh
    Aflatoxin contamination is a major constraint to Kenya‘s food safety and market access, causing losses estimated at US$17.28 million annually. Groundnuts are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Both pre-and post-harvest contaminations are due to favourable conditions for aflatoxin-producing fungi. This leads to low-quality produce, low prices, health risks, and reduced income for smallholder farmers. Although several aflatoxin-inhibiting technologies have been promoted to improve groundnut productivity and quality, existing studies have not adequately documented their use, adoption levels, and impact on productivity, particularly in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties. The study specifically intended to map pre- and post- harvest aflatoxin-inhibiting technologies, identify factors influencing their adoption, assess the extent of these technologies‘ adoption, and determine their effects on groundnut productivity and quality. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 384 smallholder farmers across the two counties. Primary data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and STATA 18. Descriptive statistics were used to examine current practices, While multivariate probit and ordered probit models assessed adoption factors and extent. An ordered probit endogenous switching regression model was applied to estimate the effects on productivity. The results posited that access to education, gender, farming experience, group membership, price of groundnuts, fertiliser use, use of improved varieties, off-farm income, and distance to market significantly influenced the uptake of a majority of aflatoxin-inhibiting technologies. Regarding adoption intensity, the findings revealed a high propensity for adoption among medium adopters as opposed to low and high adopters. Finally, the results denoted increased productivity among the medium (ATT=l0Okg/acre) and high (ATT=42kg/acre) adopters of aflatoxin-inhibiting technologies. The possible reason may be the selectiveness of the medium adopters when using technologies effectively. Adoption alone is enough, but selecting the most effective and timely application of the technologies is vital. For that reason, medium adopters outperform high adopters, seeing greater yield gains. Prioritise integrated approaches (e.g., resistant seeds + Aflasafe GAPS proper drying) to achieve >95% control, with subsidies for smallholder groundnut farmers. Low adopters were Worse off, emphasising the need for optimal uptake to improve outcomes. The study recommends that target extension services delivery, strengthening cooperative groups, reducing the cost of the technologies, and social network programs should be prioritised. This will guide interventions aimed at improving groundnut production and boosting smallholder livelihood in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties, Kenya.