OL’LESSOS TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

TRADE PROJECT
FACTORS LEADING TO DECLINE IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN
KAKAMEGA COUNTY LIKUYANI SUB COUNTY LIKUYANI WARD

SUBMITTED BY. : MANGALA BRIAN

INDEX NO : 295411010546

COURSE CODE : 2425

PAPER NO : 307B
A RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT
FOR THE AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN GENERAL AGRICULTURE BY THE
KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL

DATE OF SUBMISSION: JANUARY 2020

ABSTRACT

Maize farming remains the economic backbone of maize farmers in high potential areas like likuyani..
However,in such areas Maize production has been quite low.This is an indication that there are constains
which results in low maize production. For potential maize production must be identified. The purpose of
this study was to investigate whether there exists any relationship between climatic factors,pests and
diseases , quality in marketing,gender issues, financial constraints and overreliance in foreign marketing
of Maize production in kakamega county likuyani Sub-county.The specific objective of the study
were:1,To find out whether overdependance on weather resulted in low quality Maize produced.;2.To
find out whether finance issues resulted to low production of Maize 3.To find out the degree of relation
between low quality of Maize production and pests and diseases 4.To find out whether lack of
government controls in Maize production leads to mismanagement of co_operatives.A structured
questionnaire was used to collect data from 352 small scale farms in Likuyani ward of kenya and key
informants were also interviewed. Majority of farmers in Likuyani ward sold their maize to local markets
and others sold their maize to middle men.In conclusion relationship between weather pattern effect of
pests and diseases and decline in production quality and markets for maize.The results of the study
recommended that the stakeholders in Maize sector should combine efforts in obtaining high and stable
prices in Maize products because this will help raise farmers confidence in investing in maize farms.