Determinants of sustainability of greenhouse farming technology among farmers in Kakamega ...

109 Pages·2015·1.16 MB·English

DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABILITY OF GREENHOUSE
FARMING TECHNOLOGY AMONG FARMERS IN KAKAMEGA
COUNTY, KENYA

BY
CAROLL ATIENO AWITI

A RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ARTS IN PROJECT PLANNING
AND MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
2013.
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DECLARATION
This research project is my original work and has not been submitted for an award in any
other University.
Signature……………………………………….Date………………………………
Caroll Atieno Awiti
L50/74843/2012
This research project has been submitted with our approval as University supervisors
Signature ………………………………………Date………………………………
Dr. Raphael Nyonje
Senior Lecturer
Department of Extra-Mural Studies
University of Nairobi
Signature ………………………………………Date………………………………
Dr. Benson Ojwang
Senior Lecturer
Department of Extra-Mural Studies
University of Nairobi

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DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my Mum Francisca; she was my inspiration during the entire
course of my study, and I owe my success to her.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I owe my most sincere thanks to my supervisors Dr. Raphael Nyonje and Dr. Benson
Ojwang who guided me to come up with this work. Their expertise and immense
experience has seen me through and enabled me to present this work in time. They
offered me guidance throughout the time of writing this report.
I also thank Dr. Raphael Nyonje the resident lecturer and all the University of Nairobi

lecturers for creating an enabling learning environment at the center of excellence.
Last but not least, I have been helped in the preparation of this work by Madam Betha
from the office of the county director of agriculture‟s office and fellow students like Leon
Awiti who gave me moral and material support to see to it that I complete this work and
lastly to everyone who might have contributed to this success directly or indirectly.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
DECLARATION…………………………………………………………………. ii
DEDICATION …………………………………………………………………… iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………….. iv
TABLE OF CONTENT………………………………………………………….. v
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………….. xi
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………. xiii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………… xiv
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….… 1
1.1 Background of the study…………………………………………………… 1
1.2 Statement of the problem…………………………………………………. 3
1.3 Purpose of the study………………………………………………………. 4
1.4 Objectives of the study……………………………………………………. 4
1.5 Research questions………………………………………………………… 4
1.6 Significance of the study………………………………………………….. 5
1.7 Basic assumptions of the study……………………………………………. 6
1.8 Limitations of the study…………………………………………………… 6
1.9 De-limitations of the study……………………………………………….. 7
1.10 Definitions of significant terms used in the study………………………… 8
1.11 Organization of the study………………………………………………… 9

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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………………. 10
2.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………….. 10
2.2 Integrated pests and diseases management and sustainability of greenhouse
farming technology….………………..…………………………………… 10
2.3 Utilization of energy and sustainability of greenhouse farming
technology………..……………………………………............................ 16
2.4 Modern irrigation and sustainability of greenhouse farming
technology……………………………………………………………….. 20
2.5 Training on expertise and sustainability of greenhouse technology
……………………………………………………………......................... 23
2.6 Theoretical framework……………………………………………………. 25
2.7 Conceptual framework ……………………………………………………. 28
2.8 Summary………………………………………………………………….. 29
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY………………………………....................… 31
3.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………… 31
3.2 Research Design…………………………………………………………. 31
3.3 Target population…………………………………………………………. 32
3.4 Sample size and Sampling procedure …………………………………….. 32
3.4.1 Sample size………………………………………………………………… 32
3.4.2 Sampling procedure……………………………………………………….. 33
3.5 Research Instruments………………………………………………………. 34
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3.5.1 Pilot testing of the instruments…………………………………………… 34
3.5.2 Validity of the instruments ……………………………………………….. 35
3.5.3 Reliability of the instruments……………………………………………... 35
3.6 Data collection procedures……………………………………………….. 36
3.7 Data analysis technique…………………………………………………… 37
3.8 Ethical Considerations……………………………………………………. 37
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION
AND DISCUSSION………………………………………….............................. 38
4.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………… 38
4.2 Response rate…………………………………………………………….. 38
4.3 Demographic information………………………………………………… 39
4.3.1 Gender of the respondent……………………………………………….... 39
4.3.2 Age of the respondent……………………………………………………. 39
4.3.3 Level of education of the respondent………………………………….…. 40
4.3.4 Ownership of greenhouses………………………………………………. 41
4.4 Integrated pest management and sustainability of greenhouse
farming technology……………………………………………………… 42
4.4.1 Pest and disease as a major challenge for the greenhouse……………….. 42
4.4.2 Use of pest management system to control pests and diseases……….. 43
4.4.3 Use of pesticide to control pest and diseases…………………………….. 44
4.4.4 The outcomes of pest management system……………………………….. 45
4.4.5 Challenges using pest management system…………………………….... 46
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4.4.6 Pest management system will affect the sustainability of greenhouses….. 47
4.4.7 Full sponsorship by the sponsors for improved pest management system.... 48
4.4.8 Relationship between integrated pest and management and sustainability of
greenhouses farming technology……………………................................. 49
4.4.9 Relationship between challenges with pest and disease management system and
sustainability of greenhouse farming…………………………….…............ 50
4.5 Utilization of energy and sustainability of greenhouse Technology….….. 50
4.5.1 Sources of energy used………………………………………………….. 51
4.5.2 Cost of fuel used for the energy source option…………………..……… 52
4.5.3 Challenges with the energy option……………………………………….. 53
4.5.4 Mechanism for dealing with the challenge…………………………..…. 54
4.5.5 Utilization of energy and decision to continue owning the greenhouse…. 54
4.5.6 Recommendation on utilization of energy in greenhouse farming……….... 55
4.5.7 Relationship between utilization of energy and sustainability of greenhouse
farming technology………………………………………………………… 56
4.5.8 Relationship between challenges with the energy options and the sustainability of
greenhouse farming technology…………………………………………… 57
4.6 Modern irrigation and sustainability of greenhouse farming technology.. 58
4.6.1 Proximity of the greenhouse to a water source………………………… 58
4.6.2 Source of water used……………………………………………………. 59
4.6.3 Challenges with the water supply……………………………………… 60
4.6.4 Mechanisms for dealing with challenges of water supply…………….. 61
4.6.5 Method of farm irrigation………………………………………………. 62
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4.6.6 Use of humidity sensors…………………………………………………. 63
4.6.7 Improvement of irrigation system and the decision of continue owning a
greenhouse………………………………………….…………………… 63
4.6.8 Relationship between modern irrigation and sustainability of greenhouse farming
technology……………………………………………………………….. 64
4.7 Technical training and greenhouse farming technology…………………. 65
4.7.1 Undertaken a training on greenhouse farming technology……………… 65
4.7.2 Visits from technical experts to supervise the greenhouse……………….. 66
4.7.3 Challenge with expertise of maintaining the greenhouse………………. 67
4.7.4 Technical training and sustainability of greenhouse……………………. 68
4.7.5 Technical training and decision to own a greenhouse………………….. 69
4.7.6 Actions to improve expertise of farmers on greenhouses………………. 70
4.7.7 Relationship between technical training and sustainability of greenhouse farming
technology………………………………………………………………… 71
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………. 73
5.2 Summary of findings…………………………………………………… 73
5.3 Conclusions…………………………………………………………….. 76
5.4 Recommendations………………………………………………………. 78
5.5 Contribution of knowledge……………………………………………… 79
5.6 Areas of further research……………………………………………….. 80
References………………………………………………………………….. 81
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Appendix I: Letter of transmittal………………………………………. 87
Appendix II: Questionnaire on determinants of sustainability of greenhouse
farming technology among farmers in Kakamega county…. 88
Appendix III: Research permit…………………………………………. 93
Appendix IV: Table for determine sample size from a given population.. 95

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