A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi

Published in International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 8, Issue 3)

Received: 2 June 2023 Accepted: 20 June 2023 Published: 6 July 2023

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Abstract

Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.

Published in	International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment (Volume 8, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
Page(s)	46-58
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Green Gram, Climate Change, Adaptation Strategies, Yield, Technical Efficiency

References

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Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. (2023). A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 8(3), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2023, 8(3), 46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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AMA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2023;8(3):46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13,
  author = {Mathenge Beatrice Mugure and Gathungu Geofrey Kingori and Dennis K. Muriithi},
  title = {A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {8},
  number = {3},
  pages = {46-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  abstract = {Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
AU  - Mathenge Beatrice Mugure
AU  - Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
AU  - Dennis K. Muriithi
Y1  - 2023/07/06
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 46
EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
AB  - Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure

Department of AGEC, AGBM & AGED, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Gathungu Geofrey Kingori

Department of Plant Sciences, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Dennis K. Muriithi

Department of Physical Sciences, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya

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Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. (2023). A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 8(3), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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Mathenge Beatrice Mugure; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int. J. Econ. Energy Environ. 2023, 8(3), 46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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AMA Style

Mathenge Beatrice Mugure, Gathungu Geofrey Kingori, Dennis K. Muriithi. A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Int J Econ Energy Environ. 2023;8(3):46-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13,
  author = {Mathenge Beatrice Mugure and Gathungu Geofrey Kingori and Dennis K. Muriithi},
  title = {A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya},
  journal = {International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment},
  volume = {8},
  number = {3},
  pages = {46-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijeee.20230803.13},
  abstract = {Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Comparison of Technical Efficiencies for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Used by Green Gram Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
AU  - Mathenge Beatrice Mugure
AU  - Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
AU  - Dennis K. Muriithi
Y1  - 2023/07/06
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
T2  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JF  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
JO  - International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment
SP  - 46
EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5021
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijeee.20230803.13
AB  - Kenya has experienced effects of climate change because most of the arable land is rain-fed yet the economy is dependent on agriculture. Climate change greatly affects crop production and has constrained legume yield globally. Green gram is an important and appropriate legume for Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) as a source of livelihood yet climate change has been observed in these areas and has caused a fall in green gram yield. Adjusting to climate change at the farm level has resulted in rising income and yield as well as economic development. Farmers in Tharaka South Sub County have been vigorous in mitigating against climate variability but information on cost effective and efficient strategies is still inadequate to enable them make informed choices. This study aimed at comparing the technical efficiencies of various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by green gram farmers in in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2017-2021. Primary data was sourced from 390 households obtained using stratified random sampling technique. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier method was used to determine technical efficiency of the various climate change adaptation strategies practiced by farmers. The findings of the study showed that most farmers (92.73%) had adjusted to climate change and further analysis showed that farmers who did not adapt to climate change recorded low yield. The model findings on technical efficiency levels of the climate adaptation strategies utilized by small holder green gram farmers showed that adaptation is an important factor explaining efficiency differentials among farmers. Use of minimum tillage was the most efficient adaptation strategy with a technical efficiency of 75.58% while use of irrigation was the least efficient strategy with a technical efficiency of 67.51%. The study concluded that though minimum tillage was the most technical efficient strategy to deal with climate change farmers should use a multiple of strategies to increase efficiency and enhance resilience in green gram production.
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
ER  -

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