Research Article
A Comparative Socio-Economic and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Rice Production in Western and Eastern Kenya: A Case Study of West Kano and Mwea Irrigation Schemes
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
41-52
Received:
7 October 2025
Accepted:
22 October 2025
Published:
11 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsmit.20261202.11
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Abstract: Rice production plays a vital role in enhancing food security and livelihoods in Kenya, yet regional disparities in productivity and profitability persist. This study explores a comparative socio-economic and cost-benefit analysis of rice production in Mwea (Eastern Kenya) and West Kano (Western Kenya) Irrigation Schemes to evaluate differences in production efficiency, input use, and economic returns among smallholder farmers. Despite irrigation accounting for 80% of rice cultivation, productivity remains low. This study analyzed the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers and conducted a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of rice production in Western Kenya (West Kano) and Eastern Kenya (Mwea) irrigation schemes to inform policy recommendations for increased productivity and reduced imports. A proportional probability sampling method was employed to select 116 and 120 households from Mwea and West Kano, respectively. Data collection was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings indicate that rice farming is predominantly undertaken by elderly farmers over 50 years, with Mwea having a higher proportion of college-educated farmers compared to West Kano, where most attained secondary education. Established extension services and research linkages in Mwea enhance technology transfer. Farm sizes in West Kano (6 acres) are double those in Mwea (3 acres), possibly due to population pressure and land availability constraints. Market dynamics significantly influence farmers' planting decisions, with over 80% responding to demand. Mwea farmers earn KESs 39/kg, while West Kano farmers earn KESs 28/kg, reflecting better market structures in Mwea. Despite 95.6% of farmers selling to middlemen and 73.8% to cooperatives, dissatisfaction with pricing and delayed payments is widespread. The cost-benefit ratios (CBRs) for Mwea (2.88) and West Kano (3.9) indicate profitability. The findings provide critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders to design region-specific interventions that enhance resource use efficiency, improve profitability and promote sustainable rice production across Kenya’s major irrigation schemes.
Abstract: Rice production plays a vital role in enhancing food security and livelihoods in Kenya, yet regional disparities in productivity and profitability persist. This study explores a comparative socio-economic and cost-benefit analysis of rice production in Mwea (Eastern Kenya) and West Kano (Western Kenya) Irrigation Schemes to evaluate differences in ...
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,
Paul Kimurto
