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
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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Review Article
Nepal and Human Development a Comparative Study of Nepal Human Development Report, 2009 and Nepal Human Development Report, 2014
Ubash Yadav*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
53-56
Received:
6 April 2026
Accepted:
5 August 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: Human development in Nepal has improved over the years, particularly in the areas of health, education, and income. However, disparities in education, income, and access to quality services continue to pose challenges to inclusive and sustainable human development. The study aims to comparatively analyze Nepal’s human development progress using the Nepal Human Development Reports 2009 and 2014. Specifically, it examines changes in the Human Development Index (HDI) and its three dimensions-health, education, and income-and compares Nepal’s human development with other SAARC countries. The study is based on secondary data obtained from the Nepal Human Development Reports and other relevant sources. HDI values and their component indicators are compared to assess changes in human development during the study period. The study also considers the methodological change in HDI calculation from the arithmetic mean to the geometric mean. The findings indicate that Nepal has made steady progress in human development. Nepal’s HDI increased from 0.463 in 2012 to 0.548 in 2014, partly due to improvements in life expectancy and income. However, education and income inequality remain important concerns. The shift from the arithmetic mean to the geometric mean in HDI calculation provides a more balanced assessment by considering the performance of all three dimensions. The comparison with other SAARC countries also highlights Nepal’s continuing human development challenges. The findings suggest that Nepal needs to give greater priority to quality education, accessible health services, employment opportunities, and equitable income distribution. Strengthening these areas is essential for reducing inequalities and achieving sustainable, inclusive, and balanced human development in Nepal.
Abstract: Human development in Nepal has improved over the years, particularly in the areas of health, education, and income. However, disparities in education, income, and access to quality services continue to pose challenges to inclusive and sustainable human development. The study aims to comparatively analyze Nepal’s human development progress using the...
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