Determinants influencing farmers’ use of macadamia nut information sources in central Kenya

Abstract

Macadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla & M. integrifolia) is considered to be "a golden crop" due to its high demand in local and international markets. It is a popular crop with the capacity to alleviate poverty, promote health, enhance food security, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth. The crop is mainly grown by smallholder farmers in Kenya, and it accounts for 13% of the total global nut production. However, these farmers lack adequate technical knowledge on macadamia management practices that lead to low production. This study therefore assessed factors influencing farmers’ use of available macadamia nut information sources. We employed a multistage sampling technique and collected data from smallholder farmers located in Murang’a, Embu and Nyeri counties. All data was analyzed in STATA statistical package. We found that a unit rise in the number of macadamia trees increased the likelihood of farmers employing mass media as information sources by 5.3%. Further, the type of road networks, market distance and yield produced influenced farmers’ usage of information sources. Based on our findings, farmers are likely to utilize information sources that advise them on suitable macadamia varieties, management of macadamia orchards, and appropriate markets. Therefore, the government should strengthen and monitor information sources, including mass media channels and farmer organizations. This is to ensure timely flow of reliable and relevant macadamia nut information to farmers. • Macadamia nut accounts for 1% of global nut trees with Kenya producing 13% of the total global nut production. • Its production is influenced by lack of adequate techniques on management practices. • Results showed that the type of road networks, number of macadamia trees, yield produced and market distance significantly influenced farmers’ use of information sources.