The impact of public investment in maize research in Kenya.

Abstract

AbstractKenya has been transformed into a net importer of maize, which is its major staple. As maize accounts for a major portion of calorific and protein intake for more than 90% of Kenyans, the fact that Kenya must increase farm productivity and income is no longer debatable. Past successes in maize production in Kenya were achieved by exploiting a synergy between technology development, dissemination, and seed multiplication and distribution programmes. However, lack of funding, poor linkages between research and farmers, lack of private investments in maize research, and human capital turnover are problems that need serious attention. Two stage linear regression analysis is used to calculate the rate of return to investment in Kenyan maize research for the 1955-1988 period. The result indicated that improvement in maize yield and expansion of maize area are explained by, inter alia, increase in research and extension expenditures and the spread of hybrid seed; yield is also positively influenced by use of fertilizer while greater area expansion is stimulated by higher maize producer prices. The results also indicate that maize research, extension and seed programmes contributed to attainment of higher maize yields, expansion of maize area and to growth in output.