Factors influencing relative profitability of alternative crops in Kenya: Implications for maize policy.

摘要

Relative profitability of maize vis-a-vis that of alternative annual crops in Kenya is determined using household level data from six districts in three provinces of Kenya. Taking into account whether farmers are net buyers or net sellers of maize, the profitability results are used together with other empirical information to determine the main constraints to agricultural commercialization.;The results show that profitability varies by region, by type of crop enterprise, and by type of technology employed. The main constraints to agricultural commercialization are: (1) low relative profitability of some alternative crops compared to that of maize and its inter-crops; (2) small land size holding and low productivity potential; (3) unavailability of sufficient water necessary for crop production; (4) lack of adequate market openings for alternative crops and (5) lack of an enabling environment for commercial agriculture.;This study also found that 73 percent of the farmers would prefer to grow maize even if it was relatively unprofitable because their main concern is to ensure a sufficient supply of maize, the main staple. The study concludes that it is indeterminate whether policies that lead to reduced maize prices such as, removal of import tariff will necessarily lead to reduced maize acreage; and a subsequent shift to cultivation of alternative crops.