Mango Yields as Influenced by Agricultural, Social and Economic Factors in Siaya County, Kenya

Mango farming by smallholder farmers in Siaya County, Kenya, is a popular economic activity that significantly contributes to food security, employment and income generation. Potential yields have been estimated around 15 – 20 metric tons per hectare, which are rarely achieved by the majority of farmers. The main objective of this research project was to determine the influence of specific agricultural, social and economic factors on mango yields in Siaya County. The research was carried out in Siaya County for one year in 2022. Siaya County is located in the Lake Victoria Basin and borders Busia County to the North, Kakamega County to the North-east, Vihiga County to the East, Kisumu County to the South-east, with Lake Victoria to the South and West. Siaya County has six (6) constituencies and 30 electoral wards. Alego Usonga, Gem and Bondo have six wards each while Rarieda has five, Ugenya has four and Ugunja has three wards. The specific factors included 1) gender of farmer, 2) access to service providers, 3) access to improved varieties, 4) effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers use, 5) farmer group memberships, 6) grazing and intercrop practices, 7) use of hired or family labour and 8) yield and income. Structured survey questionnaires were used to collect data on mango yields and influencing factors from 400 mango farmers, randomly sampled across the County, during June-July 2022. Additional general information was obtained from County Agricultural Extension Officers. The data was statistically-analyzed and mango yields averaged and expressed in Kilograms per tree per year. Statistical differences between various means determined by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mango farms or trees managed by males averaged higher yields (1,731 Kg/tree/year) than on farms owned by females (947 Kg/tree/year), apparently because males have greater access to extensions and agronomic inputs. Farmers who used hired labour achieved higher yields (4,298 Kg/tree/year) than those who used family labour only (2,984 Kg/tree/year), apparently because hired labour was more professional than family labour. Farmers who had access to and used improved varieties, followed by other recommended agricultural practices achieved 6,595 Kg/tree/year, which was three times more than that achieved by farmers who did not use improved and recommended agricultural practices (2,347 Kg/tree/year). The report findings, indicated that mango yields in Siaya County can be significantly improved by adopting better agricultural, social and economic practices, including: 1) gender equality, 2) access to service providers, 3) access to improved varieties, 4) use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, 5) recommended agricultural practices and 6) use of hired skilled labour.