Do Rice Farmers Share a Similar Perspective on the Choice of Varieties? Evidence from a Survey Across Selected Rice Growing Counties in Kenya

Aim: This baseline survey was designed to explore the demand for improved certified rice seed in Kenya, focusing on farmers’ decision-making frameworks for selecting rice varieties. Methods: Through participatory methods710 respondents were selected For a more in-depth understanding, four counties were purposefully selected based on their differing histories and intensity of rice production: two counties with a long history and high intensity of rice farming, and two with a more moderate history and two with relatively low production intensity. The survey employed a cross-sectional design of a descriptive nature, involving 30 days of rigorous data collection using questionnaires across all rice production regions nested within counties. Key attributes/criteria that farmers use to select rice varieties were identified from data points across the four counties. These attributes were analyzed using a Grid Analysis approach, allowing for county-based and overall rankings of the varieties selected. Results: The study found that farmers consistently prioritize attributes such as market demand, early maturity, head rice recovery, taste and high yield, irrespective of spatial separation. These influential variables govern attributes’ preference and choice decisions. This influence is largely attributed to the shared public good of research and extension services. Conclusion: The study confirms that Kenyan rice farmers are rational decision-makers, driven by the objective of profit maximization, as shown in their unanimous selection of market demand as the most critical attribute when choosing a rice variety to grow. Recommendation: The study recommend that research planning and implementation of the rice improvement programme needs to involve farmers from the initial stages to ensure that their rational behaviour is integrated into future agricultural strategies.