Factors influencing integration of grain legumes in smallholder farms: A gendered analysis in Nandi County, Western Kenya

Grain legumes are essential nutrient-rich crops that provide protein, starch and micronutrients for healthy diets. They are important crops for female farmers in many parts of developing countries including Kenya, due to their multiple economic benefits. Although various development partners such as the Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP) have invested in promotion of legume options in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a dearth of empirical insights on male and female farmers’ decisions regarding the integration of such legumes in their farms. Using a cross-sectional data collected from 374 respondents in Nandi County of Western Kenya, this study applied Cragg’s double hurdle model to determine factors that influence farmers’ decisions to integrate grain legumes in farms. Results showed family labour had a significant positive influence on male-households’ decisions to adopt the legumes. On the contrary, the effect of family labour was negative on female-headed households’ decisions. In addition, land size, access to credit and group membership significantly influenced male-headed households’ extent of legume integration; but were insignificant for female-headed households. The study recommends a gender-specific policy design towards the promotion of grain legumes.