Grafted Mangoes Enhances Smallholder Farmers Livelihoods in Matinyani Division, Kitui County

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is produced and consumed globally, regionally, and locally. The fruit is a potential source of essential nutrients including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Mangoes can also be sold to earn income. Kitui County is among the leading Counties in mango production with smallholder farmers concentrating on local varieties which are fibrous and of little market value. This study was conducted at Matinyani Division of Kitui County to investigate mango varieties grown and income generated by smallholder mango farmers in Matinyani Division. A sample of 120 mango farmers was studied and simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Primary data was obtained by use of questionnaires while secondary data was obtained by review of relevant literature. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 of year 2009.The results revealed that in Matinyani Division both local and grafted mangoes were grown. The local mangoes grown included: Ngowe, Dodo and Boribo with majority of the farmers growing Ngowe mango. Varieties of grafted mangoes grown included: Apple, Kent, and Tommy with majority of the farmers growing Apple mangoes. On income generation, the study revealed that, farmers earned KES 1,000 to KES 15,000 per annum from sale of local mangoes with majority earning KES 1,000 to KES 5,000. On the other hand, farmers earned KES 1,000 to KES 20,000 per annum from sale of grafted mangoes with majority earning KES 6,000 to KES 9,000.The study concludes that, grafted mango farming is essential in enhancing livelihoods of smallholder mango farmers and recommends farmers to be sensitized to increase growth of grafted mango varieties.