Households’ Welfare Effects of Snow Peas Production by Small Holder Producers in Mt. Kenya Region, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the households’ welfare effects of snow peas production by evaluating the difference in income, assets and expenditure of adopters and non-adopters of snow peas farming in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya. Propensity score matching technique was used to evaluate the impact. Findings reveal that the impact of snow peas farming was significantly different between participants and non-participants in terms of their income, assets and expenditure. The estimation of treated effect on treated showed that participating farmers had relatively higher monthly income, higher total value of assets and higher expenditure compared to non-participating farmers. To enhance participation, farmers are encouraged to form and actively participate in farmer groups through collective productiction and marketing of their produce. Policies that provide extension services to farmers and affordable credit are also important in enhancing farmer’s participation in snow peas production.

Keywords: snow peas, welfare effects, propensity score matching