Analysis of Factors Affecting Use of Pre-Emergence Wheat Herbicides in Kenya

Abstract

Agrochemicals are used principally to control weeds and pests in agriculture. Wheat production in Kenya has not been sufficient despite concerted efforts by agrochemical companies to market agrochemicals to farmers. The study aimed at establishing the determinants of use of pre-emergence wheat herbicides among the wheat farmers in Kenya. The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu County. Stratified random sampling was used to sample 164 wheat farmers. Data collection was done using a well structured questionnaire administered to the wheat farmers. Logit regression technique was used to determine the association between determinants of use of pre-emergence wheat herbicides among the wheat farmers. The results show that education level, land tenure, average income, extension services, market information and credit access variables were statistically significant. The study recommended improvement of extension services to wheat farmers and increased accessibility of credit facilities by financial institutions at affordable prices. It is also necessary to have further research on how extension services can enhance wheat production.

Keywords: Herbicides, Pesticides, Pre-emergence

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-6-12

Publication date:March 31^st 2019