Socio-Economic Characteristics of Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata) Farmers in Nyanza Region, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the socio-economic characteristics of rice bean farmers in Nyanza region to provide baseline information for agricultural project interventions. A cross-sectional survey employing multi-stage, purposive, proportionate, and snowball sampling techniques sampled 397 rice bean farmers from six purposively selected sub-counties. Data was collected using semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 70% of the farmers were female, with an average age of 44 years, and most lacked formal education. Household sizes ranged between 5-10 members, and farming was the primary income source. Most farmers had 1-5 years of rice bean farming experience and cultivated less than 2.5 acres. Over half were not part of any farmer groups, though market accessibility was not a challenge. Pearson Chi-Square analysis showed that certain factors significantly influence rice bean production at different levels of statistical significance. Specifically, gender, farming methods, farming experience, market accessibility, and land size were found to have a meaningful association with rice bean production, as evidenced by their respective p-values of 0.061, 0.038, 0.000, and 0.070. Key challenges included lack of government support, unavailability of viable seeds, and limited knowledge of the crop. The study recommends that government and development partners develop strategies to promote diversification through awareness, training, and sensitisation on emerging crops like rice bean to enhance resilience against climate change.