Maize (Zea mays L.) Production Challenges by Farmers in Cheptais Sub-County, Kenya

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the main staple food for the inhabitants of Cheptais Sub County as well as other parts of Country. However, its production is facing a number of challenges that have led to yield reduction. Maize production challenges can be technological, policy, socio-economic, abiotic and biotic challenges. This paper therefore was designed to evaluate the challenges facing the maize farmers in Cheptais Sub County of Bungoma County. 350 respondents were selected through stratified random and purposive sampling technique from Chepyuk, Cheskaki and Kapakateny wards. Data was collected from small scale, medium scale and large-scale farmers using questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. Farmers were interviewed using an interview schedule and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that maize farmer in Cheptais Sub County experienced financial constraints, high cost of farm inputs, inadequate and poor storage facilities, poor state of roads and markets. They also experienced high interest rates on credit from financial institutions and lack of improved maize seeds to use due to presence of many seed varieties in the markets from different seed companies, which have created an avenue for unscrupulous vendors to sell uncertified seeds in the study area. The paper recommends that, government to subsidies on farm inputs and imposes price control on essential farm inputs and also to direct the financial institution to lower the interest rates on credits borrowed by farmers. Demonstration plots be increased in the area by the seed companies and training be intensified by the extension officers. Farmers need to look for extension services from the government and even from private practitioners to overcome their production challenges.