Influence of Rainfall Magnitude on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando Sub-County of Kisumu County, Kenya

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2 appreciates that sustainable agriculture is significant in empowering small-scale farmers, promoting gender equality, ending rural poverty, ensuring healthy lifestyles, and tackling climate change. Regrettably, the global issue of hunger and food insecurity has increased since the inception of the SDGs, not sparing Nyando sub-County. This study employed a quasi-longitudinal research design to investigate the influence of rainfall magnitude on maize, beans and African Nightshade production in Nyando sub-County of Kisumu County, Kenya. Primary data was collected using questionnaire, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and observation and photography. Secondary data was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department and sub-County and County Agricultural Offices. Qualitative data was analyzed using themes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Findings of the study showed a significant effect between rainfall magnitude and maize, beans, and African Nightshade yields, overall, and during both long and short rain seasons. About 44 percent, 38 percent, and 34 percent of the variation in maize, beans, and African Nightshade yields, respectively, could be explained by change in rainfall magnitude. This implied that rainfall magnitude affected the production of the three crops: maize, beans, and African Nightshade. There is need to engage precision agriculture, adopt climate-smart farming, minimize absolute reliance on rain-fed farming, and use hybrid seeds for early crop maturity.