Drivers of households’ awareness of rice beans in western Kenya: A binary logit analysis

Grain legumes have been proposed by food and agricultural experts as a viable solution to food insecurity, and to increase food production under adverse environments in the world. However, low farmer and consumer awareness of grain legumes, particularly rice beans (vigna umbellata), may hinder this goal. This study analyzed the determinants of farmer and consumer awareness of rice beans in western Kenya. We used a multi-stage sampling technique to collect data from 184 farmers and 161 consumer households in Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, and Migori counties. Results from a binary logit regression model showed that farmer awareness of rice beans was influenced by land size, gender-age bracket, market traders, field days, contracts, and the internet. On the other hand, consumers' awareness of rice beans was affected by age of household heads, income, market traders, and women's groups. Moreover, radio, tropical livestock unit (TLU), distance to the nearest market, and all-weather roads had effects on the farmer and consumer awareness of rice beans. These findings have implications for policy interventions targeting information dissemination and the development of infrastructure and institutional support services.