ISSN 2756-3251
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 2 (12), pp. 001-004, December, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Socioeconomic constraints to sustainable cocoyam production in the Lake Victoria Crescent
Serem, A. K.1, Palapala, V.2, Talwana, H.4, Nandi, J. M. O.3, Ndabikunze, B5 and Korir, M. K.1
1Moi University, Department of Economics and Agricultural Resource Management, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya.
2Masinde Muliro University, Biological Sciences Department, P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya.
3Masinde Muliro University, Social Sciences Department, P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya.
4Makerere University, Department of Crop Science, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
5Sokoine University, Dept of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Accepted 14 July, 2011
Abstract
Cocoyam production has the potential of significantly improving the food security status and income levels of farmers in the Lake Victoria region. The study covered various areas of the three East African states, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as follows: Kisumu, Kakamega and Siaya districts in Kenya; Bukoba in Tanzania; and Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala in Uganda. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 283 respondents. Results showed that farmers had an adequate level of education that enabled them utilize cocoyam production technologies. However, land scarcity was the major factor limiting cocoyam cultivation. This was attributed to the fact that cocoyam cultivation was restricted to wetlands, which was already a limited resource in the region. Other factors such as diseases, weeds, pests, scarcity of labour, unavailability of extension services and planting material and improved varieties, among others influenced the production of the crop. Research and development agencies in the study area need to develop appropriate cocoyam production technologies to mitigate existing constraints
Key words: Cocoyam production, social and economic constraints, Lake Victoria region.