Environmental factors and extension services influencing maize production among smallholder farmers: a case study of Bungoma-North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Maize production is a critical aspect of agriculture, especially in developing countries where it contributes significantly to food security and rural development. This study investigated the environmental determinants and extension service factors impacting maize yields among smallholder farmers in Bungoma-North Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study examined the role of environmental factors such as climate variability, temperature changes, and rainfall patterns, as well as the influence of agricultural extension services in facilitating the adoption of modern farming techniques to enhance food security. The study employed a survey research design with a target population of 10,548 smallholder maize farming households. A sample of 318 respondents was selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires, interview schedules, and secondary data were used as research instruments. Pilot testing was conducted in the neighboring Mukuyuni location, and test-retest reliability was established. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings revealed that environmental factors accounted for 51.2% (R² = .512, p < .05) of maize production variance, with erratic weather patterns being the most significant challenge. Extension services significantly influenced production, explaining 52.2% (R² = .522, p < .05) of the variation. Over 88% of farmers strongly agreed that rainfall variability had increased, and 86.5% affirmed that environmental factors had influenced annual yield levels. While over half of respondents reported receiving extension visits, 73% faced significant challenges in accessing extension services. The study concludes that both environmental adaptation strategies and strengthened extension service delivery are critical for improving maize production among smallholder farmers. The findings provide baseline information that can be used by researchers, agricultural officers, and government authorities to encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices and enhance extension service accessibility for improved food security.