CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.OVERVIEW
This chapter presents the study’s background, problem statement, research objectives and
questions of the study.
1.1 BACKGROUND
Kenyan agriculture has undergone a significant historical transformation. Traditional subsistence
farming practices prevailed for centuries until the post-independence era when the government
introduced land redistribution and diversification. Agriculture is now a cornerstone of the
Kenyan economy, providing employment for a substantial portion of the population and
contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product. The sector is marked by diversity, with
various crops, including staples like maize and cash crops such as tea and coffee. Food security is
a top priority, with efforts aimed at increasing domestic food production to reduce dependency
on imports. Smallholder farmers still dominate, though the sector faces challenges like limited
access to credit, inadequate infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change. Government
initiatives and policies seek to address these challenges, while sustainability, technology
adoption, and agricultural research and education are increasingly central to Kenya's agricultural
landscape.
Farm mechanization in Kenya has evolved over the years to address the country's agricultural
needs and challenges. Traditional agriculture in Kenya was primarily characterized by small-scale
subsistence farming, with farmers relying on manual labor and simple hand tools. This system
was not efficient and could not meet the growing food demands of the population.
The beginning of mechanization in agriculture can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution,
where innovations in machinery revolutionized farming techniques, enabling higher output with
reduced manual labour(Federico, 2017). Since then farm mechanization has continued to
evolve, with modern agriculture heavily reliant on a wide variety of equipment like tractors and
combine harvesters.
The Kenyan government recognized the need for mechanization in agriculture to increase
productivity and food security. In the 1960s and 1970s, various initiatives were introduced to
promote the use of modern farm machinery, such as tractors, plows, and harrows. Agriculture
plays a significant role in Kenya's economy, employing a large portion of the population and
contributing to the country's GDP. Mechanization aimed to improve the sector's productivity
and make it more competitive.
Despite the government's efforts, there were several challenges to the widespread adoption of
farm mechanization in Kenya. These included the high cost of machinery, limited access to
credit for small-scale farmers, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of technical expertise. To
address these challenges, the Kenyan government introduced various initiatives to promote
mechanization. These included subsidies for machinery purchases, training programs for
farmers, and efforts to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads and energy supply.
The private sector also played a crucial role in the development of mechanization in Kenya.
Companies began to import and manufacture agricultural machinery, making it more accessible
to farmers. Additionally, some NGOs and international organizations supported mechanization
projects to enhance food security. Research institutions and universities in Kenya have been
conducting studies and experiments to develop suitable machinery and technology for the
country's diverse agro-ecological zones. This includes innovations in crop processing, irrigation,
and post-harvest handling. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, there has
been a shift towards more eco-friendly and conservation-based farming practices. Farmers are
encouraged to adopt mechanization technologies that reduce soil erosion and promote
sustainable agriculture.
In recent years, the agriculture sector in Kenya transitioning into mechanization has been
particularly pronounced in the context of food production. The global population explosion
together with the high demand for food, has exerted immense pressure on agricultural sector to
enhance yields and productivity (Godfray et al.,2010). Challenges like the high cost of
machinery, access to credit, and the need for better extension services remain, but Kenya
continues to work on promoting mechanization as a means to enhance agricultural productivity
and food security.
Overall, farm mechanization in Kenya reflects a shift from traditional subsistence farming to
more modern and technology-driven agricultural practices, with the aim of increasing
productivity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security for the population.
Furthermore, the adoption of farm mechanization is not confined to large scale commercial
farms as it has also spread to small scale farms but at different levels depending on factors such
as access o technology, economic resources and policy support(Doss, 2006)
However as with any transformative shift the impact of farm mechanization on food production
is a subject of ongoing debate and inquiry. While proponents praise it’s potential to
revolutionize agriculture and meet the rising global demand for food (Duflo et al.2018), critics
raise concerns about its socio-economic and environmental consequences, including disruptions
in rural employment pattens and ecologic sustainability (Buserup,1965)
Therefore a comprehensive empirical investigation into the multifaced impact of farm
mechanization on food production is imperative. Such research endeavors can provide valuable
insights for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and stakeholders guiding the development
of sustainable equitable measures that capture he potential of mechanization while mitigating
its potential drawbacks.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
The agricultural sector is undergoing profound transformation with the rapid adoption of farm
mechanization. While this technological shift holds the promise of increased efficiency and
productivity, it’s comprehensive impact on food production remains a subject of intense debate
and scrutiny. The question arises whether farm mechanization , characterized by the
introduction of advanced machinery and automation, truly necessitates a thorough
investigation into the implications of farm mechanization on the overall output and quality of
agricultural produce. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the potential socio-economic and
environmental consequences of this transition, including shifts in employment patterns,
resource utilization and ecological sustainability. Thus, understanding the true impact of farm
mechanization on food production is essential for informed decision making in agricultural
policy and practice.
1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1.3.1General Objective
To understand how farm mechanization has impacted agricultural output in Kenya.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1. To evaluate the quantitative impact on production
2. To analyze the efficiency gains in resource utilization
3. To assess the socio-economic implications
4. To investigate the environmental impact and sustainability
1.4 Research Questions
1. How has mechanization impacted food production in Kenya?
2. What is the impact of modern farming technologies on the environment?
3.What affects has mechanization had on the socio-economic life of farmers in Kenya?
4. How has farm mechanization impacted resource utilization?
1.4.1 Hypothesis
1. Farm mechanization leads to increased crop and livestock yield
2.Farm mechanization improves resource efficiency
3. Farm mechanization affects environmental sustainability
4. Farm mechanization affects socio-economic dynamics
1.4.2 Variables
1. Farm mechanization and yield output
2.Farm mechanization and economic impact
3. Farm mechanization and environmental impact
4. Farm mechanization and skill requirements
5.Farm mechanization and labour utilization