Mango (Magnifera indica) Farming as Influenced by Agronomic and Marketing Channels in Siaya County, Kenya

Abstract

Mango farming by smallholder farmers in Siaya County, Kenya, is a popular economic activity that significantly contributes to food security, employment and income generation. Potential yields have been estimated around 15 – 20 metric tons per hectare, which are rarely achieved by the majority of farmers. The main objective of this research project was to determine the influence of specific agronomic and marketing channels on mango yields in Siaya County. The research was carried out in Siaya County for one year in 2022. Siaya County is located in the Lake Victoria Basin and borders Busia County to the North, Kakamega County to the North-east, Vihiga County to the East, Kisumu County to the South-east, with Lake Victoria to the South and West. Siaya County has six (6) constituencies and 30 electoral wards. Alego Usonga, Gem and Bondo have six wards each while Rarieda has five, Ugenya has four and Ugunja has three wards. The specific factors included 1) impact of fertilization, 2) the influence of pruning, 3) pest management, 4) disease control, 5) marketing channels, 6) impact of factory and farmgate sales. Structured survey questionnaires were used to collect data on mango yields and influencing factors from 400 mango farmers, randomly sampled across the County, during June-July 2022. Additional general information was obtained from County Agricultural Extension Officers. The data was statistically-analysed and mango yields averaged and expressed in Kilograms per tree per year. The statistical differences between various means were determined by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The research revealed that, use of commercial agricultural inputs; disease management and pest control were found to be the best practices to increase mango production. Generally, selling mangoes to factories was also found to be significant in mango production as it offers a steady and ready market. The report findings indicated that mango yields in Siaya County can be significantly improved by adopting better agronomic practices including pest management and disease control. Marketing channels revealed that farmers supplying factories and those selling at farm gate markets achieved comparable sales, indicating that both pathways can be viable with proper support.