Person:
Gitonga, Z.

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Gitonga
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Z.
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Gitonga, Z.
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0000-0003-2666-6428

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2015 - 201922020 - 20242
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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Can I speak to the manager? The gender dynamics of decision-making in Kenyan maize plots
    (Springer Netherlands, 2024) Voss, R.C.; Gitonga, Z.; Donovan, J.; Garcia-Medina, M.; Muindi, P.
    Publication
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    Do metal grain silos benefit women in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe?
    (Elsevier, 2021) Farnworth, C.; Badstue, L.B.; De Groote, H.; Gitonga, Z.
    Publication
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    Trends in agricultural mechanization in Kenya’ s maize production areas from 1992-2012
    (Shin-Norinsha, 2018) De Groote, H.; Marangu, C.; Gitonga, Z.
    Agricultural intensification is key to feed the rapidly increasing African population. While the use of improved varieties has increased substantially over the last twenty years, the use of land-saving technologies such as fertilizer and labor-saving technologies such as mechanization has lagged behind. This study provides a literature review and analyzes the evolution of agricultural mechanization in Kenya, based on four household surveys conducted in Kenya between 1992 and 2012. The results show persistent low levels of agricultural mechanization: in 2012, most farm households still used only hand tools. More than a quarter of farmers (28%) had a plow (either for oxen or tractor), but very few (2%) a tractor. From 1992 to 2012 the percentage of farmers with oxen increased from 17% to 33%, but those with tractors decreased from 5% to 2%. Tractors were most important in the highlands, but animal traction was most important in the dry areas and moist midaltitude zone. Adoption of tractors increased with income, acreage and age. Adoption of animal traction increased with absentee husbands, income, age, sales of maize, livestock, family size, and access to extension; it decreased with land and with fertilizer use. Mechanization in Kenya is likely to continue depending on animal traction, which is not linked to farm size and complements labor, helps to reduce fertilizer and increase commercial maize production, and has room to grow, in particular in the highlands. Agricultural extension, development projects and research should consider the options in animal traction, and provide training and research on appropriate technologies and implements in areas with sufficient land area.
    Publication
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    Metal silo grain storage technology and household food security in Kenya
    (Academic Journals, 2015) Gitonga, Z.; De Groote, H.; Tadele Tefera
    A treatment effect and ordered logit models were used to evaluate the impact of metal silo storage technology on household food security and factors influencing adoption of metal silo. Farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of metal silo against larger grain borer and maize weevil was also analyzed. The most important factor households considered when choosing a storage facility was effectiveness against storage pests followed by security of the stored grain and durability of the storage facility. Metal silo adopters had 1.8 months more of adequate food provisioning than non-adopters. Compared to non-adopting households, metal silo adopters only sold a little portion of their maize initially to meet immediate cash needs and kept the bulk of it until the fifth month after harvest. Consumption was stable throughout the year for the metal silo adopters. Non-adopters sold most of their maize immediately after harvest and consumption was higher than sales. Household size, literacy of the household head and land size increased the likelihood of adopting the metal silo technology. Households with access to financial services (bank account and/or mobile money) were more likely to adopt metal silo. Distance to the nearest passable road reduced odds of adopting metal silo technology. The use of metal silos prevented damage by larger grain borer (LGB) and maize weevil for 98% and 94% of adopters, respectively. This study finds evidence that metal silo technology is effective against main maize storage pests and its adoption can significantly improve food security in rural households.
    Publication