Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Farming Methods on Economic Well-Being between Households Using Indigenous and Conventional Farming Practices in the Midlands of Embu County in Kenya

Abstract

Agriculture is vital to Kenya’s economy, supporting over 80% of rural residents, contributing one-third of GDP, and supplying 65% of export earnings. Despite international and national efforts to promote conventional and sustainable farming, global food insecurity has worsened, with acute hunger rising by 10% to affect 343 million people in 74 countries. Industrial-scale, high-yield agriculture has often destabilized sustainability, causing environmental harm, social inequality, chronic diseases, and increased food insecurity. With the global population expected to reach 10.4 billion by the 2080s, transforming agri-food systems is crucial for resilient food security and economic stability. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture at the Midlands of Embu County in Kenya highlights the need to compare conventional and indigenous farming methods to better understand their economic and environmental effects. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of farming practices used in conventional and Indigenous farming methods on economic well-being. The study adopted the comparative research design and descriptive survey design. The study population comprised of 66,878 farmer households and key informants in the Midlands of Embu County. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview schedule and observation check lists. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to summarize results on farming practices while inferential statistical analysis included the use of simple linear regression analysis were used to reveal effect of the farming practices on economic well- being. Farming practice showed statistically significant negative coefficient for the indigenous farm households. The negative coefficient indicates that as the category value of farming practices increases (likely representing poorer practices), income significantly decreases. In the conventional farming practices: The analysis shows that conventional farming practice category has a non-significant effect on Income total (IT). The study recommends implementation of policies that promote sustainable farming, protect small scale farmers and encourage biodiversity conservation. The results obtained will guide adoption of sustainable farming practices, policy reviews and add to the existing knowledge of research.