Development of Improved Groundnut Varieties for Dietary Upliftment among Households in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Low dietary diversity is one of the major causes of malnutrition in Kenya. As a result, the government of Kenya and its partners have promoted the uptake of plant based legumes such as Improved Groundnut Varieties to offer solution to the rising cases of poor nutrition. Understanding the impact of Improved Groundnut Varieties on dietary diversity is critical but evidence shows that it’s not yet explored. This study sought to estimate the impact of Improved Groundnut Varieties (IGVs) on dietary diversity among smallholder farmers in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study used multi-stage sampling procedure where the sub-counties and wards were purposively selected. The villages and respondents were selected using simple random sampling.  Cross-sectional data was collected through interview schedules on a random sampling of 384 households. Both descriptive statistics and econometric methods, Propensity Score Matching method were used. The results pointed out that Improved Groundnut Varieties had a positive and significant impact on the diets of the farmers. Households cultivating IGVs had better dietary diversity non-adopters. Overally, this study recommends sensitization of farmers to adopt IGVs and the need for the government to facilitate extension service provision, trainings and access to credit to increase yields and incomes. Again, the study recommends formation of farmers groups that are business hubs as opposed to social welfare to enhance bargaining power and access to inputs and outputs market. Additionally, there is need for intersectoral collaboration between agriculture and health sector to sensitize farmers on the importance of diversifying diets and consuming the crops grown in the farms.