Abstract:
Greenhouse technology has an important role to play in minimising adverse effects
of climate variability on vegetable production. Studies indicate that greenhouse
farmers face several challenges, sometimes leading to the abandonment of
Greenhouses. The types and levels of severity of the challenges have not been
adequately documented and acted upon on a context-specific basis, yet the demand
for Greenhouse fresh produce is increasing, particularly in populated urban areas.
This study identified and evaluated core challenges, available opportunities, and a
concatenation of the challenges with productivity perceptions among Greenhouse
farmers in Kericho County. A cross-sectional survey design drawing on data from
10% of Greenhouse farmers from each of the six Sub-counties was adopted for
the study. Structured and unstructured interview schedules were administered to
59 sampled farmers and 16 Extension agents. The Henry Garret ranking method
was used to analyse ranked data on challenges from farmers’ views and potential
opportunities from Extension agents. A one-sample Wilcoxon test was used to
analyse the deviation of views from ‘neutral’. Challenge due to pests and diseases
was significantly higher than hypothesised median of 3 (neutral); Z = 5.198, P<
.01. Cost of inputs and lack of finances for maintenance were significantly higher
than neutral; Z = 5.061, P< .01 and Z = 3.810, P< .01 respectively. The top five
challenges based on Garrett scores were pests & diseases, cost of inputs,
maintenance costs, inadequate water, and initial costs. Top-ranked opportunities
were integrated pest & disease management, farm-inputs subsidy, information on
crop varieties, support from extension and capacity building in water harvesting.
Concatenations existed between productivity of greenhouse units with quality of
produce, ease of access to markets and profitability of greenhouses. The study
recommends stakeholders’ concerted effort towards utilisation of the opportunities
identified to enhance sustainable Greenhouse productivity among smallholder
vegetable producers.
