An Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Avocado Production Around Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya with Special Emphasis on Flooding and Its Implications

Abstract

Climate change due to global warming has become a major bearing on agricultural. This has been associated with rising temperature, droughts, flooding and intense winds. In sub-Saharan Africa these impacts have become increasingly devastating to Agriculture and food security. With increasing magnitude and frequency. Avocado (Persia americana) is an important world crop due to its nutritional and health importance. In Kenya, its production is limited by flooding among other factors. Studies were conducted in the Lake Victoria Basin Counties of Busia (Bunyala), Muhoroni, Nyando and Rachuonyo to investigate flooding, human capital, gender, age and farmer education on Avocado production. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants interviews and desktop reviews were used to collect data. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Frequencies and percentages were interpreted and reported in this paper. Results showed that human capital affected input purchase, rootstock selection, establishment, harvesting and marketing. While flooding led to root diseases (Phytophthora cinnamon). In all aspects human capital, farmer education, extension services contributed to farmer’s abilities to adopt new technologies for increased crop productivity. Keywords: Flooding capital, economic, strategies, climate change, avocado, Lake Victoria, Kenya.