The State of Agricultural Mechanisation in Uasin Gishu District, Kenya, and its impact on Agricultural Output

Abstract

Uasin Gishu District is a major food-producing district of Kenya but over the recent years there has been a general decline of crop yields in the district. One of the factors that affects agricultural output is the level of mechanisation and so a study was undertaken to identify the state of agricultural mechanisation in the District and assess how this has affected the yields of maize and wheat. It was found that there was stagnation in the level of agricultural mechanisation in the District, which has contributed to the decline in crop yields. It was also found that many mechanics who handle/repair farm machinery lack the right tools and equipment and, moreover, many have inadequate relevant technical knowledge with very few of them having had some formal technical training.