The Effect of Rainfall Duration on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando SubCounty of Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

At the backdrop of the on-going variability in rainfall, this research used a quasi-longitudinal research design to assess the effect of rainfall duration on beans, maize and African nightshade production in Nyando sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya. Primary data were obtained from questionnaires, interview schedules for key informants, photography, and observation checklist. Secondary data were obtained from Kisumu County’s Meteorological Department and Ministry of Agriculture. Data were analyzed at descriptive and regression levels. The analytical results showed that longer rainfall duration positively affected maize crop production (t = 18.82, p < .001) while it negatively affected both beans (t = -6.04, p < .001) and the African nightshade (t = -8.05, p < .001) yields. The research recommends that farmers should put emphasis on maize production during long rain seasons with minimal production of both beans and African nightshade for output maximization. More beans and African nightshade than maize should be grown in short rains durations to curb climate-related loses.