Factors influencing green maize harvesting towards innovative research and knowledge for global competitiveness and sustainable development: case study of south Nandi district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges facing the society specifically the farmers and the country on the growing popularity of the green maize harvesting within the growing areas. The study was geared towards finding out the role of policy makers in understanding the reasons why farmers were opting to sale green maize rather than wait to dry up. The study investigated the role played by the provincial administration and the Ministry of Agriculture in either promoting or discouraging green maize harvesting towards achieving a knowledge economy through research and innovations. The research also investigated the effects of green maize harvesting on farmers food security, National food security policy in Kenya. The study was guided by motivational theories. The study aimed at achieving the following objectives; to establish the factors that influence green maize harvest in South Nandi district; to evaluate pros and cons to which commercialization of green maize harvesting affects the socio-economic status of farmers; to examine the consequences of green maize harvesting. The study utilized purposive and simple random sampling technique. The study employed descriptive survey design with questionnaires and interview schedules as data of collection instruments. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze data. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to capture all that benefits the farmer, the consumer and the state as the regulator towards being food secure.