Mechanizing Land Preparation for Maize Production in Kenya

This study evaluates alternative methods of land preparation for maize product10n on farms m western Kenya, the results of which may be applicable to regtons of similar cond1hons. People, oxen, and tract01s are the three sources of power. Maize product10n d('pends on rainfall, and the tlmelmess of operations is cnt1cat To ensure optimum yields, farmers m the regmn need to prepare the available acreage for maize planting soon after the onset of the rains. An effective method of land preparation to improve labour productivtty 1s desirable. Labour profiles md1cated that those not usmg the hoe for land preparation used less labour for the task but subsequently used more labour to perform the other operations. Over a penod of 5 years, ownership of oxen for ploughing increased Higher yields and incomes were associated with oxen ownership Pub he support for tractors should be diverted to alternative programmes, one of which should be the promotion of ox cult1vat10n m suitable areas