Abstract:
The productivity of sorghum in Kenya is on decline despite sorghum being one of the suitable crops for
the arid and semi-arid areas commonly found in Kenya. The study therefore aimed at establishing the
effect of the selected socio-economic factors on sorghum productivity using a case of small-scale
farmers in Siaya County. The four sub-counties considered for this study were selected on the basis of
sorghum production. Stratified and random sampling techniques were applied to identify a sample
comprising of 300 smallholder households in the study area. Data was collected using semi-structured
interview schedules administered to the selected farm households. The characteristics of the
smallholder farmers sampled were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square
multiple regression model. The results showed that farm size under sorghum, labour, farm gate price,
serena and seredo seed varieties were significant determinants of sorghum productivity in the study
area. Based on these findings, the study recommends provision of improved seed varieties to the
farmers. Policies targeted at promoting industrial use of sorghum will increase sorghum demand and
promote its uptake. In addition, agricultural development policies should target provision of such
services like training and extension support to enhance sorghum production in Kenya.
