Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya

Domeniter Naomi Kathula; Mohamed Abdinoor

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya

Domeniter Naomi Kathula^*

, Mohamed Abdinoor

Published in International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences (Volume 10, Issue 6)

Received: 20 September 2024 Accepted: 28 November 2024 Published: 7 December 2024

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Abstract

The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.

Published in	International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences (Volume 10, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
Page(s)	310-327
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Water Harvesting, Value Addition, Agricultural Sustainability, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), Kitui County, Wajir County

References

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APA Style

Kathula, D. N., Abdinoor, M. (2024). Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 10(6), 310-327. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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ACS Style

Kathula, D. N.; Abdinoor, M. Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. Int. J. Appl. Agric. Sci. 2024, 10(6), 310-327. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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AMA Style

Kathula DN, Abdinoor M. Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. Int J Appl Agric Sci. 2024;10(6):310-327. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15,
  author = {Domeniter Naomi Kathula and Mohamed Abdinoor},
  title = {Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya
},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {310-327},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  abstract = {The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya

AU  - Domeniter Naomi Kathula
AU  - Mohamed Abdinoor
Y1  - 2024/12/07
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
T2  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
SP  - 310
EP  - 327
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-7885
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
AB  - The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.

VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Domeniter Naomi Kathula

School of Management and Leadership, Management University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5897-4039
Mohamed Abdinoor

Africa Regional Programme ,United Nations University for Peace, Nairobi, Kenya

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0487-295X

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Kathula, D. N., Abdinoor, M. (2024). Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 10(6), 310-327. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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ACS Style

Kathula, D. N.; Abdinoor, M. Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. Int. J. Appl. Agric. Sci. 2024, 10(6), 310-327. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

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AMA Style

Kathula DN, Abdinoor M. Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya. Int J Appl Agric Sci. 2024;10(6):310-327. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15,
  author = {Domeniter Naomi Kathula and Mohamed Abdinoor},
  title = {Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya
},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences},
  volume = {10},
  number = {6},
  pages = {310-327},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaas.20241006.15},
  abstract = {The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya

AU  - Domeniter Naomi Kathula
AU  - Mohamed Abdinoor
Y1  - 2024/12/07
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
T2  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
SP  - 310
EP  - 327
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-7885
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20241006.15
AB  - The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.

VL  - 10
IS  - 6
ER  -

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