The Maize Green Revolution in Kenya Revisited

Hugo De Groote, George Owuor, Cheryl Doss (), James Ouma, Lutta Muhammad and K. Danda
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George Owuor: Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya
James Ouma: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Embu, Kenya
Lutta Muhammad: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Katuman, Kenya
K. Danda: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Mtwap, Kenya

The Electronic Journal of Agricultural and Development Economics, 2005, vol. 2, issue 1, 32-49

Abstract: The maize green revolution, which increased maize yields through the use of improved varieties and fertilizer, has stalled since the mid-eighties in Kenya. This paper examines whether the stagnation of yields continued in the 1990s in spite of the implementation of the maize liberalization policies by the Kenya Government. Analysis of farm level surveys from 1992 and 2002 indicates slight increases in the use of improved maize varieties and fertilizer, but a substantial decrease in the intensity of fertilizer use. The econometric analysis suggests that the intensity of fertilizer use has a major effect on yield. The use of improved maize varieties, however, did not affect yield, suggesting that there are local varieties for some areas that do as well as improved varieties. Research is needed to develop improved varieties for some areas, and also needed for the development of alternative affordable soil fertility measures.

Keywords: green revolution; maize; adoption; soil fertility; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q10 Q16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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