American International Journal of Social Science

Influence of Common Interest Group Approach on Orphan Crops Productivity among Farmers, Kenya
Pamela Atieno Akal

Abstract
This Study was carried out in Miwani, Kenya to determine the influence of Common interest group approach on orphan crops productivity among smallholder farmers. Common Interest Groups are congregations of farmers brought together for the purpose of imparting technologies in order to increase farm productivity. The study was conducted through cross-sectional survey research design on 120 respondents from orphan crop group members in Miwani division and 120 from non-members in Nyando division selected through simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by use of interview schedules and treated with use of descriptive statistics and subjected to t-test analysis to determine whether there was significant difference of orphan crops productivity among members and non-members of common interest groups. The study findings indicated positive influence of common interest group approach on orphan crops productivity among members as characterized by increase in yields of the orphan crops. In conclusion, members of common interest groups benefited more than non-members by the virtue of their membership and participating in group activities. It is recommended that the approach be part of the extension system but with some modifications in its implementation to enhance knowledge geared towards commercialization of value chains.

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