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     Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

    Abstract
2014(Vol.6, Issue:2)
Article Information:

Comparison of the Profitability of Small-scale Greenhouse and Open-field Tomato Production Systems in Nakuru-North District, Kenya

John M. Wachira, Patience M. Mshenga and Mwanarusi Saidi
Corresponding Author:  John M. Wachira 
Submitted: September 24, 2013
Accepted: October 10, 2013
Published: March 25, 2014
Abstract:
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is among the most important vegetables grown in Kenya. Its popularity as a commercial crop is on the rise compared to other cash crops like coffee, due to declining land sizes as it can be grown on small-scale. It is mainly grown in the open-field, but the prevalence of greenhouse tomato growing is also noteworthy. Greenhouse tomato production is less susceptible to diseases and weather conditions. However, the uptake of the greenhouse tomato growing technology has been wanting, with the cost of greenhouse installation and maintenance being quoted as the key impediment. But studies in other places have revealed that in the long run, when entire costs and returns are taken into account, use of the technology is economically viable. Using survey data from 216 tomato producers, this study compared the profitability of greenhouse and open-field tomato production systems in Nakuru-North district. The study used Gross margin and Net Profit to determine and compare the profitability levels for both greenhouse and open-field tomato production systems. The results indicate that the mean net profit/m2 for greenhouse tomato was more than 10 times higher than that of open-field tomato production system. The study therefore, recommends promotion of greenhouse tomato production for improved smallholder livelihoods.

Key words:  Greenhouse tomato growing, gross margin, net profit, open-field tomato growing, profitability, small-scale farmer,
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Cite this Reference:
John M. Wachira, Patience M. Mshenga and Mwanarusi Saidi, . Comparison of the Profitability of Small-scale Greenhouse and Open-field Tomato Production Systems in Nakuru-North District, Kenya. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, (2): 54-61.
ISSN (Online):  2041-3890
ISSN (Print):   2041-3882
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