Influence of the Grade Achieved in Agriculture at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination on Performance in Farming in Kenya

Abstract

Farming is a major contributor to the economic development of Kenya. It is the source of livelihood for over 80 percent of the total population. Agriculture education in secondary school was expected to revitalise the agriculture sector. Yet, despite the teaching of agriculture schools production from the sector is on the decline. A survey was conducted to establish the influence of the grade achieved in agriculture at school and performance in farming after school. The target population comprised of farmers with agriculture knowledge from secondary school. A sample of 100 respondents was obtained through snowball method. Ex-post facto/survey design was employed. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the objective, while inferential statistics was used for the hypothesis. Findings from the survey revealed a non-correlationship between agriculture grades and performance in farming. The conclusion drawn from the survey disclosed the grade obtained at school had no statistical relationship with performance in farming. The recommendation was that, agriculture education at secondary school should be reviewed and refocused more on pragmatism besides acquisition of quality grades. Lastly, secondary school agriculture education should be backed up with specialised training after school to adapt one to farming.