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Abstract
Simulation models have been used successfully to forecast productivity of cropping systems
under various weather, management and policy scenarios. These models have helped farmers
make efficient resource allocation decisions. However, in Kenya simulation models have not
been used extensively and more specifically in modeling large scale cropping systems. The study
aimed at forecasting productivity and profitability of wheat cropping systems in Uasin Gishu
district, Kenya. Both primary and secondary data were used. Both time series and cross-sectional
data for variables of interest were collected and complemented by a survey of 20 wheat farmers
who were systematically selected to verify information obtained from secondary sources.
Cropping Systems simulation model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to determine wheat
output and profits under alternative price scenarios. Even though, simulated yields overestimated
actual field wheat yield both at the district and across the four agro-ecological zones,
the deviation from the actual field yield was marginal. It is recommended that Cropsyst and
Monte Carlo models be included among a bundle of tools for decision making. Further research
is also required to test the two models under different locations, diverse soil types, varied
management styles and different scales of production.