Regional Radio Farming Programmes and Agricultural Productivity in Kimilili Constituency: Case Study of West Fm Radio Station

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of regional radio farming programmes on agricultural productivity in Kimilili constituency using West FM radio station as the case study. The study’s objectives were to establish whether the people of Kimilili Constituency used West FM as a source of information and to determine whether ukulima ajira program on West FM had influenced diversity in farming among farmers in Kimilili constituency. A mixed methods approach was used as it involved collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The study adopted purposive sampling technique to identify the respondents of the study. The research chose a sample of two hundred and two (202) farmers, which was considered to be statistically significant considering the size of the total population of adults who meet the above description. This study relied on primary data generated in the field by way of administering questionnaires with open and close-ended questions to the farmers and interview guides to the West FM program managers and extension officers. Data obtained through the questionnaires was coded and analyzed through the SPSS package. From the analyzed data, tables were prepared and used in interpretation. The research findings revealed that the program is popular in the constituency. Farmers sampled for the study expressed positive views on the role that regional radio farming programs like Ukulima Ajira have played in enhancing their farming activities. The researcher recommends that the radio station invests more in the agricultural programmes and should also consider building partnerships with farming institutions within Kimilili Constituency to come up with incentives that can benefit the farmers.