Factors Influencing Adoption And Utilization Of Rainwater Harvesting Technologies At Household Level In Evurore Ward, Mbeere North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes and it is closely related to development throughout the world, in informal organisations, factories, and farming system. Adoption of technological production can assist a resource-poor country to overcome its natural handicaps and conversely a county which relies on its rich diversity of natural resources may stagnate and fall victim to the perils of underdevelopment. In Kenya, there is poor accessibility of viable safe drinking and nearly 70% of the people reside in rural areas whereby the main sources of livelihood are dependent on rainwater. This study examined factors adoption and utilization of rainwater harvesting technologies in Evurore ward, Mbeere North sub-county. More specifically the study examined sources of knowledge for rainwater harvesting technologies, factors that enable households adopt rainwater harvesting technologies, benefits of utilisation of rainwater harvesting technologies among households and the challenges faced by households in adopting rainwater harvesting technologies. A mixed method approach was applied to generate quantitative and qualitative data using the questionnaires, FGDs and observation methods. The study drew a sample of 114 respondents from a possible universe of 760 farmers. The quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), the descriptive statistics was computed and data presented using tables. Qualitative data was analysed using the ATLAS and presented through quotations. The study found out that rainwater harvesting is essential for households both in rural and urban areas of Kenya and its largely practiced. The key factors influencing adoption and utilisation of rainwater harvesting technologies include, the available knowledge about RWH and some of the benefits that are as the result of adoption; water harvested is used for irrigation, for livestock, cooking, drinking, washing and too sold to non-harvesters or those that harvest less. Availability of capital and labor too contribute to the adoption of water harvesting technologies for farm and for domestic use. The study recommends the following; education and training of farmers on modern technologies of rainwater harvesting, emphasizes on community mobilisation and sensitization about rainwater harvesting technologies, stresses on the need for more contact with agricultural extensions at the village level and too recommend that value chain analysis of crop production be undertaken.