Efficacy of local language Radio programs on crop pests and diseases management in Kenya: a study of Chamgei FM`s ‘Tuget ab Kobotik’ program among maize farmers in Bomet East Sub-County

Abstract

The study sought to analyze the efficacy of local language radio programs on crop pests and diseases management in Kenya based on Tuget ab Kobotik program on Chamgei FM among maize farmers in Bomet East Sub-County. The specific objectives of the study were; To examine the methods of access to Tuget ab Kobotik program on Chamgei FM by maize farmers in Bomet East Sub-County, to assess the adoption of the information on Tuget ab Kobotik program on crop pests and diseases management activities to maize farmers in Bomet East Sub-County and to analyze the efficacy of the content on Tuget ab Kobotik program on crop pests and diseases management among maize farmers in Bomet East Sub County. The study was built on Uses and Gratifications theory. The study employed qualitative research design. It had interviews with maize farmers and Key Informant interviews with agricultural extension officers in Bomet. The study area was Bomet East Sub-County in Bomet County where the estimated population is 29,958 households. The Qualitative data obtained was organized into themes according to research objectives and reported in a narrative form. Research findings revealed that farmers in Bomet East Sub County have a variety of sources for agricultural information with radio being the most popular. The farmers sampled revealed that they accessed Tuget ab Kobotik program on Chamgei FM via a radio set. They also revealed that they used the information obtained to eradicate crop pests and diseases in their maize farms and as a result, their maize production has improved. The farmers and extension officers recommend that the program session aired at 6:55 p.m. be rescheduled to 8 p.m.