Effect of Reduced Extension Services on Use of Productivity-enhancing Agricultural Inputs in Kenya

Abstract

The agricultural sector contributes significantly to economic growth in Kenya. However, the sector’s impact in the country’s economic growth has been declining over the years. In Kenya, farm production has either stagnated or declined over time, according to Vision 2030. At the same time, there are constraints impacting on the extension service delivery that include declining human resource, uncoordinated pluralistic extension service delivery mode and low funding. This study examined the effect of reduced extension services on usage of productivity enhancing agricultural input of fertilizer in Kenya. It was informed by two theories namely: diffusion of innovations theory and theory of production. The research used time series data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (Production Statistics Database) for the period between 1980 and 2019. The data was analyzed using regression method and time series procedures. The findings indicated that extension services and labor had positive and significant effect on use of productivity-enhancing agricultural inputs represented by fertilizer. The government of Kenya should review policies relating to agricultural extension services. The government should particularly develop a comprehensive extension service program that will address extension-service issues that undermine agricultural productivity and output. The government should increase budgetary allocations to agricultural extension services so that more farmers could participate in extension service programs. Finally, the government should invest in agricultural training so as to build skillful labour force in the agricultural sector in a bid to raise productivity in the sector.