The Role of Communities of Practice on Adoption of Agricultural Innovations and Technologies: Case of the System of Rice Intensification Approach in Mwea Irrigation Scheme

Abstract

Over the years, the introduction and reception of agricultural innovations and technologies have faced partial success as measured by observed rates of adoption. Utilization of Communities of Practice (CoPs) as communication pathways is one of the ways by which innovators can enhance the rates of innovation adoption. CoPs are a circle of persons with the same interest, problems, or preoccupation about a subject and widen their understanding and mastery in such areas by indulging in an ongoing basis. Primarily, they are known for knowledge management; however, there is minimal empirical evidence in literature on the role they play in engaging, adopting, and retention of agricultural innovation and technologies. This study, therefore, sorts to document the role of CoPs in advancing the adoption of agricultural innovations and technologies. It employed a case study to investigate the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) approach at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme. It is guided by three specific objectives: (i) to investigate the level of awareness and existence of CoPs among the promoters of SRI; (ii) to assess the influence of farmers’ knowledge, engagement, and learning ability on the adoption and retention of SRI technology and; (iii) to assess the usefulness of CoPs in influencing adoption and retention of SRI technology in Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The study purposefully targeted 347 farmers and 10 SRI promoters and three managers of the technology who were subjected to a series of interviews and focus group discussions. The study established that the majority of the farmers were aware of the existence of CoPs. It also ascertained the usefulness of CoPs in the dissemination of information and the adoption and retention of SRI technology. It is also found that the engagement of CoPs influences the adoption and retention of SRI technology at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme followed by knowledge of the use of CoPs and finally learning about the use of CoPs.