| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to find out the role of participatory communication in poverty
reduction among small scale Irish potato farmers in Kuresoi North Sub-County in Kenya.
The objectives of the study were to establish knowledge levels of new farming methods
among the farmers, how they access this knowledge, the challenges they face in
accessing it, the most appropriate communication channels to them and the role of
participatory communication in poverty reduction among these farmers. This study was
guided by three theories: Social Cognitive Theory, Information Processing Stage Theory
Model and Diffusion of Innovations Theory.
An exploratory research design was used in this study. Non-probability sampling
procedures were used in the study. Using convenient sampling, 6 groups each with 6
participants were chosen for focus group discussions which were guided by an interview
guide while 8 key informants were purposively sampled and interviewed with the guide
of interview schedules. In total, 44 participants were sampled in the study.
The study found that lack of smooth flow of information from various stakeholders in
the Agricultural sector to the farmers was responsible for poor yields hence poverty
among small scale Irish potato farmers in Kuresoi North Sub-County. It also established
that other factors such as poor infrastructure and lack of proper marketing strategies were
major contributors of poverty among the farmers.
This study gives several recommendations, the major ones being that more agricultural
officers be employed and facilitated in the Sub-Counties to help dispense information.
Secondly, that savings and credit co-operative societies be established to assist farmers in
marketing of their produce.
This study recommends that longitudinal studies be conducted to establish the extent to
which participatory communication can reduce poverty. Secondly, further investigations
should be done on how the use of word of mouth by peers and neighbors amongst small
scale farmers can be incorporated into communication strategies aimed at improving
information flow among small scale farmers. | en_US |
