Factors Influencing Involvement Of Legume Farmers In Agricultural Training Programs In Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

The Kenya’s agricultural extension services are characterized by multiplicity of players from the public and private sector. The extension service providers have been criticised for initiating and managing the agricultural training programs without involving farmers. In this approach, the extension agents are in a position to control the farmers for their gains as they try to push development to the farmers whether they want or not. Such an approach cannot lead to empowerment and sustainable development since the farmers wouldn’t get skills and knowledge instead it encourages community dependency to government and donors. Farmers must take an interest in the arranging, execution and assessment of formative projects and considering that they comprehend their necessities and must be included in those choices that influence their lives. This study sought to establish the elements impacting the inclusion of legume producers in agricultural training programmes in the Makueni County. The relationship between the independent variables (organizational factors, farmers’ characteristics, perception on the training programs and awareness on agricultural training) and dependent variable (involvement of legume farmers in agricultural programs) was therefore explored. To achieve this, the survey research design was used and the data was collected through the questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The study targeted a population of 1,015 farmers in the County that produces and markets grain legumes in the area. To select the respondent groups, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were applied. The quantitative information gathered was analysed through descriptive measurements (frequencies & percentages). Qualitative data was also interpreted to supplement the quantitative data. Based on the analyses, the main findings of the study revealed organizational factors such as the distance of the training centers, lack of facilities and qualified facilitators have great impacts on farmers’ involvement. The study also showed that the farmers’ characteristics-age, gender and educational background affects the active participation by farmers and it’s important to consider training programs that suite the elderly, the illiterate and the women. Farmers appeared to be satisfied with the current agricultural extension services provided and this positive perception by farmers on the agricultural training programs is important in the implementation of the programs as it leads to improved agricultural practices, increased yields among other benefits. Additionally, the study revealed that farmers are aware of the availability of the agricultural training programs in their area. From the above findings, it could be concluded that legume farmers in Makueni County were involved in the various phases of agricultural training programme. This study therefore recommends that the agricultural extension agents should develop special training programs for the elderly and illiterate farmers in order to motivate them to attend the trainings. Furthermore, the County Governments should increase funding for agricultural training programmes as they contribute to increased yields that would lead to food security. However, farmers should be engaged in developing cost-share training programs as this will ensure sustainability in implementation. Finally, it’s recommended that a replication of the study should be done in other counties targeting other enterprises as this will show a more accurate picture of the factors affecting farmers’ involvement in agricultural training programs.