The Use of Mobile and Web-based Innovations for Extension Service by Smallholder Farmers of Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society

Abstract

This study was guided by a conceptual framework that relied on the theory of diffusion of innovations and the bass forecasting model to establish if mobile and web-based innovations were in use by smallholder dairy farmers of Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society in Kiambu County in Kenya. It considered that government agricultural extension and advisory service that supported farmers with information, advice and skills collapsed more than three decades ago and therefore new solutions were needed. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data from a sample of 374. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews were also done using an interview guide. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the dairy farmers own mobile and web-based technological devices but very few were aware and made use of the existing agricultural mobile and web-based innovations. The adoption level for the iCow innovation which was introduced by the innovator was higher at the beginning with the early adopters grasping the opportunity to understand, test and use the innovation. However, the diffusion levels slowed down over time due to lack of enthusiastic ambassadors especially opinion leaders to pass over the innovation. The study recommended that key players including innovators, policy makers and other stakeholders need to develop a more keen interest in pushing across the adoption of mobile and web-based innovations among smallholders. The study concludes that further in-depth research on the use of the specific mobile and web-based innovations, adoption levels and rates and impact might reveal newer insights.