| dc.description.abstract | Extension Services by women farmers.
Agricultural Extension Services were introduced in Kenya in the pre-independence era with
the aim of teaching farmers improved farming practices. Since then, the GOK through the
MoALD has put a lot of effort in disseminating the Agricultural messages to the farmers,
both men and women.
Despite these efforts, Agricultural Extension Services have not being accessible to all
farmers, especially women.
This study set out to find out how selected factors influence women's access to Agricultural
Extension Services. The study focused on all women (married or single) in Muchungucha
focal area, Mbiri location, Kiharu division, Murang'a district, Kenya.
Using the simple random sampling technique, a total of 70 women were selected as
respondents.
The study employed the theoretical models of diffusion of innovations and liberal feminism.
The data for the study were collected by survey method. Primary data were obtained using a
questionnaire that was administered to the respondents. A key informant guide and a focused
group discussion guide were used in interviewing key informants and the focal area
committed members, respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the
data analysis. .
The main results of the study were that income levels and occupations influence women's
access to Agricultural Extension Services while education level, age and marital status did
not significantly influence their access to Agricultural Extension Services.
It was concluded that access to Agricultural Extension Services influenced the type of
improved farm practice adopted on the farm. Practices such as soil conservation measures,
fertilizer use, compost making, proper spacing, use of certified seeds, pest and disease
control, construction of zero grazing units, keeping dairy goats, spraying and deworming of
animals are only adopted by those respondents who had contact with Agricultural Extension
Services.
The study also found that the type of agricultural extension service in contact with women
farmers is influenced by the type of farm management.
Women from jointly managed farms (husbands living at home) do not have contact with such
types of Agricultural Extension Services as field days, tours, seminars and demonstrations.
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In light of these findings, it was recommended that there is need to sensitise both farmers and
extension workers on gender issues in agriculture, so that both sexes can participate in
Agricultural Extension Services.
There is need for more research on access to Agricultural Extension Services by women
farmers because access in the focal area is different from outside the focal area. Hence
research should be carried out on farmers outside the focal area. | en |
