Comparative analysis of communication channels for diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize: The case of Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga, Kenya
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Date
2015Author
Wafula, Carolyne K
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Despite the use of various communication strategies in Kenya, access and use of agricultural
information by rural farming communities and other actors along the agricultural
information chain is inadequate to cope with challenges in crop production leading to high
levels of poverty. In Kirinyaga and Makueni counties, poverty levels of people living in urban
areas are 26 % and 35% respectively, with about 67% of the rural populations living below
the poverty line. This study, therefore, investigated how different communication channels
used in disseminating new or proven agricultural technologies in Africa by the DONATA
project among the smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga in Central and Kathonzweni in Eastern
counties of Kenya have influenced the farmers decision to adopt quality protein maize
(QPM).
Random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the survey and primary
data collected using structured questionnaires which involved 210 farmers, comprising of
110 from Kathonzweni and from 100 Kirinyaga. Descriptive statistics, covariance analysis
and binary logistic regression were applied through SPSS application to ascertain the factors
contributing to diffusion and adoption of QPM technologies.
The levels of quality protein maize awareness in Kathonzweni were much higher 100%
compared to Kirinyaga 98%. Farmer to farmer and farmer groups in Kirinyaga and extension
services in Kathonzweni play a major role in farmer awareness of quality protein maize
technologies. The results from the binary logistic regression indicates socio economic
characteristics in Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga such as age and marital status play a big role in
diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize. Field days in both study regions
contributed significantly to increased QPM adoption. Farming was found to be the main
source of income with 97.3% in Kathonzweni and 98% Kirinyaga. Lack of seed and climate
change were major constraints affecting agricultural production in the study areas.
It is therefore recommended that farmer field days, demonstrations, farmer field schools,
farmer to farmer and group meetings continue being promoted through increased
extension visits, and investing in farmer education via seminars, as vehicles of disseminating
agricultural innovations. Information and communication technologies like radio, mobile phone and television should be used to complement the conventional channels which
promote access to quality protein maize information. This will increase adoption, hence
increased production and high yields which will be part of the solution to food insecurity
and raising poverty levels in the country.
Publisher
University of Nairobi