Knowledge Center Catalog

Factors affecting the adoption of selected wheat production technologies by farmers in Njoro and Rongai divisions of Nakaru District, Kenya

By: Contributor(s): Material type: TextTextPublication details: Mexico, DF (Mexico) CIMMYT : 2003Description: p. 61ISBN:
  • 970-648-076-5
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 338.91 WAT
Summary: In Kenya, wheat is usually grown on a commercial basis for the domestic market. However, as wheat supply has continually failed to meet the country's demand, the shortfall is supplemented by wheat imports. Despite the continuous generation of new wheat technologies via Kenyan agricultural research centers, adoption by Kenyan farming communities has been very poor. Plant breeding has increased wheat productivity, but farmers continue to experience low yields. The adoption of recommended wheat production technologies by Kenyan farmers could significantly reduce the need for wheat imports. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe factors affecting the adoption of selected wheat production technologies by farmers in Njoro and Rongai, Nakuru District, Kenya. The factors investigated were derived from previous studies and observations. These included high yielding varieties, land preparation and planting time, fertilizer application rates, improved seed source, pest, disease, and weed control strategies. A sample size of 150 farmers was selected using a stratified proportion random sampling technique. The data were obtained using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Each hypothesis was tested using Chi-square at P<0.05. In conclusion, the study developed the following specific recommendations to facilitate the effective transfer of wheat production technologies: .In-depth similar studies should be carried out in all wheat growing district to confirm if the trends are the same. .Education for both large- and small-scale wheat farmers should be emphasized to allow easy dis- semination of knowledge and information about wheat production technologies. This will modify the farmers farmers' perception and help them to grasp the potential benefits of adopting new technologies. .There is need for collaborative efforts in educating the farmers by all parties interested in agricultural development so as to increase adoption levels.
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Abstract only

In Kenya, wheat is usually grown on a commercial basis for the domestic market. However, as wheat supply has continually failed to meet the country's demand, the shortfall is supplemented by wheat imports. Despite the continuous generation of new wheat technologies via Kenyan agricultural research centers, adoption by Kenyan farming communities has been very poor. Plant breeding has increased wheat productivity, but farmers continue to experience low yields. The adoption of recommended wheat production technologies by Kenyan farmers could significantly reduce the need for wheat imports. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe factors affecting the adoption of selected wheat production technologies by farmers in Njoro and Rongai, Nakuru District, Kenya. The factors investigated were derived from previous studies and observations. These included high yielding varieties, land preparation and planting time, fertilizer application rates, improved seed source, pest, disease, and weed control strategies. A sample size of 150 farmers was selected using a stratified proportion random sampling technique. The data were obtained using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Each hypothesis was tested using Chi-square at P<0.05. In conclusion, the study developed the following specific recommendations to facilitate the effective transfer of wheat production technologies: .In-depth similar studies should be carried out in all wheat growing district to confirm if the trends are the same. .Education for both large- and small-scale wheat farmers should be emphasized to allow easy dis- semination of knowledge and information about wheat production technologies. This will modify the farmers farmers' perception and help them to grasp the potential benefits of adopting new technologies. .There is need for collaborative efforts in educating the farmers by all parties interested in agricultural development so as to increase adoption levels.

English

0310|R01CIMPU|AGRIS 0301|AL-Economics Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Publications Collection


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