Determinants of digital technologies adoption among small scale farmers in Kenya - a case of Embu and Kirinyaga Counties
Date
2020
Authors
Kiarie, Hussein
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Despite the fact that Kenya is a regional innovation hub with the increasing digitalization of the various sectors within the economy, the adoption of technology within the agriculture sector has not been at par with the rest of the economy. This study sought to examine the determinants of the adoption of digital technologies within the agriculture sector. The study sought to establish the effect of resource capability, managerial capability, extension services, and socioeconomic factors on digital technology adoption. The study was grounded on the technology organization and environmental framework. The study adopted a descriptive research design with the population of the study being drawn from Small-Scale commercial farms in Embu and Kirinyaga County. The sample population for the study was 387 participants with a quantitative research instrument being utilized in the study. The study adopted a drop and pick method in the data collection process. The collected research data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analyzed data was presented using tables, charts, and bar graphs. The research was able to obtain a 93% response rate. The results of the study showed that, to some extent, most of the farmers were utilizing the various technological farms in their day to day farming activities. The study concludes that 18.5% of changes in the adoption of agricultural technologies was determined by the, household income, household size, gender farmer’s age, farming experience, education of the farmer, level of resource capability, managerial capability, and access to extension services. The research recommends that the government should enhance research and development, which will support the introduction of modern technologies. The study recommends that farmers should enhance their collaboration and pooling of resources to support their capacity to adopt new agricultural technologies.
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration at Strathmore University Business School
Keywords
Digital technologies, Small scale farmers_Kenya, Embu, Kirinyaga Counties