Factors affecting adoption of improved agricultural technologies among smallholder tea farmers in Kericho County

Date
2021
Authors
Ekwang, Carren
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Tea is an important crop in Kenya’s economy accounting for 26% of foreign exchange earnings. In order to improve productivity, the Tea Research Institute has developed improved agricultural technologies to enhance tea yields. However, Small holder farmers have not fully adopted the improved agricultural technologies and therefore their yields remain low. The general objective of this study is to establish the factors that influence adoption of improved agricultural technologies among small holder among small holder farmers in Kericho County. The specific objectives are, to determine the effect of personal farmer characteristics on adoption of improved agricultural technologies, to establish the influence of economic factors on adoption of improved agricultural technologies and to investigate the effect of institutional factors on adoption of improved agricultural technologies among smallholder tea farmers in Kericho County The study used a descriptive design. The number of farmers was divided into six factories that the farmers supply leaf to namely Chelal, Toror, Tegat, Momul Kapkatet and Litein Tea factories. Proportionate random sampling was applied to select the number of farmers from each factory. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the personal farmer characteristics, economic and institutional factors influencing technology adoption. A multivariate probit model was used to determine how the independent variables (personal, economic and institutional factors) relate to the dependent variable (adoption of improved farming technologies). The results show that, higher education levels, age, years of experience in tea farming and household size positively influenced adoption of improved agricultural technologies. On gender, female managed farms are less likely to adopt soil conservation and IWM. Land size did not influence adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Credit constrained households were also less likely to adopt fertilizer use and improved tea varieties. Alternative income enhanced adoption of IWM and soil testing. Membership to a formal or informal institution enhanced adoption of soil conservation and use of improved tea varieties. There is no relationship between provision of extension services and adoption of improved agricultural technologies because the quality of the service offered is poor
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
Agriculture, Technology, Adoption
Citation