Role of Farmers’ Participation in Technology Development and Dissemination Processes to Improve Sugarcane Varieties in Kakamega County, Kenya| Chapter 5 | Research Highlights in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 8

 Improved sugarcane varieties have been developed and promoted in Kenya, to enhance sugarcane productivity. However, their acceptance by farmers is low. This paper investigated this phenomenon in attempt to underpin factors that would enhance acceptance of these varieties by farmers. It examined the relationship between farmers’ participation The study used cross-sectional survey research design. Target population was 137,355 small-scale sugarcane farmers from Kakamega County, from which a sample of 384 farmers was randomly selected. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established limited participation of sugarcane farmers in the development and dissemination of improved sugarcane varieties. Farmers' acceptance of improved sugarcane varieties and their involvement in their development and dissemination were found to be significantly correlated. It was discovered that a reliable indicator of these varieties' acceptability by farmers was how many years the farmers had produced them. According to research findings, extension service providers must provide farmers with the necessary information about the improved varieties. Utilization of farmer Participatory Technology Development and Dissemination approaches need to be enhanced in the development and dissemination of improved sugarcane technologies. The study could assist researchers and extension service providers in creating and disseminating improved technologies through practical and successful methods that increase their acceptability by farmers. Farmers may gain from the findings by realising the roles they must play in the creation and adoption of technology. It will also be possible to add to the body of knowledge on PTD & D related to farmers' acceptance of advanced technology.

Author(s) Details:

Caroline M. Thuo,
Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Department of Technology Transfer, PO Box 388-00217, Limuru, Kenya.

Justus M. Ombati,
Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.

Agnes O. Nkurumwa,
Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RHAS-V8/article/view/9261