Factors Affecting Adoption of Agricultural Technologies by Naads Farmers in Kumi District: The Case of Fertilizer Application in Citrus.

Abstract

This study examined the factors affecting adoption of agricultural technologies by NAADS farmers in Kumi district considering fertilizer use in citrus as a case for this research. The objectives of this study were; to assess the effect of education level of farmers on agricultural technology adoption; to explain the effect of political environment on agricultural technology adoption and finally to examine the effect of extension services on agricultural technology adoption under NAADS program in Kumi district. The theories which guided this research were diffusion of innovation theory and concerns based adoption model. The researcher was motivated to this study because of low levels of agricultural technology adoption observed under the NAADS program despite funds flowing from the central government to districts. The literature reviewed revealed that indeed education level of the farmers, political environment and extension services affected agricultural technology adoption. A case study cross sectional survey research design was applied in which case both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data analysis were employed. A total of 162 respondents were sampled from 280 farmers from Nyero and Ongino Sub Counties and the response was 135 from 162 respondents sampled. The methods used to collect data were; questionnaire survey, interviewing, observation and documentary review. Data was analyzed and interpreted and the researcher concluded that; education level of farmers, political environment and extension services positively affected agricultural technology adoption under the NAADS program in Kumi district; political environment being the biggest contributor to low agricultural technology adoption levels. The study recommends for strengthening of FAL classes to enable farmers to learn how to read and write, Capacity building of leaders to enhance their leadership skills, and adequate facilitation of the extension staff. The study was limited by time, content and geographical scope and also the research methodology used. The study contributes to the body of knowledge of technology adoption studies.