Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ adoption of integrated soil fertility and water management practices in Machakos county (#67548)

Abstract:

Natural resource degradation and water scarcity are a global concern that threatens sustainability of smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). In ASALs, low adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility and Water Management (ISFWM) technologies has contributed to food and nutrition insecurity. A study was carried out to assess factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption decision of ISFWM technologies in Mwala and Yatta Sub-Counties. A questionnaire was administered to 248 household heads in the study region. Relationships between different variables were determined by the Tobit model and logistic regression models. Results revealed that age, gender, group membership, access to agricultural extension services and inaccessible credit influenced ISFWM adoption significantly (p