ISSN 2375-0693
African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN: 2375-0693 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 203-213, March, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Technology adoption behaviours: Evidence from Maize producers in drought prone regions of Eastern Kenya
Sam Kaninda Tshikala1, Esendugue Greg Fonsah2, Genti Kostandini3 and Glenn Ames4
1Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, United States of America.
2University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, United States of America.
3University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7509, United States of America.
4University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7509, United States of America.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
The growth in agriculture holds the key to the economic growth and development in many Sub-Saharan African countries. However, for the past three decades, agricultural productivity in this part of the continent has been the lowest in the world. In many Sub-Saharan African countries, the low adoption rate of new agricultural technologies such as improved seeds is perhaps among the major causes of low agricultural productivity, food insecurity and poverty. This paper analyzed farmers’ adoption of improved maize varieties over time, the determinants of adoption, and the impact of adoption on area expansion in the drought prone region of eastern Kenya. A multivariate probit model was estimated using data from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The results show that only 19% of farmers used improved maize seeds during 2002 - 2006 while 21% used them for one or more years and then discontinued their use, and 60% did not use them at all. Liquidity constraints, poverty, poor infrastructure, and poor input and output markets were among the causes of the low adoption rate in the region. However, access to improved seeds, high yield, and membership in a farmers’ association were among the determinants of area expansion. Efforts should be directed toward helping farmers get access to financial, input, and output markets in order to stimulate the adoption of improved agricultural technologies.
Key words: Technology adoption, improved maize, drought, multivariate probit, Kenya.