Department of Plant Science

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/chuka/421

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Browsing Department of Plant Science by Subject "Adoption"

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    Eco-Friendly Farming Practices and the intensity of their adoption in the agroecosystems of Embu County, Kenya
    (African Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020-01-01) Kathuri Njeru, Moses; K. Mutegi, James; M. Muraya, Moses; ; ;
    This study was conducted among households of Embu County in Kenya to determine the socioeconomic factors that influenced adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs). Earlier studies had indicated clearly that Embu County was experiencing soil erosion, pollution and soil acidification, yet EFFPs had been introduced to counter these environmental challenges. Therefore the study sought to find out the influence of socioeconomic factors on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex post facto research design was used. Through multistage random sampling 402 household heads were selected and all the 32 extension officers in the area were interviewed. 71.1% of the households were considered high adopters while 2% had not adopted low intensity was found with EFFPs such as limited use of inorganic pesticides and soil testing; medium intensity was seen on adoption of green manuring, composting, integrated pest management, minimum tillage and mulching. EFFPs with high adoption intensity included: Increasing soil and water conservation measures, cover cropping, use of less herbicides, intensified inter cropping, cultivating leguminous crops, agro-forestry, crop rotation and cultural methods in weeding were some of the EFFPs with high intensity adoption. The study found no statistically significant relationship between the intensity of adoption and the uptake of EFFPs among farming households of Embu County, Kenya. Therefore understanding the type and intensity of EFFPS adopted would be critical in designing effective environmental programs in the County.
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    Factors Influencing Adoption of Pigeon Pea and its Impact on Household Food Security in Machakos County, Kenya
    (Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2022) Emongor, R. A.; Matiri, F. M.; Magana, A.; Wamaitha, J.; Daniel, A. M.; Mulindo, J.; ; ;
    A household survey was carried out in Kalama, Mwala and Yatta Sub-counties of MachakosCounty Kenya to obtain data on the current situation of pigeon pea value chain. A total of 414households were interviewed in the month of October 2020. Data was analysed using descriptivestatistics, Logit Model to determine factors that influence adoption of pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan L)using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 Software. The HFIAS model wasused to determine the impact of adoption of Pigeon Pea on household food security. The results ofthe descriptive statistics showed that there was low adoption of the Pigeon pea technologies andthis implies that more needs to be done in creating awareness of the improved Pigeon peavarieties. The Logistic model results showed two factors that significantly influence adoption of Original Research Article
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    Influence of Farm’s Characteristics on Adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices in Agroecosystems of Embu County, Kenya
    (CRDEEP Journals, 2019-08) Njeru, Moses Kathuri; Muraya, Moses M.; Mutegi, James K.; ; ;
    There is a close association between agriculture and the environment. Agriculture is one of the main economic activities that depends on and influences a number of environmental resources including water, land and biodiversity as well as production technologies and management skills. In the pursuit of feeding the rapidly increasing world population, some widespread agricultural practices have contributed to loss of biodiversity, acidification, soil erosion, unsustainable production and salinization. To simultaneously address these environmental challenges and ensure sustainable production, environmentalists have recommended a paradigm shift. This has led to promotion of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs) among farmers. EFFPs are farming activities that ensure optimum farm production and simultaneously maintain the environmental integrity of the agroecosystems within which they occur. However, despite the effort made in promoting EFFPs among farming households in Kenya, the adoption rates have varied greatly. This study was conducted in the agroecosystems of Embu County in Kenya to evaluate the Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs). The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of farm’s characteristics on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex post facto research design was used and through a multi-stage random sampling technique, 240 household farms were selected for the study. Soil pH, Farms’ slopes, soil moisture and carbon content were determined and their relationship with EFFPs established. Slope of the farm had a statistically significant relationship with adoption of EFFPs. Levels of soil moisture were positively influencing adoption of EFFPs. Therefore the farms’ biophysical characteristics need to be evaluated as EFFPs and related technologies are introduced on farms.