Affecting Access to Extension Service Among Cashew Nut Farmers in Kilifi County, Kenya.

Abstract

The main aim of the paper was to determine the factors that affect access of extension service among smallholder cashew nut producers. The study was conducted in Kilifi County in coastal Kenya which has favourable climatic conditions and a long history of cashew nut production. A structured interview guide was used to collect data from 123 cashew nut farmers which were then analyzed using logistic regression model. Results show that the determinants of access of extension service include gender, education, age, household size and the size of land area cultivated. The study established management neglect of cashew nut plantations which would otherwise be amended through access of extension services. It is thus imperative that favourable policies based on the identified variables be formulated.