Likelihood of social statuses to influence access to agricultural information among farmers in Chuka Sub-County, Kenya.

Abstract

Access to agricultural information is essential if current global problems related to food insecurity and climate change are to be addressed. Empirical evidence shows that access to agricultural information positively impacts agricultural development by enhancing farmers' adoption of agricultural technologies (Caracciolo & Keizer, 2015). Although research on the accessibility of agriculture information is growing, lack of information exists that show the likelihood of social statuses to influence adequate access to agricultural information among farmers. The study focused on educational level, farm size and farm income as social status variables. These study’s objectives were to assess the levels of farmers’ social statutes and determine the likelihood of social statuses to influence adequate access to agricultural information among farmers in Chuka Sub- County. Descriptive correlational research design was used to collect data from a sample of 377 farmers selected using stratified random sampling from three wards in the sub- county. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data using five-point Likert-type items. Collected data was analyzed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze relationships between the selected study variables on social status. The study found that 30.2% had a university degree, secondary education (27.1%), college/polytechnic education (26.5%), and primary education (14.6%). The results revealed that the majority of the farmers (37.4%) had farm sizes ranging from 0.0 to 2.9 acres. About 27% owned between 3.0 and 4.9 acres while 23.6% of the farmers owned between 5.0 and 6.9 acres. Very few farmers (12%) owned more than 7 acres. The results showed that majority of the farmers (37.4%) had farm sizes ranging from 0.0 to 2.9 acres. 27% owned between 3.0 and 4.9 acres while 23.6% of the farmers owned between 5.0 and 6.9 acres. 12% of farmers owned more than 7 acres. The results indicated that there was a significant likelihood for farmers in Chuka Sub County to access agricultural information based on their social status.