Spatial Distribution in the Adoption of Agroforestry among Small-Scale Farmers in Tharaka Nithi County

Abstract

The study investigated the spatial distribution in the adoption of agroforestry among small-scale farmers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Various efforts have been initiated to enhance the adoption of agroforestry. Despite the efforts made, farmers are yet to fully adopt agroforestry in Tharaka Nithi County. There is paucity of information regarding spatial variations in the adoption of agroforestry. The study was based on the Rogers Adoption-Diffusion Model. The study utilised a cross-sectional research design. The target population was 43,231 small-scale farmers in Tharaka Nithi County. Simple random sampling was employed to select 220 farmers to participate in the study. The data for the study was collected using questionnaires for farmers. Findings indicated spatial distribution in the adoption of agroforestry among small-scale farmers in the sub-counties in Tharaka Nithi County. Findings further showed that there were significant χ2 (chi-square) associations between soil fertility, topography, soil colour, soil depth, rainfall variability, flooding, temperatures and occupation in all the sites, showing that the agroforestry behaviour was associated with sites. Therefore, these factors accounted for spatial variations in agroforestry. Consequently, this study concludes that landscapes are important considerations for farmers who intend to adopt agroforestry. The findings of the study will be crucial in informing current agroforestry technology adoption decisions by the farmers within Tharaka Nithi County guided by the identification of constraints (socioeconomic, cultural and geophysical) that hinder wide adoption of agroforestry. The study recommends that the government introduce programs to sustain and continually improve agroforestry and reduce negative beliefs concerning agroforestry adoption.