Adoption potential of biomass transfer technology in western Kenya

This study assesses the adoption potential of biomass transfer technology in Western Kenya, which is characterized by high population densities and nutrient depleted soils. The main aim is to assess uptake of the technology by farmers in six divisions of Vihiga District who have different levels of contact with research, with special reference on use, management, benefits, problems, perceptions, innovations and expansions. It also looks at the major factors affecting adoption and the diffusion/uptake of the technology in six villages in Yala Division of Siaya District. The study employs both formal and informal survey methods, which include questionnaires and a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal, Rapid Rural Appraisal and Participatory Learning and Action Research techniques. A survey from 69 farmers of the Extension Department (extension farmers) and 53 farmers collaborating with researchers (research farmers) of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, International Centre for Research in Agroforestry project in Maseno are presented. Group discussions and interviews by farmers in the six villages in Yala Division (village farmers) are also presented.The findings suggest that the rate of adoption is affected by association with research. Among the research farmers, 23% were strong adopters, 58% medium adopters and 19% did not adopt. Among the extension farmers, 15% were strong adopters, 20% were medium adopters while 59% did not adopt. For the village farmers, diffusion across the villages is generally not high and a larger proportion of farmers have not tested the technology. But, among the farmers who are in close contact with research from these villages and have tested the technology, the uptake is high with only a handful of farmers having dropped out. Other factors associated with adoption are: sex of decision-maker, household type, education level of the decision-maker, affliation to groups and participation in external activities. Many farmers currently apply the biomass on horticultural and traditional vegetables other than maize, the initial test crop. The revenue received from the sale of these vegetables offsets the costs of the labour incurred in using the biomass. The main benefits farmers have experienced from the use of Tithonia include increased crop yield and better crop quality. The major problem is the labour associated with its use and this is the main reason cited by farmers who have discontinued with the technology. This issue needs to be addressed if farmers are to adopt biomass transfer. Only a few farmers have planted the biomass within their farms to reduce the labour input. Therefore, extension efforts are needed to encourage more farmers to plant Tithonia on their farms.