Determinants of Utilization of Agricultural Information among Farmers: A case of Vernacular Radio Stations in Molo Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya.

Abstract

Kenya’s economy is dependent on agriculture, agriculture contributes about 25 percent to the Gross Domestic Product of Kenya. The sector provides a livelihood for about 80 percent of Kenya’s population and employs more than 70 percent of the rural population KNBS (2017). Therefore, communicating information on agriculture innovations is paramount. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of utilization of agricultural information on farmers with specific reference to vernacular radio stations in Molo Sub-county. The focus of the study was on three parameters: demographic factors influencing access to vernacular radio station, relevance of the programs to farmers, and the institutional factors influencing utilization of the learnt knowledge. A cross sectional survey research design was used where 8,445 households in Molo Sub-county were targeted. Cluster sampling method was used to determine the number of participants that were selected through systematic sampling. A total of 155 respondents were involved in the study with 34 participants form Arimi Ward, 11 from Mutamaiyu Ward, 76 respondents from Turi Ward and 34 participants from Kiambiriria Ward. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Questionnaire were developed by the researcher, validated by experts in the field of development studies, and pilot tested in Subukia Sub-county. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used to summarize data while inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient was used to test relationship between variables. It was established that there exists a statistically relationship between demographic characteristics, relevance of agricultural programs, institutional factors and utilization of agricultural information (r= 0.644; p<0.05, r= 0.503; p<0.05, r= 0.463; p<0.05) respectively. It was concluded that farmers’ educational levels, gender, marital status, income level and age had positive and significant influence on the access and adoption of new information and technology while the variable on males and females adopting technology equally had positive relationship. Radio agricultural programs are useful to farmers in Molo Sub-county and have greatly influenced their farming practices. The farmers have learnt new farming skills from the program, new technology and gained knowledge on various farming methods. Radio program can be effectively used to supplement other sources of agricultural information where agricultural extension officers cannot reach. Institution factors such as access to credit facilities, development of infrastructures and provision of farm inputs at fair prices all enhance utilization of agricultural information among farmers. It was recommended that there is a need to increase farmers’ access to credit and finances. The Government and other institutions can provide tax-free tools and equipment to the farmers. The government, both National and County, should prioritize construction of access roads and laying of network infrastructure to facilitate good communication and transport. There is also need for more effort in providing agricultural information programmes to farmers through radio especially in the morning hours and evening hours which is convenient times for the farmers. Private institutions and Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) should sponsor agricultural programmes especially those with the needs and interest of the farmers. The youths should also be encouraged to actively take part in agriculture related activities to reduce unemployment as well as to enhance productivity and value addition for the accrual of high returns