Smallholder farmers’ perceptions on adoption of organic farming practices in Kisii central sub - county, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Organic fanning (OF) is a fonn of sustainable agricultural production that is gaining popularity globally, including Africa. This is mainly because products from OF are known to contribute to: healthy living, increase in farm income, and safe and sustainable environments. It is in view of these benefits that OF systems are encouraged across countries in Sub- Saharan Africa, including Kenya. For Kenya to derive more gains from OF, there is need to understand the perceptions of smallholder fanners (SHF) on adoption of OF practices for their individual as well as society’s benefits. This study sought to: determine the extent to which SHFs’ perception influence adoption of OF practices; determine the influence of SHFs’ socio-economic characteristics on adoption of OF and examine the socio-economic and environmental effects of OF as perceived by smallholder farmers, in Kisii Central Sub — County. The study employed descriptive survey research design which enabled collection of data from a sample of 306 SHFs from a population of 6,025 farming households. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select SHFs while purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and later analyzed using the statistical techniques including frequencies, percentages and correlation. Results indicated that nearly all (97%) of SHFs are practicing OF with use of animal manure (87%), crop rotation (72%) and cover crops (55%) as the predominant practices. The high number of farmers practicing OF can be attributed to infonnation on OF farming being easily available (52%); strong agreement on positive effects of OF on environment (69%), and the anticipated future demand for OF products (84%). Majority of respondents, farm size (79%), income (73%), household size (67%) and age (66%) are the lead socio-economic characteristics influencing adoption of OF. The study further established that education significantly contributed to SHFs’ use of animal manure (1:.l 14) and cover crop (1=.l2l). To a majority, health benefits (61%), income (46%) and neighbour’s influence (41%) are the leading motivational factors to adoption and practice of OF. There exists awareness among SHFs that OF practices such as use of legumes (4l.l5%), green manure (42.35%) and use of animal manure (50.8%) improved soil fertility. The study established a significant relationship between social benefits of OF with crop rotation (1: 0.12) and water conservation (r =0.13). This study recommends that promoters of OF should take note of the positive rating and perception of OF. In addition, promotion of OF practices should take into account income, household size and age of farmers. Finally, there should be creation of awareness among farmers on socio-economic and environmental benefits of