Does Gender Matter in the Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Technologies? A Case of Push-Pull Technology in Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines if there is difference in the adoption of push-pull technology and other sustainable agricultural practices on plots managed by males, females and plots that are jointly-managed by males and females using plot level and gender disaggregated data. The econometric results suggest that there is no gender heterogeneity in the adoption of push-pull technology when the plot manager and plot characteristics are controlled for, suggesting that the technology is gender neutral. However, gender differences in the adoption pattern of other practices are evident. Jointly managed plots are more likely to adopt animal manure and soil and water conservation compared to male and female-managed plots. We do not, however, find any gender differences in the adoption of the rest of the practices. The analysis further shows that there is a significant correlation between push-pull and other sustainable agricultural practices, suggesting that the adoption of agricultural technologies is interrelated. The gender neutrality suggests that a program that considers women in the promotion and dissemination of push-pull technology can enhance the food security status of women and their households.