Duration analysis of technology adoption effects of dissemination pathways: A case of ‘push–pull’ technology for control of Striga weeds and stemborers in Western Kenya

Abstract

Since its introduction, the ‘push–pull’ technology (PPT) has been promoted as an innovative approach for addressing yield losses caused by Striga weeds and stemborer infestations on farmers’ maize fields in western Kenya. The technology has been disseminated through different pathways each of which might have different uptake enhancement capabilities. This study was concerned with how different dissemination pathways impacted on farmers’ time to adoption while controlling the effects of selected socio-economic and regional factors. This assessment was necessary in order to recommend which dissemination pathway or combination of pathways that could provide an effective dissemination strategy that speed up adoption, while ensuring continued practice of the technology. Data were analyzed using a parametric (Weibull) functional form to specify time to adoption from the first date of a farmer being aware of the technology. The findings indicate positive duration dependence and a positive rate of change in the adoption process. Field days (FD) had the highest effect on the speed of uptake, followed by Farmer Teachers (FT). Other variables that accelerated adoption were education, household size and high-income level. Gender, Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs), group membership, and district dummy variables had delaying effects on the adoption process. The findings suggest the need to fast track the scale up and uptake of PPT through pathways which allow for interactive information sharing and learning as exemplified through farmer teachers and field days.