Gender Differentials in Adoption of Soil Nutrient Replenishment Technologies in Meru South District, Kenya

Abstract

Understanding gender differentials in adoption of soil nutrient replenishment technologies is critical to their successful implementation by farmers. This study was conducted first to examine gender differentials in choices of technologies adopted at intrahousehold level. Second, to investigate socio-economic, institutional, and demographic factors influencing adoption, and finally to examine gender differences in the frequency of participation in project activities. The results indicated gender differences in the choice of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer. Gender differentials were also observed in the frequency of participation in project activities. A logistic regression model developed revealed that different factors influenced adoption at intrahousehold level. In male-headed households, adoption was positively influenced by the number of cattle owned, the access to credit, the number of adults working on farm, and farmer group membership. For female-headed households, adoption was positively influenced by the area under cash crops, the number of goats owned, the number of adults working on farm, participation in project activities, and farmer group membership. There is a clear need for strategies and policy to address gender disparities in adoption of soil improvement technologies and to encourage women’s participation in agricultural training activities.