Influence of demographic characteristics on adoption of improved potato varieties by smallholder farmers in Mumberes Division, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is widely consumed as a staple world over with direct consumption by humans as food being 31.3 kg per capita. Ministry of Agriculture through collaborative efforts with other stakeholders has developed improved potato varieties and released them for farmers to plant in Kenya. The main aim of this study was to investigate the influence of selected factors on adoption of improved potato varieties in Mumberes division, Baringo country. The study used a cross sectional survey research design where 128 household heads were sampled and interviewed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.5 aided data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize key observations in the study. Ordinal Logit regression was used to test the study hypothesis. It was revealed that perception, access to extension services, family size and access to credit were the key factors influencing adoption of improved potato varieties. The study recommended that there is need to increase access to extension services in the study area. Credit service providers should intensify their provision of these services. The research institutions should endeavor to look for varieties more resistant to blights so as to promote further adoption. Key words: Adoption, Baringo County, demographic characteristics, improved potato varieties, perception, smallholder farmers.