Socio-cultural participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators used in adopting improved cassavas by Western Kenya communities

Abstract

Cassava production is critical to household food security in Kuria and Migori Districts. The adoption of improved cassava varieties has been low largely due to non-participatory extension approaches (GOK, 2006). Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) at the community level is a relatively new approach and there has been considerable lack of emphasis on community-based monitoring and evaluation indicators during the development of technologies in Kenya. This study investigated the socio-cultural monitoring and evaluation indicators used by the Kuria and Luo communities in adopting improved cassava varieties in the two districts. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Socio-cultural community-based participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators for selection and adoption of cassava varieties in the two districts were identified. The study found significant and non-significant differences in some of the socio-cultural indicators. The adoption of improved cassava varieties was found to be low in the two districts. The identified community-based participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators would help in enhancing cassava technology development, packaging and dissemination strategies by researchers, extension agents and farmers. The study recommends incorporation of local indicators during development and dissemination of technologies by research institutions as this would help in enhancing the uptake of new technologies developed. Key words: Socio-cultural, participatory monitoring and evaluation, indicators, cassava.