2010 Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 178-190
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important root crops for food security in developing countries because it is tolerant to drought and low fertility, and it grows in a variety of climates. This study aimed to determine what factors led to the low adoption rate of improved cassava varieties by small-scale farmers in Kiganjo, Nyeri Municipality Division, Kenya. A survey of 80 farmers was carried out in January 2010 using a structured questionnaire to collect data. Thirty-two percent of respondent farmers did not grow cassava. The cassava adoption rate was higher for farmers with larger farms than for those with smaller farms. The adoption rate was closely related to farmer income. Farmers with income from cash crops and livestock adopted cassava cultivation at the rates of 82% and 73%, respectively, whereas the corresponding rates were 59% and 61% for farmers without income from these sources. The adoption rate for improved cassava varieties also was higher for farmers with income from cash crops and livestock than for farmers without such income. Farmers who were members of extension groups cultivated cassava and introduced improved varieties at higher rates than farmers who were not members. The adoption rate of improved varieties for farmers who cultivated cassava was 35% for extension group members compared to 18% for nonmembers. Farmer sex, educational level, age, and training on cassava did not significantly influence the rate of adoption of the cultivation of local or improved varieties of cassava. Extension agents need to find ways of more effectively reaching farmers with limited income and land resources because they are most vulnerable to food insecurity. Extension group members should accept the social responsibility of sharing planting materials with nonmembers to help them break the cycle of poverty.
