Influence of Government Policies on Adoption of Green Technologies by Women Smallholder Farmers in Soy Sub-County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajds.v4i2.6833Keywords:
Adoption, Government Policies, Green Technologies, Women Smallholder FarmersAbstract
In Kenya, there have been efforts to scout green agricultural technologies at the national levels like the Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy, counties development plans among others. Nevertheless, adoption of the same among women smallholder farmers is still on a small scale. Meanwhile, available agricultural research often focus disproportionately on male-headed households, commercial farms, or large-scale interventions, thereby overlooking the complex realities faced by women in smallholder environments. This study sought to determine the factors influencing the adoption of green technologies by women smallholder farmers in Soy Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This paper examines the influence of government policies on the adoption of green technologies. The study was anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from a census survey of 292 women small holder farmers across 14 community-based organizations and qualitative data from six key informant interviews with Ward Agricultural Officers and County Director for Agriculture. Findings revealed that government policies (R²=0.178) facilitated adoption through cooperatives (M=4.0), but were hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and limited extension services. Qualitative insights highlighted gender-specific barriers, including patriarchal norms limiting married women’s (67.7%) land access and financial constraints restricting capital-intensive technologies like drip irrigation (25%). The study concludes that gender-insensitive policies limit women farmers’ adoption of technologies. Recommendations include expanding extension services, subsidizing accessible technologies, and investing in water infrastructure.
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