THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRO-DEALERS IN ENHANCING DISSEMINATION AND ADOPTION OF THE “PUSH PULL” TECHNOLOGY AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN WESTERN KENYA

Journal Title: Problems of Education in the 21st Century - Year 2011, Vol 33, Issue 8

Abstract

Despite “Push pull” technology’s (PPT) effectiveness in increasing maize yields by controlling Stem borer and striga weeds, its full benefits are yet to be realized. PPT involves planting Napier grass around maize intercropped with Desmodium. Agro-dealers are often used to spread PPT but knowledge of its effectiveness was inadequate. This study sought to provide the missing information using a cross-sectional research design to collect data from a proportional stratified random sample of 102 agro-dealers in Western Kenya. A valid, closed-ended questionnaire whose 0.85α reliability was above the 0.70 acceptable was used. Data were analysed using Chi-square at 0.05α set a priori. Results: Agro-dealers’ effectiveness in communicating PPT was independent of their knowledge of it, Desmodium plant or seriousness of the striga problem but depended on frequency at which farmers sought advice from them; gender, education and years in business did not affect agro-dealers’ effectiveness; and those visited most by farmers were more effective in disseminating PPT. Conclusions: Agro-dealers are appropriate for educating males and females and spreading PPT through them enhances adoption. Recommendations: Extension providers should train and involve agro-dealers in disseminating PPT and selling certified seeds.

Authors and Affiliations

Stephen Wambugu Maina, John Gowland-Mwangi

Keywords

Related Articles

ON THE PROBLEMATIC OF „RESEARCH ISLANDS“ (PART 1)

This problematic concerns only countries in middle Europe, because the author does not know the situation in countries from Western Europe or from far countries like USA or Australia. A very general division consists in...

MODERNIZATION OF RUSSIAN HIGHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE IN CONNECTION WITH PROBLEMS OF HUMAN CAPITAL ACCUMULATION

This research work is up-to-date for Russia. The scientific problem is in the disparity of form and content of economic education from the requirements of “stable social-economic development” conception. The state educat...

PERCEPTION OF DISTRICT QUALITY ASSURANCE AND STANDARDS OFFICERS ON LEADERSHIP STYLES OF DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS IN KENYA

Leadership in the public sector is a key variable that is expected to propel the achievement of Vision 2030. This is indeed crucial in the Education Sector which forms the basis of the social pillar of Vision 2030. The...

TEXTILE CRAFT STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE CRAFTS

Future teachers have an important role in education for sustainable development. This article describes textile craft teacher students’ perceptions of sustainable textile craft. The data derives from a survey of craft...

TWO PERSPECTIVES ON CARING RESEARCH: RESEARCH ON WELL-BEING AND RESEARCHER WELL-BEING

Caring research is a new concept that is discussed and defned from two supplementary perspectives: (1) as research aiming at promoting well-being and (2) as a caring research community that cares for the researcher wel...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP35003
  • DOI -
  • Views 290
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Stephen Wambugu Maina, John Gowland-Mwangi (2011). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRO-DEALERS IN ENHANCING DISSEMINATION AND ADOPTION OF THE “PUSH PULL” TECHNOLOGY AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN WESTERN KENYA. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 33(8), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-35003