Socio-Economic Factors in Technology Development and Adoption: An Assessment of the “Push-Pull” Technology of Controlling Maize Stem Borers in Trans Nzoia District

Abstract

This study sought to examine the collaborative participation approach and technology adoption. The objective of this study was to determine the linkage between socio-economic factors in collaborative participation and technology adoption and diffusion among Trans Nzoia district resource-limited farmers. Collaborative participation involves farmers, researchers, and extension agents in developing and disseminating technology. The study reviewed the push/pull’ technology of controlling maize stem borers. The goal was to provide information that would contribute to improvement of the collaborative participation approach, eventually enhancing adoption of developed technologies.The study was conducted in the villages of Yuya, Wamuini, Kaminini, and Kissawai in Trans Nzoia District. The sample consisted of 110 project and 110 non-project farmers who were selected using random and purposive sampling methods. Reviewed literature indicated that, as actions taking place in situations, adoption and diffusion are affected by various characteristics of the situation. Innovations are introduced to bring change in terms of increased agricultural productivity. Adoption and diffusion of these innovations are, therefore, imperative if change is to be achieved. Conventional transfer of technology approaches have produced limited success in terms of technology adoptions. Focus has shifted to use of participatory approaches. Participatory approaches vary according to the level of farmer involvement. Technology development efforts that combine various approaches and use participatory methodologies are more inclusive and involve farmers in research and development processes, increasing chances of success. Results from the study indicated that education and labour had positive significant relationships with adoption and participation. Literacy was crucial to farmers attending training sessionsrelated to technology development. Functional literacy as opposed to high education attainment was found to be necessary to manage the technology. The technology being developed was viewed to be labour intensive. The number of people in the households who potentially could work farms was considered as proxy for labour. Participation and adoption increased with an increase in numbers of such members.Communication variables were significant in influencing adoption, participation, and hosting of trials. Technology awareness, contact farmers, and knowledge of technology provided information about the technology, which influenced farmers’ decisions to participate and adopt the technology. Perceived benefits from the technology motivated farmers to participate and adopt the technology. Economic analysis of the technology indicated that it was a viable undertaking. Using the action theory the study explained participation and adoption decisions of respondents and how the significant variables influenced them. The study recommended integration of literacy in development efforts to enhance beneficiaries’ ability to understand and take advantage of introduced innovations. Use of participatory methodologies should be encouraged to develop technologies that take into consideration farmers’ situations. Research efforts should be inclusive and focus on all farmers as opposed to setting conditions that potentially leave out those with potential to contribute to the technology development process. Two-way communications during the technology development process is imperative.