Adoption of ICT-in-Agriculture Innovations by Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural development is a powerful tool for raising incomes for deprived population in developing countries, such as Kenya and to support livelihoods by ensuing food security. This has seen the agricultural sector position itself as an engine for sustainable development and economic growth in Kenya. However, the profile of the farming community in Kenya is mainly female smallholders who are illiterate and that practice traditional farming methods. Therefore, there is urgent need to examine emerging digital tools that can support these farmers, and to adopt these tools accordingly to meet their farming needs. In this regard, this paper seeks to explore the willingness and ability of these smallholder farmers to accept and adopt ICT-in-agriculture innovations towards supporting their farm operations, improving their farm productivity, and providing readily and accessible market for their produce. Specifically, this study identifies the factors that influence smallholder farmers’ decision on ICT innovations adoption in agriculture, and examines how these factors are perceived by smallholder farmers on adoption of ICT innovations. The study was carried out in Siaya County, Kenya with sample population of 100 smallholder farmers. A simple random sampling was used, with questionnaires used to collect data. The findings from this study indicate cost, illiteracy, ICT skills, quality of the information and gender as some of the key factors that influence smallholder farmers’ choice and decision on ICT-in agriculture innovations to adopt.