Economic analysis of integrated pest management technology adoption: a case of small scale farmers in Taita district in Kenya

Abstract

Small-scale farmers in Wundanyi Division, Taita District rely on both traditional and chemical pesticides to manage pest pressure on their farms. Integrated pest management (IPM) technology is recommended to lower production costs, reduce exposure to health hazards caused by chemical pesticides, and to improve the long-term sustainability of the agricultural system. This study assesses the socio-economic and institutional factors associated with the adoption of IPM by the rural smallholder farmers in Wundanyi Division, Taita District. It is based on a survey conducted in the three agro-ecolcgical zones within Wundanyi Division. Individual interviews were conducted with 280 randomly selected farm households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using a Tobit model, the data is analyzed to identify the determinants of IPM adoption. Results of the Tobit estimates show that the likelihood of IPM adoption increases significantly with land ownership, extension visits, group membership and availability of labour. The study found that all the information sources have a strong impact on IPM adoption. Livestock ownership and household land size were found to have a significant negative effect on IPM adoption. Majority of the farmers whose adoption was significantly influenced by participation in the field days and through interactions with other farmers lacked information about how the technology would benefit them.