The diffusion of small•scale rainwater harvesting technologies in the arid and semi arid areas of Kenya: a case study of Lare division, Nakuru district, Kenya

Abstract

This study focuses on how communication affects adoption and diffusion of agricultural technologies, especially the diffusion of rainwater harvesting technologies in Lare Division of Nakuru District, Kenya. Although there are other factors that influence diffusion of innovations, communication is singled out in this study as a major factor affecting diffusion. The communication strategies taken to introduce new technologies or popularize existing ones will lead to wider diffusion of the technologies. The target population may only require the requisite information in many instances, as some of the technologies require only labour input, which can be provided by the family unit for diffusion to take place. It is however acknowledged that many other factors including capital, knowledge, attitude and traditional practices also affect diffusion of technologies. The purpose of the study was to identify and assess the communication channels used in the diffusion of rainwater harvesting technologies and also establish the viability of water harvesting technologies in enhancing food production and improving people's livelihoods in the study area. An analysis is made of the communication channels used by farmers as well as ownership and access to and usage of various communicationchannels. The study is based on data collected between September and November 2003 from a sample of 125 small-scale farm households in Gichobo and Lare locations of Lare Division. The data were derived from primary as well as secondary sources. The primary sources included the survey technique where a questionnaire was administered to the respondents, key informant interviews with key players in the agricultural sector in the area including researchers, senior agricultural officers, extension agents and administrators, and focus group interviews. Secondary sources included library research and government statistical abstracts. The study concludes that communication channels used to reach farmers are a major factor influencing diffosion of agricultural technologies. An integrated communication approach bringing together all the players, viz. farmers, extension agents, researchers and other stakeholders is recommended. This approach will ensure that the many research findings by research institutions reach the intended end user. Suggestions are made on how communication experts can be effectively involved in extension services so as to improve adoption of agricultural technologies in the rural areas.