Barriers affecting access to agricultural extension services by women farmers in Murang' a district

Abstract

Extension Services by women farmers. Agricultural Extension Services were introduced in Kenya in the pre-independence era with the aim of teaching farmers improved farming practices. Since then, the GOK through the MoALD has put a lot of effort in disseminating the Agricultural messages to the farmers, both men and women. Despite these efforts, Agricultural Extension Services have not being accessible to all farmers, especially women. This study set out to find out how selected factors influence women's access to Agricultural Extension Services. The study focused on all women (married or single) in Muchungucha focal area, Mbiri location, Kiharu division, Murang'a district, Kenya. Using the simple random sampling technique, a total of 70 women were selected as respondents. The study employed the theoretical models of diffusion of innovations and liberal feminism. The data for the study were collected by survey method. Primary data were obtained using a questionnaire that was administered to the respondents. A key informant guide and a focused group discussion guide were used in interviewing key informants and the focal area committed members, respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. . The main results of the study were that income levels and occupations influence women's access to Agricultural Extension Services while education level, age and marital status did not significantly influence their access to Agricultural Extension Services. It was concluded that access to Agricultural Extension Services influenced the type of improved farm practice adopted on the farm. Practices such as soil conservation measures, fertilizer use, compost making, proper spacing, use of certified seeds, pest and disease control, construction of zero grazing units, keeping dairy goats, spraying and deworming of animals are only adopted by those respondents who had contact with Agricultural Extension Services. The study also found that the type of agricultural extension service in contact with women farmers is influenced by the type of farm management. Women from jointly managed farms (husbands living at home) do not have contact with such types of Agricultural Extension Services as field days, tours, seminars and demonstrations. i In light of these findings, it was recommended that there is need to sensitise both farmers and extension workers on gender issues in agriculture, so that both sexes can participate in Agricultural Extension Services. There is need for more research on access to Agricultural Extension Services by women farmers because access in the focal area is different from outside the focal area. Hence research should be carried out on farmers outside the focal area.