Planned social change: a case study of agricultural extension officers in South Nyakach, Kisumu District, Kenya

Abstract

This study focuses on those factors which impede farmer adoption rates of agricultural innovations in the South Nyakach Location of Kisumu District, Kenya. An analysis is made of organizational issues within the extension service which affect staff performance in their areas of operation. The communication channels utilized to reach the farmers are discussed and their defects illuminated. It is argued that cultural belief systems do not necessarily impede farmer adoption rates of innovations. On the contrary, if people are provided with incentives they can adopt new values and motives that can promote development. The study is based on data collected between November, 1989 and February, 1990 from a sample of 90 small-scale farm households in the area of study. The data were derived from primary as well as secondary sources. The primary sources included the survey technique, participant observation and key informant technique. On the other hand secondary sources included library research and government statistical abstracts. v The study concludes that attractive incentives must be provided to extension staff to attract, retain and motivate them to perform their duties effectively. Suggestions are also made on how farmers can be effectively involved in extension services so as to improve food production in the rural areas.