Factors influencing adoption of greenhouse horticultural farming in Mirigamieru East Division, Imenti North District

Abstract

As the world population continues to increase, and more agricultural land is being used for urban development, greenhouse farming could lead towards reduction of hunger problems for the whole world. However, there are a number of factors that hinder greenhouse farming in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing adoption of greenhouse horticultural farming in Mirigamieru East Division, ImentNorth District and to recommend areas for improvement in future. the objectives that form the basis of this study were to; assess how availability of information, availability of resources, cost, extension support and farmers' level of education and training influenced adoption of greenhouse horticultural fanning in the area of study.

The study adopted correlational research design. A sample size of 187 farmers from a total population of 16,475 households in Mirigamieru East Division was interviewed after stratified and systematic random sampling. The research instruments were questionnaires which consisted of open-ended al1d close-ended questions. The analysis was descriptive in form of frequencies and percentages.

The major analysis method used was linear regression using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The study found that there was positive relationships between availability of information, availability of resources, cost, extension services, farmers' education level and training and adoption of greenhouse farming in the division to a great extent, though in varying degrees. The study gave recommendations to the policy makers, Ministry of Agriculture and the government and concluded by giving areas for further studies.