INFLUENCE OF INSTITUTIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON ADOPTION INTENSITY OF ECOLOGICAL FARMING AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The ecological farming system is an alternative agricultural system that integrates local knowledge into food production. It has the ability to ensure the whole agricultural and food systems are economically viable, socially just, and culturally sensitive. Through a variety of interventions and policy formulations, institutions play a crucial role in affecting the effectiveness and intensity of the adoption of ecological techniques. However, there is a dearth of thorough empirical research that shows a connection between current institutional initiatives and the level of adoption of ecological agricultural practices. Therefore, this study focused on analysing institutional interventions influencing the intensity of adoption of ecological farming. In addition, the study determined the factors influencing awareness of ecological farming and, finally, conducted an analysis of the effect of adoption on farm income. The study used multistage sampling to collect data from 320 households in Kiambu County. A generalised Poisson regression, a generalised ordered logit, and a multinomial endogenous switching regression model were used to analyse the three objectives, respectively. According to the results, awareness was found to be high (91%). Moreover, awareness was influenced by age, household size, drought and floods, soil erosion, perceptions of benefits, group membership, and information sources. Further, according to the generalised Poisson regression results, access to markets, training, information sources, extension contacts increased the likelihood of a farmer adopting ecological farming practices at higher intensity by 50.1%, 50.9%, 4.3%, and 38.7%, respectively. Finally, this study identified six bundles of various combinations that were used by households. A comprehensive package that included compost manure, mulching, crop diversification, integrated pest management (IPM), and minimum tillage increased farm income by 9.2%. Households using the said package had the highest gain in farm income. Also, using a package consisting of compost manure, crop diversification, and IPM, and the one consisting of compost manure, mulching, crop diversification, and IPM, increased farm income by 2.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Considering the results, this study calls for policy interventions that encourage multi-stakeholder partnership arrangements to facilitate farmers’ linkages to eco-friendly markets. Again, there is a need to enhance knowledge dissemination through tailored agricultural extension services and regular training forums. Also, establish policies that incentivise the comprehensive adoption of all ecological farming practices package. This would enhance household welfare through increasing farm income