Effects of gender, labour and market availability on technology adoption by dairy farmers in Keiyo South

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Public Policy and Management at Strathmore University.This study was undertaken in Keiyo South, Elgeyo-Marakwet County to identify factors affecting dairy technology adoption. Specifically, the study investigates the role of market availability, labour availability and gender in determining technology adoption. The three technologies under study were: grade cattle, Artificial Insemination (AI) and zero grazing. The study also tested if the technologies are jointly adopted as complements or substitutes. The primary data collected from 250 sample households was analyzed with multivariate probit model. The study established that the three technologies are strongly correlated i.e. they are complementary where adoption of one technology increases the likelihood of adopting either of the other two technologies. Using a multivariate probit model, the study finds that gender differences in the adoption of some technologies do exist. Jointly managed dairy projects were more likely to adopt zero grazing and AI whereas female managed dairy projects are more likely to adopt grade cattle compared to male managed dairy projects. Market and labour availability influenced adoption of zero grazing, however, there was no influence on the two dairy technologies under study i.e. Artificial Insemination and grade cattle. Availability of extension services influenced the adoption of Artificial Insemination and grade cattle. Land size did not influence the adoption of any of the three technologies. Capital costs and running costs were identified as the main challenges inhibiting the adoption of zero grazing and grade cattle. Other than the cost of semen, other challenges which were noted by the farmers included the low success rates, delays in response by the Artificial Insemination providers and the unavailability of this technology through government extension officers. Understanding the key determinants of adoption and challenges of these technologies is critical as adoption leads to improved production which in effect has an impact on the welfare of the households. The study recommends that enabling policies should be set up to ensure that small scale farmers have access to affordable credit to improve adoption technologies such as grade cattle. Improved extension services will also ensure dairy farmers are able to access affordable and reliable dairy cattle breeding services such as Artificial Insemination. Reliable extension services by the government should be accessible to the farmers