Socioeconomic Determinants of Adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices in Agroecosystems of Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Agriculture depends on and influences a number of environmental resources including water, land, biodiversity as well as production technologies and

management skills. Given the vast global area under agriculture, the influence

of agriculture on overall environmental sustainability cannot be overlooked.

Environmental challenges such as pollution, soil erosion, soil acidification, low

agricultural production and unsustainability of the agricultural ecosystems, have

been associated with conventional farming practices. To address these environmental

challenges, environmentalists have mooted Eco-friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs)

as possible alternatives to conventional farming approaches that have greatly been

associated with aforementioned challenges. This study was conducted among

households of Embu County in Kenya to determine the socio-economic factors

that influenced adoption of EFFPs. Earlier studies had indicated clearly that Embu

County was experiencing soil erosion, pollution and soil acidification, yet EFFPs

had been introduced to counter these environmental challenges. The study sought

to determine the influence of socioeconomic factors on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex

post facto research design was used. Through multi-stage random sampling, 402

household heads were selected and all the 32 extension officers in the area were

interviewed. Average income from agriculture, gender, farming experience, level

of education, size of the farm, age and primary were statistically significant (at

5% significance levels) in influencing adoption of EFFPs among households of

Embu County. It was concluded that socioeconomic factors significantly influenced

adoption of EFFPs among households of Embu County. There is therefore a need to

consider house hold characteristics in designing effective environmental programs

in the county.