Role of agricultural extension in learning for uptake and intensification of less-practiced dairy climate-smart practices in Kenya

Abstract

The enhanced uptake of dairy climate-smart practices (DCSPs) is important to cushion farmers against the effects of climate change. However, uptake remains low. Besides, there is limited evidence on the learning phase preceding adoption under a pluralistic extension system, while intensity is treated as a one-off process. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors influencing learning about least adopted DCSPs through different extension providers and, evaluate determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of least adopted DCSPs. The triple hurdle model was used to model adoption conditional on learning and intensity of adoption, using a sample of 665 dairy farmers from selected counties in Kenya. Although learning facilitated adoption, intensity of uptake was very low. Ease of accessing extension services and milk market participation influenced learning positively. Keeping dairy records, increase in knowledge about climate change, higher number of extension visits were positively associated with both adoption and intensity of adoption of least adopted DCSPs. Additionally, perception that DCSPs enhanced resilience and increased level of milk market participation were important determinants of intensity of adoption. Therefore, to foster intensified promotion and intensified uptake of the least adopted DCSPs, it is imperative to strengthen pluralistic extension system, increase extension contacts with farmers, train farmers on climate change and record keeping, facilitate market participation and ensure DCSPs contribute to improved resilience. This would contribute to the realization of sustainable development goal 13 on climate action and the country’s climate change commitments and agriculture development strategy.

Keywords:

• Adoption quotient
• agricultural extension
• climate-smart practices
• dairy
• learning

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Pedro González-Redondo, University of Seville, Spain

SUBJECTS:

• Rural Development
• Economics and Development
• Sustainable Development

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support provided by the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) and the Africa Milk Project, as well as all the dairy farmers that participated in data collection.

Ethics approval

This research was approved by the Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee of KALRO-Veterinary Science Research Institute, Muguga North upon compliance with provisions vetted under and coded: KALRO-VSRI/ISERC30/17052022.

Informed consent

Before commencement of the survey, a consent statement was read to the household to make them understand the purpose of the survey and get their consent to go on with the administration of the questionnaire.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) with support from the Government of Kenya and the World Bank and the Africa Milk Project (Africa Milk; Africa Milk (africa-milk.org) with support from the Africa Milk Project funded by Government of Kenya and the European Union.