Influence of communication on adoption of agricultural innovation: a case of the system of rice intensification in Mwea irrigation scheme

The study sought to investigate the influence of co \nmmunication on adoption of \nagricultural innovation and technology. The study u \nsed a case of the System of Rice \nIntensification (SRI) which was introduced to farme \nr in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in \n2009. The study was guided by three specific object \nives which were; to determine the \ncommunication factors affecting the adoption of sys \ntem of rise intensification; to find out \nthe influence of background characteristics in adop \ntion of system of rise intensification \nand to identify the barriers facing rice farmers in \nadoption of system of rice \nintensification. \nThe study adopted a descriptive research approach w \nhich used questionnaires, key \ninformant interview guide and observation checklist \n. The use of qualitative and \nquantitative data techniques enhanced the validity \nand reliability of the research. The \nstudy was able to gather 81 complete questionnaires \nwhich fulfilled the criteria for \nanalysis. The researcher was able to conduct a key \ninformant interview with one of the \nproject initiators. The data was presented in chart \ns, graphs and tables and was added by \nthe researcher’s own interpretation. \nThe study findings showed that education of the far \nmers and experience of the farmer \ninfluence adoption of SRI. In terms of communicatio \nn, the frequency of interaction \nbetween farms and extension officers, availability \nof information on SRI were the most \nsignificant determinants of adoption whereas the so \nurce of information was the least. The \nbarriers of adoption were the investments costs and \ninadequate information on SRI. \nThe study concludes that the frequency of communica \ntion between the farmers and \nextension agents was a significant communication fa \nctor affecting adoption of Sri among \nthe Mwea Irrigation Scheme farmers. The availabilit \ny of information was also shows to \nbe a communication factor affecting adoption of SRI \nwith the results indicating that the \nsource of information was not a significant factor \nin determining adoption of SRI. Among \nthe socio-economic variables influence on adoption \nof agricultural innovation are \neducation levels and the farmers’ experience. The b \narriers facing farmers in adoption of \nSRI in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme were investments \ncosts, lack of adequate information \non Sri and lack of previous experience of technolog \ny. \nThe study recommends that more sensitization of The \nSRI technology to farmers through \nthe extension officers and technical staff of the p \nroject. Previous studies have shown that \nthe rate of adoption has been higher among those fa \nrmers that have more interaction with \ntechnical staff in their farms. That facilitation b \netween farmers and the SRI project \nimplementers on communication of information. This \nwould entail identifying the \ninformation that farmers need to be provided in ord \ner to be sensitized on SRI through \nfield visits. That the SRI project implementers sho \nuld engage with farmers who have had \nmore experience in rice farming and those with high \ner level of education. This will \nprovide motivation for other farmers as they study \nfound that these two groups are the \nmost likely adoptees of SRI.