Agricultural Extension Services and Use Intensity of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies among Youth Farmers in Drylands of Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Effective extension services have the potential to bridge adoption gaps in soil and water conservation (SW C) technologies and ultimately minimize farmers’ vulnerability to climate-related risks in agricultural production. However, information on the effectiveness of agricultural extension services (AES) in supporting the adoption of sustainable practices such as SWC technologies, remains limited in many parts of Kenya, despite being provided to farmers for decades. The aim of this research was to determine youth farmers’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of extension services and the factors that influence their use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The effectiveness of AES was measured using eleven variables. Methods: Data were collected from 396 youth farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey with a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model for data analysis. Result: The study found that AES among youth farmers in drylands of Machakos County were perceived as ineffective. The frequency of receiving extension services, the main source of information, tools used in delivering AES and the level of extension education influenced use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions that increase the frequency of extension services, diversify information sources and improve the tools and training provided to youth farmers.