Mercy Mwelu Makumi2025-12-022025-12-022025-10-01http://repository.embuni.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4506The deterioration of soil fertility poses a significant danger to agricultural output, presenting a problem for many resource-limited farmers who rely on farming for their livelihoods, especially in arid regions. Although Soil Fertility Enhancement Technologies (SFET) offer a viable solution, their adoption remains low owing to ineffective agricultural extension strategies in arid regions. This study investigated the adoption intensity of SFET, farmers’ perceptions, and the effectiveness of agricultural extension methods in Makueni County, an ASAL region highly vulnerable to climate change. Data were obtained from 414 agricultural families by semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used to characterize soil fertility enhancement technologies applicable in the dry lands’ regions. The Heckman two-stage selection model analyzed the impact of socio-economic variables on the intensity of SFET adoption. The multivariate probit and tobit were used to assess the efficacy of extension strategies on the adoption and intensity of adoption of SFET. Heckman two stage selection model was used to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding SFET. The findings revealed that 90.6% of respondents had adopted at least one SFET. Factor analysis identified composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, mulching, drip irrigation, crop residue retention, zai pits, and manure application as the most commonly employed technologies. Among both adopters and non-adopters, 50.7% and 41.0% respectively were men. Factors such as off-farm income, participation in SFET-promoting programs, informal agricultural training, education level, reasons for engaging in off-farm income activities, farm size, land use, and limited access to agricultural information significantly influenced adoption of SFET. Additionally, farm size, land use, off-farm income, and livestock holdings significantly affected adoption intensity. The findings indicated that several agricultural extension strategies, including demonstration plots, farmers' field schools, and farm visits, substantially affected the probability of adopting diverse SFET. Farmer field school (FFS), farm visits, and radio programs was significant in influencing adoption intensity of SFET. The perception of labor needs, desire to provide resources, understanding of SFET advantages, and attitude towards access to extension services were identified as factors influencing the adoption of the technology. Perceived advantages, perceived cost-efficiency, and accessibility to extension services were identified as factors influencing the intensity of SFET adoption. The study concludes that there is need to promote the adoption and intensify application of soil fertility enhancement technologies (SFET) among farming households through targeted training, informal agricultural education, and strengthening of extension methods such as farm visits, field schools, and digital platforms. Efforts must concentrate on mitigating limitations associated with farm size, land use, and access to agricultural information. Promoting the use of these technologies and ensuring farmers comprehend their advantages will sustainably enhance agricultural output and soil health in the arid regions of Makueni County and beyond.enThesis