Abstract

Moni AN, Mulwa RM, Lutta M

This study examines the farmers’ willingness to pay and adopt improved seed technologies in three semi-arid Counties of Eastern Kenya namely Machakos, Makueni and Tharaka-Nithi. The study used cross-sectional data gathered from a household survey of 252 households in the three Counties. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in identifying the target respondents. Descriptive statistics and Contingent Valuation Method were employed to address the problem at hand. From the willingness to adopt results, many farmers indicated that they were willing to take up new technologies. With regards to this, there has to be a conscious policy decision by the government to promote uptake of these technologies through different channels such as extension, media and other appropriate channels. The uptake of technology is also subject to the cost of that technology. From the willingness to pay results, it is clear that farmers will be willing to pay for new technologies up to a certain price. Thus, there is need to have consultation between the government (both national and county) and the seed suppliers on the supply prices. If such prices are without the reach of many farmers, then schemes such as subsidies could be introduced on certain targeted technologies, so as to improve their uptake. A number of farmers said some technologies like dolichos had no demand in the markets. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders should find a ready market for most of these crops so as to encourage more production by the farmers.