Abstract

Sam Kaninda Tshikala, Esendugue Greg Fonsah, Genti Kostandini and Glenn Ames

The growth in agriculture holds the key to the economic growth and development in many Sub-Saharan African countries. However, for the past three decades, agricultural productivity in this part of the continent has been the lowest in the world. In many Sub-Saharan African countries, the low adoption rate of new agricultural technologies such as improved seeds is perhaps among the major causes of low agricultural productivity, food insecurity and poverty. This paper analyzed farmers’ adoption of improved maize varieties over time, the determinants of adoption, and the impact of adoption on area expansion in the drought prone region of eastern Kenya. A multivariate probit model was estimated using data from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The results show that only 19% of farmers used improved maize seeds during 2002 - 2006 while 21% used them for one or more years and then discontinued their use, and 60% did not use them at all. Liquidity constraints, poverty, poor infrastructure, and poor input and output markets were among the causes of the low adoption rate in the region. However, access to improved seeds, high yield, and membership in a farmers’ association were among the determinants of area expansion. Efforts should be directed toward helping farmers get access to financial, input, and output markets in order to stimulate the adoption of improved agricultural technologies.