Determinants Of Hydroponic Technology Adoption In The Implementation Of Dairy Farming Projects In Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Adoption of Hydroponic Technology has a history spanning over 50 years. However, it is a relatively new fodder production technology in the developing world especially Kenya. The innovation aims at overcoming fodder sourcing challenges faced in the dairy industry. This study examined the determinants of Hydroponic Technology adoption in the implementation of dairy farming projects in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study objectives were to: examine the influence of dairy farmers knowledge and personal characteristics on adoption of hydroponic technology in the implementation of dairy farming projects; establish the influence of persuasion on adoption of hydroponic technology in the implementation of dairy farming projects; examine the extent to which decision making stage influence adoption of hydroponic technology in the implementation of dairy farming projects and examine the extent to which confirmation stage enhances adoption of hydroponic technology in the implementation of dairy farming projects. This study was guided by the diffusion of innovation theory. The research adopted Quantitative approach. The target population was 368 zero grazing dairy farmers and a sample of 110 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using correlation analysis and Regression analysis and presented using tables, charts, graphs and diagrams. The study established that the more the number of trainings on hydroponic technology attended by a farmer, higher levels of education, farmers’ knowledge of Government policies on hydroponic technology, and setting target on production of hydroponic fodder increased the adoption of hydroponic technology. On the other hand, environmental changes; size of land devoted to hydroponic technology; and how often farmers produce hydroponic fodder affected the adoption of hydroponic technology. The study concluded that knowledge and personal characteristics influenced hydroponic technology adoption in the implementation of dairy farming projects. The study recommended that in order for dairy farming to be implemented successfully in Kajiado County, there is need for increased training on hydroponic technology, enhanced farmer education; enlightenment of farmers on Government policies on hydroponic technology; closer check on the environment to mitigate negative environmental changes; training on production of hydroponic fodder and devise strategies that support subsidies prices on materials. The study finally recommended adoption of hydroponic technology by small-scale farmers irrespective of their farm size. The implications of the study findings suggests that further studies should focus on other livestock, cost benefit analysis, preservation and storage of hydroponic fodder.