Abstract:
From 2004 to 2009, there was entry of Jatropha curcas promotion agencies mainly Non-Governmental
Organizations and private investors in the country aimed at increasing the adoption of the plant especially in the
arid and semi-arid areas. By 2009, the average Jatropha adoption was low at 15.4% among the smallholder
farmers in Yatta District in spite of the perceived role the plant could play in biodiesel production, provision of
rural employment and rehabilitation of degraded land compared to traditional crops that included maize at
86.4%, beans at 31.2% and pigeon peas at 47.5%. The goal of this study is to assess the adoption trends of
Jatropha in Yatta District, analyze promotion strategies used by agencies to promote Jatropha, assess if
knowledge on Jatropha benefits influenced its adoption and finally establish challenges experienced by Jatropha
farmers in Yatta District. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Questionnaire
surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observations were employed to identify challenges
experienced by Jatropha farmers. Questionnaires were administered to 240 respondents selected through multi-
stage sampling technique. Results showed that there was little Jatropha cultivation before the boom, it went up
significantly during promotion period but dropped significantly soon after the exit of the promotion agencies.
Further, it was found that promotion strategies used were ineffective, knowledge on Jatropha benefits did not
significantly influence its adoption and there were major challenges experienced by Jatropha farmers in the
study area that contributed to the termination of its cultivation. It was concluded that Jatropha farmers in Yatta
District technical, institutional, socio-economic and cultural challenges. It is therefore recommended that
Jatropha production in Yatta District is not a rational option at the moment due to the many challenges
experienced by farmers such as lack of market, non-improved germplasm, and little technology on Jatropha
management among others discussed in the paper. Also before promoting the plant in the region, it is necessary
to carry out further research on pests and disease control and improved Jatropha seeds in order to improve on
yields and have a biofuel policy in place to ensure streamlined Jatropha value chain and development of biofuels
industry as a whole.