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.