A Binomial Logit Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption of Soil Conservation Structures in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Kericho is one of the forty-seven counties of Kenya and one that is characterized with steep areas prone to soil erosion. A number of organizations have for a long time promoted soil conservation technologies in soil erosion prone parts of Kenya. The paper provides findings of a study carried out to analyze the factors affecting adoption of the various soil conservation technologies by farmers. Cross sectional data was collected from respondents who were selected using multistage sampling procedure. Data was collected from a random sample of 115 farmers in Kericho County. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data from selected households. The binomial logit models were used to analyze the factors believed to affect adoption of the selected soil conservation technologies. Most of the variables postulated to affect the promoted soil conservation practices were found to be statistically significant in determining adoption of the promoted soil conservation technologies. Based on the study findings, it can be said that economic, social and cultural factors are important in soil conservation promotion strategies and should be considered in implementation and sustainable use of soil conservation technology. Soil conservation and other environmental conservation efforts are controversial issues that politicians rarely talk about in political rallies. Since politicians hold a high position in the eyes of farmers, they should be encouraged to support environmental conservation through championing soil conservation support efforts.