| dc.description.abstract | The agrarian revolution of the 18th century witnessed the advent of modern agricultural technologies (MATs) such as use of fertilizers increased agricultural yields. Many women are engaged in agricultural activities. However Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind other regions in adoption of MATs yet women play a leading role in provision of labour like weeding. In Kenya, the effect of MATs such as concentrate feeds is yet to be felt among the women farmers. This lowered agricultural production threatening lives of millions of people who depend on agriculture. In Emuhaya and Luanda Sub-Counties an average yield of 4 bags of maize was realized compared to its potential of 15 bags per acre. This study analyses adoption of MATs by women in Luanda and Emuhaya sub-counties. The specific objectives were to: establish the MATs adopted by women in crop farming and animal husbandry, establish the relationship between education and adoption of MATs in crop farming and animal husbandry and to examine the benefits of adopted MATs by women in crop farming and animal husbandry. A cross-sectional survey was applied and a sample size of 384 women was drawn from a population of 61,640 using the (Fisher et al., 1983) formula. Stratified random sampling was used to select women practicing crop farming and animal husbandry proportionately. A questionnaire was used to collect information from women. An interview schedule was used to gather information from assistant chiefs and extension officers. Discussion guides were used to collect information from focus group discussions. A camera was used to take slides of MATs in use. Secondary data was acquired from journals, agricultural reports and statistical abstracts. Data analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, spearman correlation, cross tabulations and chi square tests. The results were presented using tables, bar graphs, pie charts and plates. The study established that 98.4% of the women had adopted various MATs in both crop farming and animal husbandry. Spearman‘s correlation results show a significant weak negative correlation between education and MATs like certified seeds and zero grazing respectively (r=-.221,p=.000),(r=-.213, p=.016). Important benefits in adoption were food security and high production. Chi square results show there was a relationship between some benefits of adoption and MATs such as fertilizer and improving soil fertility (p=.000) while improved grasses and high production (p=.001). Plates revealed that intercropping and zero grazing were common MATs adopted. The findings will help strengthen programmes that empower women with skills, information and resources to enhance uptake of MATs. | en_US |
