Understanding factors affecting the uptake of climate-smart technologies in Kenya

December 5, 2024

The Crawford Fund’s highly sought after Student Awards are one way we support and encourage the next generation of Australians into study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research.

The awards are funded by our State and Territory Committees and made possible by organisations including ACIAR, international centres, Australian and overseas universities and NGOs who host our awardees.

Applications for 2025 Student Awards are now open! Apply here. We also have our new undergrad-focused 2025 Henzell Awards too.

We would like to share the experience of 2024 Student Awardee, Geoffrey Wanjiku, a PhD student from the University of Queensland, who travelled to Baringo County in Kenya as part of his research into understanding farmer perspectives on the motivations and barriers affecting their uptake of climate-smart technologies.

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture in Baringo County, characterised by erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and soil degradation. These conditions severely threaten the livelihoods and food security of smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture. Climate-Smart Technologies (CSTs), such as drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation systems, agroforestry, and soil conservation techniques, offer potential solutions to enhance resilience and productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices explained Geoffrey as background for the research.

“My research involved group interviews with smallholder farmers and networking with local agricultural extension officers, government representatives, and non-governmental organisations. These interviews provided detailed insights into the motivations, barriers, and experiences of farmers regarding CST adoption,” he said.

“This study builds upon my Ph.D. research at the University of Queensland, which focuses on understanding grower technology adoption for managing soil constraints in Queensland’s grain regions. While my Ph.D. work delves into technology adoption dynamics within the context of large-scale farming in a developed country, this study in Kenya offers a unique perspective on small-scale production in a developing country,” he said.

“By exploring different contexts – climate resilience versus soil constraints, large-scale versus small-scale holdings -this research aims to draw valuable parallels and distinctions that can inform policy and practice both locally and globally. The distinct context of this study helped pinpoint both common challenges and unique solutions that could be applied across various agricultural settings,” said Geoffrey.

“The findings highlighted the critical role of socio-economic factors, such as financial constraints and access to microfinance, in influencing technology uptake. Community structures and peer influence were also significant motivators for adoption. The importance of community-based approaches was evident, with farmers often relying on peer influence and communal decision-making to adopt new technologies,” he said.

Environmental and climatic challenges, including unpredictable rainfall and soil degradation, were identified as major obstacles to CST adoption. The labour-intensive nature of soil conservation techniques and the need for immediate economic benefits further complicated the process. Institutional and policy frameworks emerged as crucial elements, with inadequate access to extension services and inconsistent government support hindering widespread adoption. Cultural beliefs and traditional farming practices also played a significant role, affecting farmers’ willingness to embrace new technologies explained Geoffrey.

Geoffrey also undertook a comparative analysis of CST adoption in Baringo County and technology adoption in Queensland, which revealed key differences and similarities. In Baringo County, small-scale farmers with limited resources focus on CSTs to combat erratic weather and economic instability, facing significant socio-economic and cultural barriers. In contrast, Queensland’s large-scale farming operations emphasise advanced agricultural technologies to improve productivity and efficiency, with better access to resources, information, and training. Despite these differences, both regions emphasise sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity and resilience, highlighting the universal importance of effective policy frameworks and institutional support.

“The research underscores the necessity of community-based approaches, financial support mechanisms, and robust institutional frameworks in promoting CST adoption. By leveraging these insights, policymakers and practitioners can develop effective strategies to enhance sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. This study not only contributes to improved food security and livelihoods in Baringo County but also offers valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges, informing global efforts in climate-smart agriculture and technology adoption,” he said.

The study revealed several critical insights into the adoption of CSTs among smallholder farmers said Geoffrey. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing technology uptake in a developing country context and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities within Baringo’s environmental and climatic conditions.

“The findings have several implications for policy and practice, both locally and globally. First, enhancing financial support mechanisms, such as microfinance and subsidies, can significantly boost CST adoption among smallholder farmers. Besides, strengthening community-based approaches and leveraging existing communal structures can motivate wider technology uptake. In addition, addressing environmental challenges through targeted interventions, such as improving water infrastructure and providing resources for soil conservation, is crucial. Moreover, developing robust institutional frameworks that offer consistent support, education, and incentives will enhance the adoption of CSTs,” he said.

“Finally, acknowledging and integrating cultural contexts into educational campaigns and policy initiatives can lead to more effective and sustainable adoption of climate-smart technologies. These insights not only benefit the local community in Baringo County but also offer valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges, contributing to global efforts in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.”

To effectively communicate the findings to local stakeholders Geoffrey created poster summaries. These posters synthesised key insights and recommendations from the interviews, making the research accessible and actionable for farmers, extension officers, and policymakers. The posters were designed to be visually appealing and easy to understand, ensuring that the information could be readily utilised by those working directly in the field.

“In conclusion, this research has provided valuable insights into the adoption of climate-smart technologies among smallholder farmers in Baringo County, Kenya. The findings have important implications for local stakeholders, offering practical recommendations to enhance technology uptake and agricultural sustainability,” he said.

“Additionally, the research establishes a foundation for ongoing knowledge exchange and collaboration, benefiting both the local community in Kenya and the broader agricultural research community in Queensland and Australia. By leveraging these insights, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective strategies to promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, contributing to global efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” he concluded.