Agricultural Extension Services and Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices among Small-Scale Farmers in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Kenya, necessitating the adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAPs). Agricultural extension services play a critical role in disseminating information, improving farmers' technical knowledge, and promoting the adoption of innovative farming practices. However, evidence on the effect of extension services on CSAP adoption at the sub-county level remains limited. This study examined the effect of agricultural extension services on the adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices among small-scale farmers in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods research design guided by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Quantitative data were collected from 344 small-scale farmers using structured interviews, complemented by questionnaires administered to agricultural extension officers and qualitative information obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at a 5% level of significance, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings established that access to agricultural extension services had a statistically significant effect on the adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices. Farmers who received frequent extension visits, participated in agricultural training, and accessed demonstration activities were more likely to adopt climate-smart technologies than those with limited extension contact. Binary logistic regression further identified agricultural extension services as the strongest predictor of CSAP adoption. The study concludes that strengthening agricultural extension systems is essential for accelerating climate change adaptation among small-scale farmers. It recommends increased investment in extension personnel, farmer field schools, digital advisory platforms, and continuous farmer training to enhance the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and improve agricultural resilience.