Farmers’ perception and its impacts on adoption of new agroforestry tree (gliricidia sepium) in Mwala Division, Kenya
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Date
2015-03
Authors
Nzilu, Wanjiru Beatrice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Mwala Division, Machakos County, suffers from different forms of land degradation
which include low soil fertility, soil erosion and loss of soil biodiversity. Traditionally,
small-scale farmers in the Division intercropped indigenous agroforestry tree species
like Acacia tortilis (Mulaa) and Terminalia brownii (Mukuu) with farm crops in their
farming systems as an intervention measure to land degradation. Presently the farmers
have started adopting exotic agroforestry tree species especially Gliricidia sepium
(Gliricidia) in their farming systems. This study was designed to find out why farmers
were abandoning their indigenous farming practice and were shifting to Gliricidia
agroforestry which is an exotic practice. To achieve this, farmers’ perception on the
adoption of G sepium compared to A tortilis and T brownii tree species and its impacts
in this Division was examined. The objectives of this study included the determination
of how demographic factors influenced the adoption of G sepium in agroforestry among
households, the famers’ level of awareness of the uses and benefits of G sepium
compared to A tortilis and T brownii trees and the socio-economic and environmental
benefits of adopting G sepium tree species in agroforestry. A descriptive survey design
was adopted in which 384 respondents were randomly selected across Mwala Division
to collect the required data. The instruments of data collection were observations,
interviews and a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS
and presented in tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Chi-square ( ) and Spearman rank
order correlation (rho (r)) techniques were also used. This research established that uses
and benefits of G sepium had a positive influence on this adoption ( = 2.487, p≤ 0.05,
r = 0.7, n = 384, df = 3.702). Factors which include gender ( = 7.277, p = 0.000), age
(r = 0.84, p = 0.000, n = 384, df = 382), rainfall ( = 2.605, r = -0.65), soil fertility (
= 3.235, r = -0.52) and loss of soil biodiversity ( =3.467, r = -0.350) had a positive
influence on farmers’ level of awareness on adoption of G sepium in agroforestry. Other
factors which positively influenced this adoption included socio-economic benefits (
=1.630, r = 0.204, p = 0.000), environmental benefits ( = -0.691, r = - 0.084, p
=0.000) and food security ( =1.363, r = 0.183, p = 0.000). These findings justify the
reason for farmers shift from indigenous to exotic farming practice for it had impacted
positively on their livelihoods. Therefore, G sepium can be an alternative agroforestry
tree for use in rehabilitating land besides meeting farmers’ basic needs. Hence it is
logical to conclude that, the farmers’ move of shifting from practicing indigenous
agroforestry to exotic agroforestry was justified. However, there is need for capacity
building to raise farmers’ level of awareness on the new innovation and a common
market is necessary for farm resources to optimize farmer’s benefits from this
technology. Suggestion for further research areas include: factors influencing value
addition on production of G sepium and the impact of its adoption in agroforestry on
livelihoods.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science (Environmental Education) in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University, March 2015