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Impact of farmer field schools on adoption of banana production technologies among smallholder farmers in Webuye East Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya
Lenis Nanjala Marani
Mary Goretti Kariaga
Rose Onamu
John Caleb Dimo
Abstract
This study examined the impact of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on the adoption of banana production technologies among smallholder farmers in Webuye East Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study was guided by the diffusion of innovations theory, which explains how knowledge dissemination and social learning influence technology uptake among farmers. An evaluation research design was employed to facilitate comparison between FFS participants and non-participants within the same socio-economic context. The target population comprised smallholder banana farmers in the sub-county, from which a sample of 384 respondents was drawn, consisting of 192 FFS participants and 192 non-participants. A multistage sampling procedure was applied, incorporating purposive, stratified, cluster, and systematic random sampling techniques to ensure representativeness. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, including means, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis to determine differences in adoption levels and relationships between variables. The findings revealed that participation in FFS had a statistically significant positive effect on the adoption of banana production technologies, with FFS farmers demonstrating higher adoption levels across all practices compared to non-participants (p < 0.001). The most pronounced differences were observed in the adoption of certified seedlings, pest and disease control, spacing, and integrated pest management practices, indicating the effectiveness of FFS in promoting knowledge-intensive technologies. The study concludes that FFS is a highly effective participatory extension approach that enhances farmers’ technical capacity, decision-making skills, and overall technology uptake. It is recommended that policymakers and development agencies scale up FFS programs, integrate them into national agricultural extension systems, and complement them with input access and market support mechanisms to maximize adoption outcomes and improve smallholder livelihoods.
