Evaluation of Socio-Economic Characteristics Influencing Choice of Technologies in Maize Production Systems in Kabiyet Division, Nandi County, Kenya

The adoption and diffusion of soil fertility management technologies among smallholder farmers in Kenya lags behind scientific and technological advances thus reducing crop productivity. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics that influence the choice of technologies in maize production systems in Kabiyet Division, Nandi County. This study adopted a descriptive survey method. The sampling frame was drawn from 6, 505 households.100 households were selected by multi-sage cluster sampling from six locations of the study area. Interviews, questionnaires and observation were used to collect data. The study utilized descriptive methods of data analysis which entailed the use of measures of central tendencies such as frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was summarized and interpreted in line with the research objectives and questions. Results of data analysis were presented in form of figures and tables. The study findings showed that men were the decision makers in implementation of maize production technologies. It was recommended therefore that there was need for agricultural field days to be organized more in the study area to enable maize farmers to obtain more soil management technologies for maize production. It is expected that the study findings will be of importance to maize farmers in Kabiyet division, The Ministry of agriculture and other relevant ministries in identifying strategies of soil management technologies.