Assessment of socio-economic factors determining adoption of small-scale irrigation farming on household food security in bondo district-kenya

Bondo in Siaya County, Kenya experiences food insecurity due to irregular rainfall patterns and persistent drought. Irrigation farming is a means of solving this problem, but it has low adoption rates. This study examined the socio economic factors responsible for low adoption of irrigation farming among the predominant Christian community in the sub-county. The study used descriptive research design. A random sample of 75 farmers practicing rain fed farming and 75 farmers using irrigation were interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margins and Chi-Square with emphasis on two major crops grown in the area. Results showed that irrigation had a positive effect on food production with a larger proportion of household members in the irrigated farming receiving higher incomes. Male headed households were better adopters in both irrigated (32%) and rain fed (35%) compared to the female headed household at 4% and 10% in irrigated and rain fed respectively. The age brackets 40-50 years old were better adopters at 68% for males and 41% for females. Married people were better adopters at (41%) in both irrigated and rain fed farming, implying that they are more concerned about food security compared to the other categories studied with only 8% of the younger generation involved in farming activities. Educated people were better adopters of irrigation. Gender and age of the household head also influence adoption of irrigation. These factors are key to adoption of irrigation technologies.