Efficiency and Effectiveness of Dissemination Pathways; A case Study of Push-Pull Technology for Stemborers and Striga Weeds Control in Western Kenya

Abstract

Food security in Kenya is potentially challenged by increased infestation of maize fields by cereal stem borers (mainly Chilo partellus Swinhoe and Busseola fusca Hiller) and parasitic Striga weeds (mainly Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. and Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze). The conventional control measures for these pests have had limited acceptance by smallholder farmers in the region due to various socio-economic and environmental effects. The 'push-pull' technology (PPT), developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) together with other collaborators, has been well evaluated by smallholder farmers as an effective method for controlling the two pests. However, this technology is relatively knowledge intensive, thus realization of maximum adoption will depend on how well-trained farmers are, via effective and efficient dissemination pathways. The information on efficiency and effectiveness of dissemination pathways is scanty in literature. This study therefore sought to fill this gap in order to proffer better targeting of resources in an efficient dissemination strategy. Both primary and secondary data were used in this evaluation. A total of 491 randomly selected respondents from Homabay, Kisii, Busia and Bungoma districts were interviewed, and secondary data were obtained from project records in ICIPE-Mbita. Data were analysed using: a weighted score index; an ordered probit model for pathway preference ranking; a two limit tobit for pathways' effects on adoption; a duration model for pathways' effects on the speed of adoption; and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for efficiency analysis. The results from the weighted score index show that field days (FD) were the most preferred dissemination pathway, followed by farmer field schools (FFS) and farmer teachers (FT). The tobit and duration model results show that FD had the highest impact on the level and intensity, and the speed of adoption, respectively, whereas the DEA results show that FD was relatively more efficient compared to FFS and FT in the short run; but in the long run, FTs were more efficient. Considering that the pathways are not mutually exclusive, it is imperative to account for the complimentary roles of the various pathways in strengthening the uptake of PPT technology. The dissemination pathways would be more effective if the target population is well segmented and appropriate pathways utilised for the various farmer segments. The findings of this study contribute to the framework for lCIPE and other research institutions to examine both their human and financial strategies in order to invest in dissemination strategies that are relevant, efficient and effective