FACTORS AFFECTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN BUMULA SUB-COUNTY, BUNGOMA COUNTY - KENYA

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) offers a promising approach to simultaneously enhance agricultural productivity, build resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the uptake of CSA, particularly among youth, remains low in many countries, including Kenya. This study investigated the factors influencing youth participation in CSA practices in Bumula sub-county,Bungoma County, Kenya. The region is characterized by high youth unemployment and vulnerability to climate-related challenges. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 120 youth respondents (aged 18-34) across two wards using proportionate and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The results of the study showed that extension officers were the primary source of both CSA awareness (44.1%) and practical information (45.3%). A very strong, association was found between information dissemination pathways and youth participation in CSA (Cramer's V = 1.0, p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression revealed that female youth had significantly lower odds of practicing CSA than their male counterparts (OR = 0.284, p = 0.010). Conversely, higher annual farm income substantially increased the likelihood of CSA adoption (OR = 2.520, p = 0.004). Access to credit was also a significant positive predictor (OR = 2.922, p = 0.033). Education level, off-farm income, training, NGO support, and farmer group membership were not significant predictors. The study concludes that targeted interventions are essential to boost youth participation in CSA. Recommendations include facilitating youth-specific credit access, improving farm incomes, modernizing extension services, and implementing programs that address the specific barriers faced by young women, to empower young farmers in adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices in Bumula sub-county.