| dc.description.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. | en_US |
