| dc.description.abstract | The promotion of sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices and crop
diversification is essential for addressing food insecurity in Kenya. Despite government
efforts to transform agricultural systems, progress remains uncertain, with challenges
needing comprehensive solutions to ensure long-term sustainability. Ricebean, a
multipurpose but underutilized legume, holds significant potential for improving crop
diversity and resilience; however, its adoption is limited due to lack of knowledge and
awareness among farmers and extension officers. Farmers possess indigenous technical
knowledge (ITK) about ricebean, but the knowledge is neither well-documented nor
integrated with scientific advances, hindering the crop's wider adoption. This study
aimed to analyze the ITK used by ricebean farmers in Nyanza Region, identifying
knowledge gaps and strategies to increase adoption and support sustainable ricebean
production. Specific objectives of the study included: identifying farmers’ ITK on
ricebean production, assessing socioeconomic factors that influence ITK adoption,
evaluating farmers’ perceptions on integrating ITK in ricebean production, and
comparing the prevelance rate of ITK among smallholder farmers in Migori, Siaya, and
Kisii counties. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, the study used a cross-sectional
survey design to collect data from 397 ricebean-farming households through
multistage, purposive, propotionate and snowball sampling procedures in the three
counties. Data collection methods included semi-structured questionnaires, FGDs
guide, interviews, photographs and observations. Analysis was done using SPSS
version 20. Results show that most ricebean farmers are women (70.3%) with education
level of 57.2% being at primary education and an average age of 44 years. Farming is
the main occupation for 88.2% of participants, with more than half earning less than
Ksh 35,000 annually. Use of ITK is widespread, particularly in planting timing, land
preparation and crop management, with 62% of farmers integrating ITK with scientific
practices. Adoption of ITK is influenced by factors such as gender, market access and
extension services (p<0.05), with men more likely to adopt ITK practices than women.
Although farmers value ITK for its affordability and environmental benefits, they
believe that it is not effective as its production is relatively low. County-level variations
indicate that Siaya has the highest female farmer participation and lowest income levels,
while Kisii leads in ricebean income generation. Similarly, ITK practices in ricebean
farming vary significantly across Kisii, Migori, and Siaya counties, shaped by factors
such as climate, socio-cultural preferences and resource availability. The study
concludes that ricebean farming in Kisii, Migori, and Siaya counties is characterized by
small-scale, female-dominated operations with significant reliance on Indigenous
Technical Knowledge (ITK). However, challenges such as low incomes, limited access
to education, markets and extension services hinder productivity. Policymakers should
focus on improving access to credit, agricultural support systems and markets,
particularly in underserved regions like Migori and Kisii. Strengthening training
programs, fostering farming groups, and promoting equitable resource distribution can
enhance ITK adoption, boost productivity and improve rural livelihoods. | en_US |
