Adoption of Banana (Musa spp) Production Technology among SmallScale Farmers in Embu West Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The study examined the effects of adoption of recommended technologies and input application on banana productivity among small-scale farmers in Embu West Sub-County, Kenya. Data was obtained from a sample of 384 small-scale banana farmers that were proportionately selected from four wards of the study area. A structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. The study used a logarithmic multiple linear regression model based on Cobb-Douglas production function. The results of multiple regression revealed that the amount of credit accessed, cost of the banana plantlets, fertilizer and manure had significant effects on banana output per unit area. In addition, adoption of tissue culture banana, use of irrigation, debudding, desuckering, deleafing and banana value addition had positive and significant effects on banana productivity. The study recommends enhanced sensitization of small-scale banana farmers on the importance of adopting these and other recommended technologies for improved banana yields per unit area.