Economic Drivers of Improved Indigenous Chicken Technology Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya: Evidence from Moiben Sub-County

Abstract

Indigenous chicken (IC) production is an important livelihood activity for smallholder farmers in Kenya, contributing to food security, nutrition, and household income. Despite rising demand for improved indigenous chicken (IIC) products, adoption remains low, averaging 24% nationally and 14% in Moiben Sub-County. This study examined the economic factors influencing both the adoption and adoption intensity of IIC technology among smallholder farmers in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Theory of the Firm, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 156 farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and a double-hurdle econometric model. The results showed that age and access to government or non-governmental organisation (NGO) programmes significantly increased the likelihood of adoption, whereas farming experience, access to market information, market outlets, and value addition reduced it. Adoption intensity was positively influenced by veterinary and extension services but negatively affected by distance to markets, market outlets, and participation in government or NGO programmes. These findings indicate that the determinants of initial adoption differ from those shaping post-adoption intensity. Strengthening market linkages, veterinary and extension services, farmer organisations, and post-adoption support programmes is recommended to enhance commercialisation, productivity, and the sustainable uptake of IIC technology in Kenya.