Imazapyr-resistant maize technology adoption for witch weed control in western Kenya

Abstract

Witch weed (Striga (genus) is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. A new technology known as imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM) has proven to be effective in controlling it. This study examined the status of IRM adoption in western Kenya. A cross sectional survey that included 600 households, of which 169 were IRM adopters and 431 were non-adopters, was conducted in Nyanza and Western Provinces of Kenya. There was a considerable difference in IRM use according to location. The adoption rate was 28% of the targeted farming population. The performance difference in adoption between the intervention and non-intervention areas was in the range of 25%. Initiating a cluster-based approach to enhance information flow and increasing stakeholders’ interaction and involvement within the farmers’ clusters can help potential adopters to make more informed decisions by protecting maize (Zea mays L.) crop in western Kenya from Striga.