Driving technology adoption for pasture production: socio-economic insights from Isiolo county's climate extremes

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic determinants influencing the adoption of technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs) for pasture production in Isiolo County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 382 household heads, two field extension officers, and two focus group discussions. Analysis, is based on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, applied multiple linear regression to explore correlations between TIMP adoption and factors such as gender, education, income, livelihood activity, group membership, and financial assistance. The outcome of the correlation test is as follows: TIMP Adoption = 3.52628 + 0.13028 (Gender) - 0.03457 (Land Size) + 0.18103 (Education Level) + 0.21995 (Annual Income) + 0.21426 (Livelihood Activity) + 0.15072 (Group Membership) + 0.05913 (Financial Assistance). The results indicate that effective policies should prioritize gender inclusion, enhance education, increase financial support, and promote cooperative frameworks to improve TIMP adoption, particularly for small-scale livestock keepers.