Adopting modern agricultural technologies and impact on economic performance: evidence from cashew farmers in Kenya

Despite the inherent potential of and merits in adopting modern agricultural technology, the present-day farmer in Sub-Saharan Africa is yet to catch up with the rest of the world in harnessing this potential. To extend the knowledge in the adoption of technology theory, this study examines factors, in particular farmers’ group participation and access to agricultural extension services on farmers’ adoption of modern agricultural technologies (specifically, the use of fertilizers, chemicals and appropriate plant density) and the consequent impact of adopting these agricultural technologies on farmers’ economic performance (income) in the coastal regions of Kenya. Logit regression and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse a sample of 372 smallholder cashew farmers in the Coastal Province of Kenya in 2018. The results show that access to extension services and group membership have statistically significant effects on adopting modern agricultural technologies, namely on fertilizer and pesticide usage and appropriate planting densities. However, fertilizer usage had a negative effect on economic performance while pesticide application showed no effect, and higher planting density had a positive effect. The study recommends that the policy should prioritize extension programs that leverage local platforms such as farmer groups to disseminate agricultural information and economically feasible technologies, such as appropriate cashew planting density – as this was shown to lead to more profitable agribusiness ventures.