📄 Abstract
Greenhouse farming may cushion small scale vegetable farmers against economic losses during harsh environmental conditions, however, the technology has not been embraced by many farmers. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine the factors that influence the adoption of greenhouse technology among small-scale tomato farmers in Sotik Sub-County. The study used an ex-post-facto research design a target population of 200 small-scale greenhouse farmers and a sample size of 133 farmers was selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. The results revealed that among the social factors studied age and education levels recorded a significant positive correlation with the adoption of greenhouse technology though gender had an insignificant but positive correlation with greenhouse adoption. Economic factors such as cost of materials, inputs, sources of income, access to credit and farm income levels indicated a positive and significant relationship with greenhouse adoption. The technological factors including perception on the technology itself, technical know-how and perceived cost of technology showed a positive significant relationship with the adoption of greenhouse technology. The study concluded that the studied factors had statistically significant influence on adoption of greenhouse farming small scale tomato farmers. The study recommends that comprehensive training and capacity-building programs be established to enhance farmers' technological know-how and practical skills in greenhouse farming and the agricultural extension officers should provide tailored, farm-specific advice and solutions that address the unique needs and challenges of individual farmers.
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📚 How to Cite:
Henry Kibii Rono, Dr. Millicent A. Otiende, Prof. Joash K. Kibett , TECHNOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF GREENHOUSE FARMING AMONG SMALL SCALE TOMATO FARMERS IN SOTIK SUB COUNTY, KENYA. , Volume 13 , Issue 8, august 2025, EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER) ,