Drivers of Technology Adoption in a Subsistence Economy: The case of Tissue Culture Bananas in Western Kenya

Slow adoption rates of Agricultural technologies continue to beset Africa’s food insecurity reduction efforts and economic development generally. Household survey data and focus group discussions were used to identify determinants of adoption of tissue culture bananas among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. Logit analysis shows that gender, off-farm employment, household size, education level, age, land size, off farm income and extension services had significant influence on adoption of tissue culture banana production. More significant is sustainable access to Tissue culture plantlets which is a crucial input. Successful interventions should target youth, women famers and access to extension information. Policies targeting land consolidation will also help increase technology adoption.