Factors Influencing Thresher Uptake: A Study of Agricultural Mechanization Research and Adaptation in Kenya

Agricultural research organizations in developing countries are mandated by the governments in their respective countries to adapt technologies to the environmental conditions taking into consideration farmers’ interests. Dissemination of these technologies by the research organizations should develop awareness among the farmers, which then leads to the adoption of the technology. Monitoring and evaluation of the adoption needs to be done to assess the progress of adoption and make adjustments where necessary. The general objective of the study was to establish the uptake of adapted threshers disseminated by the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute in grain growing areas of Chiakariga and Marimanti Wards of Tharaka South Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the numerical progression of multi-crop threshers; and (2) to assess the preference of thresher usage against alternatives. The study was confined to the threshing of pulses using multi-crop threshing machines of 7.5 horsepower engines and smaller in Chiakariga and Marimanti Wards in November 2024. The study adopted an overview approach to capture several issues that would be useful in drawing accurate conclusions. Purposive sampling of Chiakariga and Marimanti Wards was informed by the first launching of the multi-crop threshing machine. A mixed-method approach using both secondary and primary data was used in November 2024. Interviews were conducted to collect data on participants’ accounts among other details. The presentation of data was done with the use of bar graphs. The study concluded that awareness of the multi-crop threshing machine was first realized in 2020 in Tharaka Nithi County and since then, there had been a steady increase in the number of threshing machines in the area of study. The study also concluded that the users of the threshing machines were aware of its performance and benefits resulting from its use as compared to threshing using manual methods. The study recommends that AMR to address the following: a participatory approach in the designing of the threshing machines to adapt to the targeted geographic conditions; packaging dissemination contents to include demonstrations of operation for safe and efficient extraction of grain for seed and food use; and engagement of community leaders to partner in the adoption of threshing machines to increase the likelihood of adoption. All these will impact the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Tharaka Nithi through the alleviation of poverty and ensuring food security for the country in the long run.