Determinants of the Adoption of Modern Apiculture Among Marginal Households in Baringo and Makueni Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Apiculture is one of the planet's most widely practiced enterprises, with the potential to generate income. The enterprise has high potential in Kenya, particularly in ASALs. Despite efforts by government agencies, NGOs, and development affiliates to increase the uptake of modernity, the current usage level is still low as the majority of the farmers utilize traditional methods, leading to minimal economic output. To promote the effective adoption of modernity, it is vital to understand and address adoption-influencing issues. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the determinants influencing adoption of modern apiculture among marginal households in Baringo and Makueni Counties of Kenya. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents with 127 selected from Baringo and 123 from Makueni. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that gender, marital status, household size, attitude, access to credit, transportation, and climate change had a positive and significant influence on adoption of modern apiculture. Whereas group participation and access to land negatively and significantly influenced adoption of modern apiculture. The study will be a foundation for the formulation of policy regarding the uptake of modern apiculture among beekeepers in Baringo and Makueni Counties.