Understanding the Scaling, Adoption, and Benefits of Komboka Rice Variety in Kenya

Rice, ranking third among the cereal food crops in Kenya after maize and wheat, faces challenges in meeting the country's rice consumption demands. Kenya heavily relies on imports, amounting to 89% from Asia and neighboring countries to bridge the deficit in rice production. The existing rice varieties fail to keep pace with the increasing consumption levels of the Kenyan population. To address this issue and maximize farmers' net returns, the cultivation of high-yielding rice varieties holds immense potential. One such variety, Komboka (IR05N221), was introduced in Kenya in 2009 and went through rigorous evaluation in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and National Irrigation Authority (NIA). Officially released in 2013, Komboka did not gain popularity until 2019, leading to its widespread adoption among Kenyan rice farmers based on few farmers' testimonials. However, despite its increasing adoption, there is limited farmer-level evidence on its performance, relying primarily on experimental agronomic trials. To address this research gap, our study aims to comprehensively assess the scaling, adoption, and benefits of Komboka using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. We conducted key informant interviews and farm-level surveys, alongside an impact pathway and theory of change exercise, to identify the key factors contributing to the widespread adoption of Komboka. Furthermore, rigorous econometric analysis was performed using data collected from 729 randomly selected irrigated rice farmers across Kirinyaga, Kisumu, and Tana River counties, representing the six primary irrigation schemes in Kenya. The study findings reveal that the overall adoption rate of Komboka stands at approximately 52%, with variations observed across counties (26% - 100%) based on seed availability, farmer preferences, and agronomic conditions. Moreover, Komboka demonstrates suitability for ratooning and exhibits higher yield and income potential compared to other popular rice varieties. Despite its popularity, challenges persist in scaling up the adoption of Komboka in Kenya. Ensuring seed availability and increasing farmers' awareness of the benefits of Komboka is crucial for widespread adoption and meeting consumer demand. By promoting the cultivation of high-yielding varieties like Komboka and addressing the adoption barriers, Kenya can enhance its rice self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on imports, and provide economic opportunities for farmers.