The Influence of Gender on Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Among Households in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices are vital for enhancing productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability within smallholder systems facing climate variability. Nevertheless, gender dynamics frequently exacerbate disparities in adoption, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the influence of gender on the adoption of CSA among farming households in Embu County, Kenya. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory, which elucidates the dissemination of innovations through perceived attributes and adopter classifications, the research reveals that women encounter resource and decision-making barriers, leading to their being late adopters relative to men. This scenario reinforces productivity disparities amid patriarchal norms and male out-migration. Employing a descriptive survey methodology, a multistage sampling approach selected 402 households focused on intensive farming and CSA promotion within Embu County. Questionnaires were administered to household heads and 32 extension officers, with reliability confirmed via Cronbach's alpha (0.83) and content validity verified through expert review. Differences in adoption by gender were analyzed using independent t-tests. Findings indicate near parity in household headship (52% male, 48% female), representing a shift from previous male dominance (72:28), driven by male out-migration, which has increased female involvement in farm management. Female-headed households exhibited marginally higher CSA adoption (mean = 6.96 practices, SD = 2.44) compared to male-headed households (mean = 6.86, SD = 2.42); however, this difference was not statistically significant (t (400) = 0.396, p = 0.69). This contrasts with regional trends of lower female adoption rates (40-55% versus 55-70% for males), attributed to land tenure, credit, and extension service constraints. Nevertheless, it aligns with local evidence indicating women's preference for low-input practices, such as crop rotation, driven by food security considerations. These findings challenge traditional narratives of gender gaps, emphasizing the influence of local factors such as equity and migration. They highlight the importance of DOI in customizing diffusion channels to promote equity. The study recommends gender-responsive extension services with women-led training programs, policy reforms to facilitate access to credit based on user rights, and intra-household dialogues to sustain adoption, thereby enhancing resilience, welfare, and alignment with SDG 5. By fostering inclusive innovation, Embu exemplifies avenues toward gender-transformative agriculture in contexts vulnerable to climate change.