SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN KIPKELION, KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA

Kenya depends on agriculture to feed its entire population, with maize as its staple food. However, this has been affected by increased climate change, evidenced by erratic rainfall, which has a direct effect on soil sustainability. This paper investigates soil conservation technologies for sustainable crop production in Kipkelion Constituency, Kericho County, Kenya. A cross-sectional research design using a descriptive approach was used in addressing the research question. The study targeted 394 respondents who included farmers, agricultural extension officers, and county officials, from whom data was collected through questionnaires, observation, and focus group interviews. Out of 394 questionnaires, 350 were returned for analysis. Data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), with descriptive and inferential statistics used to interpret results. From the study findings, the most commonly adopted soil conservation technique was strip cropping, with 56.6% of farmers showing a likelihood to practice it, while the least used method was no-tillage, with 64% of farmers indicating an unlikelihood to adopt this practice. Other techniques included improved tillage, conservation agriculture, and terracing. Legislative structures had a significant positive impact on the adoption of these technologies, as shown by a multiple regression analysis (F = 78.745, p = 0.000). The study noted a challenge of high investment costs and lack of technical support that necessitates greater involvement of agricultural extension officers to help farmers adopt soil conservation methods effectively. The study emphasizes the need for increased governmental and institutional support in promoting soil conservation practices, particularly by providing financial and technical assistance to farmers.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0175/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>