Factors influencing the adoption of water harvesting technologies among smallholder farming households in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya

Climate variability, rainfall uncertainty, and seasonal dry spells constrain agricultural production and household food security among smallholder farming households. Water harvesting technologies (WHTs) provide an important adaptation option by improving water availability and reducing dependence on unreliable rainfall. However, their adoption may be constrained by technical, economic, physical, institutional, and socio-cultural factors. This study examined the factors influencing adoption of water harvesting technologies (WHTs) among smallholder farming households in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory which provided a framework for understanding the adoption of water harvesting technologies. A descriptive survey design was employed involving 380 smallholder farming households selected through proportionate stratified and random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using structured household questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and four focus group discussions involving 40 participants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and mean ranking in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Knowledge and skills were ranked as the most influential factor (M = 1.79), followed by installation costs (M = 2.09), availability of materials (M = 2.98), land size (M = 4.42), extension services (M = 4.73), climate variability (M = 5.29), and cultural beliefs (M = 6.69). The findings indicate that technical knowledge, economic capacity, and access to materials are important considerations in household adoption of WHTs. The study recommends targeted training, affordable financing, improved access to materials, and strengthened extension support to enhance WHT adoption, climate resilience, and household food security.