Munyasi J.Wanjala¹, David Lloyd², J. Doland Nichols²

Preferred presentation format: Refereed Paper

Affiliation(s): (1) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute – Kiboko, 12, Makindu, Kenya

(2) School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University

Title: Mr. Munyasi Joseph Position: Post graduate student Organisation: Southern Cross University Contact email: jmunya10@scu.edu.au Contact phone: 02 66203947

Keywords: Communication, cultural, production, dissemination, participatory

Governments and industry employ a variety of communication media when distributing information relating to improved agricultural practice. Single subject interviews were carried out with 165 participants from two ethnic communities within the south-eastern Kenyan rangelands to explore the uptake of knowledge in weed management technologies. An assessment was made of the techniques frequently employed and the obstacles presented to the uptake of new technology. Our results indicate that extension agents were largely ineffective in the dissemination of weed management technologies in both communities as was the use of mass media. Other traditional information dissemination mechanisms such as using community decision leaders, neighbours and seminars were less effective than anticipated. A participatory extension approach was ranked as highly desirable by the two communities. Reasons for non uptake of new technologies are discussed and recommendations made for future programs including the needs to improve the skills and resourcing of extension services particularly in a cross cultural setting and production system.

Key learning points:

• Promotion of ‘top-down’ approach in pasture weed management meant community attitudes are unlikely to change in the short term since the approach is not demand driven.
• The mass media, publication and interpersonal communication can be a useful source of information if frequently exposed to the recipients with relevant messages.
• Extension is a process that involves commitment and skills from extension agents and resource and logistical support from management agencies to be successful.