Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) analysis of agricultural biologicals among smallholder farmers across three counties in Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural biologicals (agrobiologicals) can be sustainable options to manage plant pests and diseases and enhance growth. This can reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, which often come from non-renewable sources and pose risks to the environment and farmers. However, the use of agrobiologicals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is low. To understand factors leading to low adoption of Agrobiologicals in Kenya, we performed a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) analysis among smallholder farmers in three counties in Kenya regarding agrobiologicals. 275 farmers were interviewed in Kajiado, Kiambu and Machakos counties. The farmers’ knowledge on agrobiologicals was low and varied across the counties; 18–47 % of respondents were deemed knowledgeable. The main source of knowledge was neighbours (32–57 % depending on the county). Regarding the information flow, agro-dealers were the main source of information for agricultural inputs in general. More than 70 % of the farmers were not trained in employing agrobiologicals, and 70 % of the farmers stated that agrobiologicals are not effective. Still, between 46 % (Kajiado) and 18 % (Machakos) used agrobiologicals in their farming practices. The number of years in farming positively correlated with knowledge of agrobiologicals, but not attitude and practice. Possibly, the low knowledge regarding agrobiologicals influenced attitude and practice; however perceived sufficient knowledge of agrobiologicals did not translate into an increased use, indicating that knowledge alone is not sufficient to ensure use among smallholder farmers. These findings call for new strategies to promote agrobiologicals to smallholder farmers in SSA. • Agricultural biologicals are products that can be used for the management of crop pests and pathogens. • Can reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, which pose risks to the environment, farmers and beneficial organisms. In this study reports (KAP) analysis among smallholder farmers in Kenya regarding agricultural biologicals. • However, use of biologicals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is low. • The manuscripts highlight KAP analysis findings carried out in Kenya in three counties. • The study found that farmers’ knowledge on agricultural biologicals was low and varied across the counties. Sufficient knowledge of agricultural biologicals therefore did not translate into an increased use.