Financial Barriers to Adoption of Drip Irrigation: Assessing Initial Investment and Operational Costs among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya

Competition for water resources has become stiffer due to the rapid growth of population, industrialization and urbanization. Rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation are possible interventions to enhance crop performance in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of costs associated with drip irrigation on adoption of the technology among small-scale farmers in Kitui County, Kenya. Specifically, the study focuses on initial investment costs and operational costs associated with drip irrigation. The study employed a descriptive exploratory research design targeting farmers in Kitui County. Through probability sampling, 120 farmers were sampled, with 60 farmers using drip irrigation and another 60 not using the technology. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics specifically the t-test. The study found that perceived costs of adopting drip irrigation and operational costs were significant determinants of adoption among small-scale farmers in Kitui County. Farmers who had adopted drip irrigation found the associated costs more manageable than those who had not. The study findings suggest that efforts to reduce costs could significantly improve adoption rates. The study thus recommends that financial assistance programs, such as subsidies or low-interest loans, be developed to help farmers manage the initial investment costs of drip irrigation systems.