Communication pathways and youth engagement in climate-smart agriculture in Bumula Sub-County, Kenya

David Wekesa Saenyia; Vitalis Ogemah; Teddy Amuge; John Caleb Dimo

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.4.67

Authors

David Wekesa Saenyi Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2370-4983
Vitalis Ogemah Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3434-0770
Teddy Amuge Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5487-7391
John Caleb Dimo Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0877-1531

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.4.67

Keywords:

Climate-Smart Agriculture, Information Communication Pathway, Youths in Agriculture, Youth Unemployment

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is essential for developing climate change resilience in susceptible areas such as Kenya's semi-arid regions. The involvement of youths is crucial for the transformation of agriculture, but uptake remains low. While the successful delivery of information is an established driver of CSA, the best communication channels for various CSA practices are unknown. This research, guided by the Diffusion of Innovations, Social Learning, and Channel Complementarity theories, aimed to evaluate the impacts of different information communication channels on young people's involvement in CSA in Bumula Sub-County, Kenya. A correlational research design was employed. A structured questionnaire was administered to a simple random sample of 120 youth farmers (18-35 years), drawn from a target population of 10,888 in the Siboti and Khasoko wards. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression in SPSS to estimate the relationship between communication sources (extensions, media, and social networks) and the uptake of different CSA practices. The analysis revealed a strong association between information sources and involvement in CSA (Cramer's V = 1.0). Pathways to involvement were practice-specific: extension agents predominated for knowledge-based practices (agroforestry, 47.7%), social networks for visible practices (intercropping, 43.0%), and mass media for market-related inputs (improved seeds, 41.2%). The findings demonstrate that a one-style-fits-all communication approach is ineffective. A multi-channel, segmented strategy that aligns the communication channel with the distinctive characteristics of each CSA practice is imperative to bridge the information gap efficiently and strengthen youth-led climate adaptation. The results provide an evidence-informed path for policymakers and practitioners to upgrade extension services by integrating digital platforms, strengthening peer networks, and adopting tailored communication strategies to enhance youth engagement in CSA.

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