Transitioning Technology Deployment to Adoption: Implementation Challenges Of the TAAT Program in Western Kenya

Not all individuals or communities can participate in development projects at the ideal intensity, levels, usage rates and time commitments to development. This study evaluates the implementation of an agricultural technology program, specifically the availability and access of the technologies to and by the rural communities, capacity-building efforts by the change agents, and challenges faced by both the implementer and the small-holder farmers. This qualitative research employed the multi-method case study design to examine the differences between different cases of beneficiaries and implementers. Primary data was collected from beneficiaries and implementers of the TAAT Maize Compact in Kenya through individual interviews, key person interviews and focus group discussions, all guided by semi-structured interview schedules. The research adopted interpretivism to analyze the various subjective and social phenomena that influence the actions of the value chain actors, and for in-depth analysis with a small sample size of 86 acquired through multistage sampling in Kakamega and Bungoma counties. Secondary data was collected by reviewing program quarterly progress reports. The study was grounded in the Normalization Process theory and the Innovation Diffusion theory. While the climate-smart seed was well received, and it was widely unavailable through last-mile agro dealers and when would become available farmers did not trust its quality. Individual attributes, social-economic factors, and the environment of the beneficiaries strongly determined the choice of technologies adopted and the continuous usage rate or disadoption. Field days were found to be the most important sources of information and training; they also served as mass communication channels and feedback mechanism. Economic and institutional factors impended implementation on the implementers’ sides along the lines of delayed disbursement, budget cuts, uncooperative partners, and lengthy procurement procedures. This research concluded that technology developers and policymakers must understand the needs of these both small-scale and largescale technology users and reflect this in the design of the development programs. Researchers should design and test business models per technology being rolled to ensure there is a business case for all, and complex programs should especially pay attention to each beneficiary and stakeholder level results. Finally, program designers should devise program incentives to enthuse and sustain private-public partnerships.