Abstract:
The importance of bananas cannot be underestimated worldwide. The main study objective was to investigate the factors that have led to failure of farmers to adopt tissue cultured bananas. The specific objectives included assessing the benefits of growing tissue cultured bananas compared to the indigenous/local varieties, determine the conditions that favor tissue cultured banana growing in Ndeija sub county and establishing measures that can be put in place for farmers to adopt the tissue cultured bananas.
This study was necessary due to the fact that there were many production gaps that exist which have limited adoption of the tissue culture bananas in the study region whose population is over 130,000 people. A qualitative cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from the respondents. The sampling technique used was random sampling where 54 respondents were selected to participate in the study and were given well prepared questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using tables and charts. The study results found that high yield was the highest benefit because of improved health which tissue cultured bananas resistant to pests and diseases hence leading to high yield with 56% of respondents. The study also concluded that poor extension services have led to low adoption with 46% of respondents. The study concluded that sensitization is the measures that can be put in place for farmers to adopt the tissue cultured bananas with 52% of respondents. The study recommended the provision of credit and subsidy, extension services and training of farmers on banana production aimed at increasing adoption of tissue culture bananas. To improve tissue culture bananas availability hence adoption in the study area, establishment of certified sources like nurseries in the wards is also recommended. This will mean availing tissue culture bananas plantlets closer to farmers.
