Extension Approaches In The Promotion Of Melia Volkensii In Lower Eastern, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties covers a total area of 44,739.10 Km2 . This study was undertaken to document various extension methods used to promote tree planting in the drylands among them being Melia volkensii in the drylands. In an effort to curb deforestation and land degradation, the government employed various extension methods such as contact farmers, group approach, farming systems approaches, farmer to Framer, train and visit, farmer field schools, Social Forestry Extension Model, Agroforestry for Integrated Development in Semi-Arid Areas of Kenya project and Intensified Social Forestry Project. Individual interviews and focused group discussions were used collect data from a total of 101 respondents using a semi structured questionnaire and checklist respectively. Kitui County had the highest respondents (50.5%). Machakos and Makueni Counties had 29.7% and 19.8% respondents respectively. The collected data was captured in excel spread sheets and analysed using SPSS version 20. The popular extension methods in all counties were demonstrations and field days, seminars, farmers’ field schools and barasas (formal local meetings); while ASK shows, Open days and churches were least popular. Major tree species promoted were Melia volkensi, Azadirachta indica, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus spp and Senna siamea among others. However, the study found out that the adoption of planting high value tree species including M. volkensii is still low. For increased tree planting in the drylands, the study recommends an integrated extension approaches that combines two or three popular methods should be used to promote tree planting. Farmers should be supported through research and ready technical knowledge though demonstrations plots, seminars and field days. Key words: Extension, Melia, tree planting, drylands