Communication technologies for sustainable agriculture and food security among smallholder farmers in Nyatike and Suna East, Kenya

Abstract

Communication technologies enhance information sharing among agricultural stakeholders and farmers, improving food production and security. Despite the availability of indigenous knowledge and digital technologies, many rural smallholder farmers lack adequate agricultural information, leading to food insecurity. This study aimed to explore the communication technologies for information and knowledge sharing among smallholder farmers in Migori County, Kenya. Despite its favourable agricultural climate, Migori County faces significant food insecurity. The study used a qualitative descriptive design and semi-structured focus group discussions to obtain farmers’ perspectives on the communication technologies they use. The study purposively sampled 86 smallholder farmers from farmer groups in Nyatike and Suna East sub-counties, who participated in seven focus group discussions. Qualitative data were audio-recorded, organised, and analysed using thematic analysis. Reliability was obtained through member checking. Findings revealed that smallholder farmers in Suna East and Nyatike predominantly rely on interpersonal oral communication, agribusiness personnel, and the radio to obtain information on sustainable agriculture and food security. Few farmers used digital technology, while extension officers and NGOs were rare. The study concluded that communication of agricultural information among smallholder farmers is heterogeneously multiplex. While interpersonal communication promotes the sharing of indigenous knowledge, few sources, limited expertise, a lack of practical demonstrations on the radio, and limited digital access hinder effective knowledge sharing on sustainable agriculture and food security. The study recommends an integrated approach to communicating sustainable agriculture and food security, using digital storytelling tools to document and share both indigenous knowledge and new farming techniques.