Millicent Adhiambo Otiende^1,, George Kere Mbira¹, Jenifer Opunga²

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetables in Kericho County albeit low production and productivity due to various abiotic, biotic and managerial factors. Greenhouse production system is known for profitable and quality year-round tomato production. However, adoption of this system is low in the County. The reasons for low adoption of greenhouse tomato production among small scale farmers remain unclear. The study evaluated socio-economic and institutional factors influencing adoption of greenhouse tomato production technology among small scale tomato farmers in Kericho County. The study employed descriptive survey design.Data was collected from a sample of 135 small scale tomato farmers. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and analysed using SPSS statistical package. The study revealed that the following socio-economic attributes: age, marital status, education, employment, and monthly income had significant (p≤ 0.05) positive effect on greenhouse adoption. About 51% of those practicing greenhouse productions were in the economic active age (18-40 years) associated with high level of productivity. Education and age significantly increased adoption of greenhouse tomato production. Most of the respondents (88.9%) did not have alternative source of income and therefore relied on farming as the main economic activity. Access to extension services and credit facilities did not hinder adoption of the technology. Low income from tomato sales and inadequate training negatively influenced adoption of greenhouse tomato production. The government should continually offer regular trainings and demonstrations on greenhouse management to enhance its adoption.

Greenhouse, Technology, Adoption, Tomatoes, profitability, extension