School of Agriculture & Biotechnology

ANALYSING THE POTENTIAL OF CARBON FARMING FOR INCOME IMPROVEMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA.

2026-06-08T13:20:16Z

ANALYSING THE POTENTIAL OF CARBON FARMING FOR INCOME IMPROVEMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA. KIPROP, JOHN Smallholder farmers in Kenya face the dual challenge of declining soil fertility and increasing vulnerability to climate change, both of which constrain agricultural productivity and household income. However, sustainable carbon farming presents an opportunity to enhance income generation through carbon trade while improving household incomes. Despite its potential, limited awareness and access to climate information hinder its full realization. This study addressed this practical problem by quantitatively examining how socio-economic factor influencing climate information for carbon farming, potential of agroforestry in generating carbon incomes, efficiency of water harvesting and management practices towards drought resilience, effect of minimal land tillage for better crop productivity and improved household livelihoods influence carbon-farming among smallholder farmers in Eldama Ravine and Baringo Central Sub- counties, Baringo county, Kenya. The study adopted a correlation design and utilized a mixed-methods approach combining structured household surveys (n = 374), field observations, and key-informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with heteroskedasticity standard errors, supported by descriptive and diagnostic tests for classical OLS assumptions. The dependent variable Carbon Farming was constructed from four measurable indicators: access to climate information, perceived carbon income, efficiency of water harvesting and management practices towards drought resilience, and effect of minimal land tillage for better crop productivity and improved household livelihoods. Empirical results demonstrated strong model performance and significant predictive capacity across all objective-specific models. The pooled regression model achieved an adjusted R² = 0.608 and F = 189.875 (p = 0.000), confirming that approximately 61% of variation in carbon-farming could be explained by the combined effects of the independent variables. Socio-economic variables such as Gender (β = 0.014, p = 0.048), (β = 0.021, p = 0.058), and household income (β = 0.062, p = 0.007) emerged as significant determinants of climate information for carbon farming, suggesting that human capital and resource endowments substantially shape farmers’ ability to adopt and sustain carbon-farming. Agroforestry, Indigenous drought tolerant agroforestry trees, Exotic drought tolerant agroforestry trees, Fruit farming and Fodder trees statistically significantly predicted Carbon incomes with R 2 = 0.545, while Water harvesting and management practices, Spring restoration and protection, Riparian restoration and protection, and Roof water harvesting statistically . R 2 = 0.681, p-values for all variable pairs exceed 0.05 indicating that the assumption of homoscedasticity was met. These findings confirm that practical, low-cost interventions yield measurable carbon and productivity benefits. The aggregated analysis further estimated an average perceived carbon income of 56.98 (KSh. 7,407.4) per month, underscoring the economic potential of verified carbon-credit participation for rural livelihoods. In conclusion, carbon farming offers a viable income-generating opportunity for smallholder farmers in Baringo County, but its success depends on improved climate information access and targeted awareness efforts. The study recommends capacity building on agroforestry and carbon farming, distribution of tree seedlings to farmers, and sensitization programs on carbon trading. Additionally, gender-sensitive approaches should be integrated into agricultural extension services to bridge the gender gap in climate information access and empower women in decision-making. Strengthening climate information dissemination channels and enhancing extension services will be crucial in optimizing the benefits of carbon farming and improving household incomes in the region.

SOIL BIOASSAY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN THE DETECTION OF SOIL- BORNE PATHOGENS OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris) IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-06-08T09:23:45Z

SOIL BIOASSAY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN THE DETECTION OF SOIL- BORNE PATHOGENS OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris) IN WESTERN KENYA NDUATI, GABRIEL Lack of accurate and precise diagnostic tools and methods for detecting soil pathogens and their impacts on crop yields hinders the productivity of various crops, including beans. This highlights the need to link field disease severities to bioassay results to ease not only the accuracy in detection but also ensure the reliability of the predictions of crop performance. The study was set to evaluate the effectiveness of existing soil bioassays for screening, detecting, and quantifying soil-borne pathogens (Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and root- knot nematode) and predicting impacts on grain yields and severity levels in smallholder fields. The study was conducted in 50 farmer fields in five counties across Western Kenya. Field demonstration trials consisting of four bean varieties planted on the 4 by 4 m treatment plots were established in each of the five sites. At planting, soil samples were collected for physical and biochemical analysis. A subset of the soil samples was bulked at the field level and assessed for bioassays targeting Fusarium, Pythium, and plant parasitic nematodes. The bean varieties were assessed for disease severities, and agronomic indicators recorded. The study employed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and stepwise linear regression using R software. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) indicated a significant but weak negative relationship between the Fusarium stem assay and vascular browning (r= -0.27, p = 0.0091). In addition, Pythium seed assay had no association with field root rot severity, while the root knot nematode assay showed a marginally significant but weak positive relationship with field galling infestation (r = 0.14, p = 0.05). Also, a strong negative correlation between vascular browning and bean yield (r = -0.28, p< 0.001), and between disease pressure and yield (r = -0.22, p < 0.001) was observed. A stepwise linear regression model revealed that the interaction between Fusarium stem assay infestation and pH influenced vascular browning (p< 0.001) and stand count (p< 0.01). Similarly, the interaction of Pythium seed assay infestation with POXC significantly affected stand count (p< 0.001), and the association between Root knot nematode assay infestation and stand count was influenced by soil clay content (p< 0.001). Apart from the Root knot nematode assay, the soil pathogen bioassays tested here were not effective in predicting the field incidence. However, our findings revealed the ability of the fusarium stem assay to predict other symptoms associated with disease pressure, suggesting that the bioassays result together with soil fertility assessment can led to a more effective prediction of early disease pressure and yield.

EVALUATION OF IMPACTS OF INTEGRATED LIME AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON SELECTED SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND SORGHUM PRODUCTIVITY IN ACID SOILS OF WESTERN KENYA

2026-06-08T09:16:02Z

EVALUATION OF IMPACTS OF INTEGRATED LIME AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON SELECTED SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND SORGHUM PRODUCTIVITY IN ACID SOILS OF WESTERN KENYA ROTICH, EDWIN This research assessed sustainable strategies aimed at enhancing soil fertility and sorghum production in the acidic soils of western Kenya. Microdosing trials were carried out in Kakamega and Siaya. These were executed under two conditions: lime- treated (4 t ha−1) and untreated (0 t ha−1), and were factorially combined with varying application rates of nitrogen (18.8, 37.5, and 75 kg ha−1) and phosphorus (6.5, 13, and 26 kg ha−1). The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s HSD for mean separation. Results revealed liming significantly increased soil pH (from 4.50 to 6.19), reduced exchangeable Al, and improved grain N and P uptake. SOC rose across sites, with lime– fertilizer treatments showing strong positive trends. The application of lime significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced both sorghum biomass and grain yield by increasing soil pH, which in turn mitigated Al toxicity, improved root access to P, and promoted N assimilation. Micro-doses of N and P fertilizers were superior to recommended doses in grain and biomass yield, agronomic efficiency (AE), and harvest index (HI). Nutrient uptake efficiency ranged from 21.91–34.54%, with the maximum at N18.8P6.5. Increasing doses of fertilizer reduced NUE and AE. Combining 4 t ha−1 lime with N75P26 fertilizer maintained the highest gross margins and benefit–cost ratios (BCR > 2.0; p < 0.001) at sites and seasons. Seasonal differences affected profitability, with 2018- LR performing better than other years. The combined application of lime and fertilizer yielded the highest economic efficiency among the treatment options, with lime + N37.5P13 treatment proving to be the most economically viable option among the smallholder farmers. The integration of site-specific fertility management with the conventional application of lime (4 t ha−1), along with microdoses of N and P fertilizers, has the potential to rehabilitate acid-degraded soils in western Kenya, thereby significantly improving sorghum productivity and increasing farmers' incomes.

AN ASSESSMENT ON TRAINING OF SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY AFFECTS HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY

2026-06-08T09:03:14Z

AN ASSESSMENT ON TRAINING OF SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY AFFECTS HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY YATOR, MARGARET Food security revolves around the availability, access, and intake of nutritious food. Therefore, to realize food security, trainings for farmers is often encouraged to enhance productivity. However, most small-scale farmers often rely on their traditional knowledge and patterns for farming. The main purpose of this research was to examine the establishment of a relationship between training small-scale farmers and food security and evaluate training carried out in Moiben sub-county with the aim of improving household food security status. The specific objectives were to establish the effectiveness of food production training on food security among small-scale farmers, to examine the effectiveness of financial literacy training on food security of small- scale farmers and to determine the effectiveness of adoption of agricultural technologies on food security of small-scale farmers in Moiben sub-county and socioeconomic factors influencing food security. The study adopted a mixed-methods design focusing on positivism philosophy. The target population was 10,869 small-scale farmers from which a sample size of 385 small-scale farmers within Moiben sub-county was derived. The instrument for collecting data used for the research was a questionnaire which contained items to address each objective and was able to measure household food security status using food insecurity experience-based measurement scale. The findings of food insecurity status showed that the prevalence rate for severity and moderate severe food insecurity were 40.062% and 58.74% respectively. Research experts checked validity, while reliability test was performed by use of Cronbach Alpha test and the result of reliability was set at a level of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 29. Inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was performed to test hypotheses. Descriptive data was presented in tables, figures and pie charts, while inferential statistics was presented using multiple linear regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically as per objective as they emerged. Results indicated that, training small-scale farmers on food production improved food security by 0.036 units, increase in one unit of financial literacy increased food security by 0.102 units and increase in one unit of the adoption of agricultural technologies decreased food security by 0.000824units.Statistical significance indicated the F- ratio using Analysis of variance that training on food production, financial literacy and adoption of technologies was statistically significant at a value of P ≤ 0.05. Further, correlation analysis was conducted between socio- economic and food security was conducted education level positively correlated with food security with a value of 0.151 indicated a significant value of P ≥ 0.05. The findings are significant with regard to increasing the information available on food security to small-scale farmers where agriculture institutions act as resource centers such as KALRO (Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organization), Ministry of Agriculture, academic institutions such as Universities and Colleges, and Journals. The study recommends more training session and diversity of information on areas to be trained, which directly influence food security such as new technology, and adequate awareness about the training to be conducted among small-scale farmers.

INTEGRATION OF TIED RIDGES AND FERTILIZER USE TO ENHANCE WATER AND NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCIES FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID LANDS

2026-06-08T08:41:32Z

INTEGRATION OF TIED RIDGES AND FERTILIZER USE TO ENHANCE WATER AND NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCIES FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID LANDS ALWANG’A, SUSAN Low maize (Zea mays L.) production in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) has been attributed to inadequate soil moisture and declining soil fertility. This could be improved through enhanced water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE). During the short rain (SR) seasons of 2013 and 2014, a study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Katumani Research Station to monitor WUE, NUE and grain yield in maize production. A 2*2*4 factorial trial of cropping seasons, soil moisture conservation (tied versus untied ridging) and fertilizer types (control, CAN, FYM, CAN + FYM were set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Rainfall data was put together for the entire study period. Soil and manure analysis were also done. Soil moisture content was monitored using a neutron probe moisture meter, CPN 503-DR. Analysis of variance was executed on soil moisture, maize grain yield and water and Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiencies using GENSTAT statistical software 14th edition. Treatments with significant differences were separated using Tukey’s at 95% confidence intervals. In both seasons, treatment combinations under untied ridges had higher soil moisture than those in tied ridging. Plots with tied ridges had higher WUE (1.87kg mm-1 ha-1 ) compared to those with untied ridges (1.00kg mm-1 ha-1 ). Tied ridge plus FYM plots recorded the largest WUE in both SR 2013 (2.9 kg mm-1 ha-1 ), SR 2014 (3.6 kg mm-1 ha-1 ) and in overall (3.23kg mm-1 ha-1 ). On average, maize yields were 53% higher in 2013 than in 2014 SR. FYM in tied ridges resulted in larger yields (294kg ha-1 ) compared to untied ridges (152kg ha-1 ). Tied ridges (3.75kg grain-1 kg N-1 ) had higher NUE than untied (-0.75kg grain-1 kg N-1 ). In both SR 2013 (6.6 kg Nha1 ) and SR 2014 (3.6 kg Nha1 ) seasons, plus the overall mean highest NUE was observed in FYM under tied ridge plots. Application of FYM in combination with CAN and tied ridges seemed to be the best bet for increased maize yields through enhancing both NUE and WUE.

THE EFFECTS OF FARMERS GROUP PERFORMANCE ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-06-08T07:07:20Z

THE EFFECTS OF FARMERS GROUP PERFORMANCE ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN WESTERN KENYA NASAMBU, JOYCE Many developing countries have reintroduced farmer groups into their policy agenda due to their role in accelerating technical and economic change in rural areas. In Kenya, however, farmer groups remain inadequately structured and their performance in promoting food security is not well established. Farmers in western Kenya, particularly in Bungoma and Siaya counties, depend heavily on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood, yet food insecurity persists despite the presence of numerous farmer groups. Previous studies have largely focused on the typologies, structures, and developmental stages of farmer organizations but have paid limited attention to how their performance—under different organizational regimes such as farmer groups and associations—affects household food security. This study therefore investigated the influence of farmer group performance on household food security in western Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the effect of farmer group dynamics on food security; establish the effect of farmer group output on food security; and determine the influence of gender relations on farmer group performance. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 587 farmers from 33 farmer groups across Bungoma and Siaya counties, while simple random sampling was employed to identify 371 respondent households. Quantitative data were collected through household surveys, while qualitative data were gathered through document reviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS (IBM), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between farmer group performance and household food security (F = 10.081, p < 0.001). The R value of 0.228 indicated a positive influence of farmer group dynamics and output on food security. Farmer group output (β2 = 0.152, p = 0.004) had a relatively higher effect than group dynamics (β1 = 0.13, p = 0.015). The study also found that gender disparities persist, with women contributing the majority of farm labour yet being marginalized in decision-making processes. The study concludes that strengthening farmer group performance and promoting gender equality in agricultural decision-making are essential for enhancing household food security and improving rural livelihoods in western Kenya.

EFFECT OF WONDERGRO- A SOIL CONDITIONER FOR ENHANCING DI- AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) USE EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE PRODUCTION

2026-06-08T06:52:35Z

EFFECT OF WONDERGRO- A SOIL CONDITIONER FOR ENHANCING DI- AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) USE EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE PRODUCTION OGUTU, DISHON Despite maize being considered a staple food crop in Kenya, its productivity is low mainly due to inappropriate soil fertility management, especially in smallholder systems. The continuous decline in soil fertility is a consequence of acidic conditions, nutrient imbalances, and sub-optimal fertilizer use, causing depressed maize yield. Use of balanced and adequate fertilizers while improving other soil conditions is a prerequisite for increasing fertilizer use efficiency and maize production. On-farm trials were conducted during the long and short rains seasons of 2023 & 2024 to asses’ performance of two formulations of WonderGro (WG3 & WG21)- a soil conditioner- in combination with the commonly applied Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer on maize yield and the economic return, under a range of soil pH (sub- optimal (pH<5.5) and optimal (≥5.5)) for maize production. Sixteen (16) study sites located in two agroecological zones (AEZ), of medium potential (western Kenya) and high potential (Rift Valley), with expected maize grain yields of 4.5-5t ha- 1 and 6-8t ha-1 , respectively, were selected for the on-farm trials. Each AEZ had eight (8) sites equally distributed in two (2) counties. The trials involved five treatments: 0 kg DAP ha-1 (absolute control), 133 kg DAP ha1 (full rate of recommended DAP application per ha-1 ), 67 kg DAP ha-1 (half rate of recommended DAP application per ha-1 ), 67 kg DAP+WG3 ha-1 and 67 kg DAP+WG21 ha-1, each replicated four (4) times. Maize production in the medium potential AEZ, in the sub-optimal pH category, use of half rate of DAP in combination with WG3, slightly increased yield by 3.5% from the use of the full rate of DAP (133kg DAP ha-1 ), with 2.8tha-1 of maize grain yield in the long rains of 2024. While in high-potential AEZ, suboptimal pH for maize production (<5.5), applying 67 kg DAP + WG21 ha-1 slightly increases yield to 5.1t ha-1 from 5.0t h-1 with application of the full rate of DAP. In high AEZ, there was no variation in maize grain yield in optimal pH, regardless of fertilizer applied, with an average of 7.3 t ha-1 and 6.1t ha-1 for 2023 and 2024 long rains, respectively. Economically, application of 67kg DAP ha-1 +WG21 had the largest Value Cost Ratio (VCR) of 7.54 and 8.24 for long rains 2023 and 2024, respectively, in sub-optimal pH in the high-potential zone. The formulations, therefore, have the potential to boost yield and for better economic returns to the farmers.

FATE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER IN RAINFED MAIZE SYSTEMS OF TROPICAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA

2026-06-05T11:27:26Z

FATE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER IN RAINFED MAIZE SYSTEMS OF TROPICAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA OLUOCH, KEVIN CHURCHIL Crop production in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is often constrained by declining soil fertility associated with negative nutrient balances as a result of continuous cropping with little or no replenishment of nutrients. To offset the negative nutrient balance, especially nitrogen (N), in SSA agroecosystems and meet the ever-increasing food demand, it is paramount to intensify N fertilizer use. However, this could prove deleterious to ecosystem functioning since increased N fertilizer is associated with elevated reactive nitrogen (Nr) loading in the environment. Therefore, a study comprising increasing N fertilizer rates, 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg N ha-1 was conducted in the highland tropics of the Rift Valley, Kenya. The objective was to evaluate fertilizer-induced soil mineral N (Nmin) changes within the soil profile and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in maize monoculture systems. On average, the N application of 125 kg N ha-1 exhibited the largest NO3 - (14.8 mg kg-1 ) and NH4 + (11.85 mg kg-1 ) concentration across depth and different N rates. The annual N2O fluxes ranged from 0.33 to 0.77 kg N2O-N ha-1 across the different N rates. Additionally, yield- scaled emissions ranged from 0.07 to 0.14 g N2O-N kg-1 grain yield across different N rates. Increasing N fertiliser rates increased grain yield by 7, 14, 24, 37 and 46 % while applying 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg N ha-1 , respectively. Application of 25 kg N ha-1 gave indications of soil N mining, with a nitrogen use efficiency (NUEgrain) value of > 1, whereas the rest of the N rates had an NUEgrain value of < 1. The optimum physiological efficiency and partial-factor productivity were realised when N was supplied at 75 kg N ha-1 . Overall, the results suggest that increasing N application to 75 kg N ha-1 would not only improve grain yield but also increase soil N intensity, N2O emissions and optimise NUE. Therefore, matching crop demands through judicious N use will be critical to ensure efficient use of fertiliser N and reduce losses to the ecosystem.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY UNDER INORGANIC-ORGANIC FERTILIZER SUBSTITUTIONS IN MAIZE AND DESMODIUM CROPPING SYSTEMS

2026-06-03T13:05:47Z

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY UNDER INORGANIC-ORGANIC FERTILIZER SUBSTITUTIONS IN MAIZE AND DESMODIUM CROPPING SYSTEMS ODERA, IRINE Climate change continues to threaten ecosystem functions, and agriculture remains one of the major sources of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions responsible for global warming. However, little is known about the quantities and intensities of GHGs from major cropping systems in Kenya and, by extension, in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed to quantify GHG emissions - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from soil. It also assessed the optimal organic-inorganic fertilizer substitution in maize (Zea mays) and desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) cropping systems that enhance crop yields and lead to reductions in GHG emissions. The static chamber method was used from April to November 2024. The experiment consisted of six fertilizer substitution ratios (0 0, 25 75, 50 50, 75 25, 100 0, and 0 100% FYM-inorganic N equivalence) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Soil chemical parameters (NH4+, NO3−, pH, N, P, and C), plant nutrient uptake, and agronomic and recovery efficiencies were assessed. Results showed that desmodium yield responded positively to increasing Farmyard manure substitution levels (p < 0.0001), with biomass rising under higher organic inputs. Despite these, N2O emission factors and yield-scaled emissions remained consistently low across fertilizer treatments, indicating efficient nitrogen utilization and minimal gaseous losses. The net global warming potential did not vary significantly among treatments. Greenhouse gas intensity declined sharply from the control to the 75,25 fertilizer treatment, representing approximately a 70% reduction. Maize grain yield was highest under the 50,50 (50% FYM, 50% inorganic fertilizer), indicating a strong synergistic effect between organic and mineral nutrient sources. Emission factors increased by nearly 20% relative to the control. Net global warming potential also increased progressively with higher Farmyard manure substitution, showing an approximately 40.7% increase. Despite these increases, the 50,50 treatment achieved the most favorable balance between productivity and emissions, producing the highest maize yield with comparatively lower EF and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI). Combined FYM–inorganic treatments, particularly 25,75 and 75,25, significantly improved soil nutrient status, enhanced N and P uptake, and increased maize and desmodium yields compared to sole applications. FYM- rich combinations improved moisture retention and microbial activity, sustaining nutrient release, while inorganic fertilizers ensured rapid early growth. Intercropping enhanced biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient recovery, leading to higher agronomic efficiency and resilience under moisture-limited conditions.

MARKET ACCESSIBILITY AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY: THE CASE OF KEIYO NORTH SUB- COUNTY, KENYA

2026-06-03T12:28:00Z

MARKET ACCESSIBILITY AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY: THE CASE OF KEIYO NORTH SUB- COUNTY, KENYA KANGOGO, LILIAN Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) is increasingly regarded as a sustainable agricultural enterprise with notable social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is considered a promising strategy for improving food and nutritional security, fostering gender inclusion, and reducing poverty in rural Kenya, particularly in counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet. Due to their adaptability, low input requirements, and cultural acceptability, IC are well-suited for smallholder farmers. However, market access for IIC products remains fragmented and transient. This study evaluated the accessibility of IIC markets and adoption levels among smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County, focusing on Keiyo North Sub- County across three topographic zones. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 816 farmers, with 371 sampled using stratified sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and regression analysis. The findings revealed that 76% of respondents had access to breed information, and adoption was significantly associated with factors such as education, gender, household size, and agriculture-based income. While most farmers practiced regular feeding, the high cost of commercial feeds (reported by 68.1%), disease burden, and limited veterinary access constrained productivity. Only 45% had direct contact with poultry buyers, and market prices varied significantly by location and season. PCA results demonstrated a strong relationship between market access and the adoption of improved IIC practices, underlining the role of structured markets and extension services in enhancing uptake. Economic Resources (β = 0.314) had the strongest positive influence, suggesting that farmers with greater financial capacity, land, and education were more likely to adopt improved practices. Production Practices (β = 0.278) and Market Access (β = 0.211) also had significant positive effects, emphasizing the importance of technical knowledge and access to reliable markets. Disease Control (β = 0.167), though relatively weaker, remained a significant factor, highlighting the need for enhanced veterinary extension and vaccination programs. Despite the potential of IIC farming to boost household income, nutrition, and resilience to climate shocks, barriers such as unstructured markets, limited access to market information, and inadequate disease control reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends that county governments intensify extension outreach, support local feed formulation, improve veterinary services, and structure poultry markets to scale adoption and maximize the socio-economic benefits of improved indigenous chicken farming.