Adoption Dynamics and Long-Term Impacts of Drought-Resistant Maize Varieties among Smallholder Farmers in Western Kenya: A Three-Year Study

Drought is a recurrent challenge for smallholder farmers in Western Kenya, where maize is a critical staple crop. Drought-resistant maize varieties (DRMVs) have been introduced to mitigate these challenges but their adoption and long-term impacts remain uncertain. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys with qualitative interviews was employed to gather data from a sample of 200 maize farmers over three years. Data were analysed using statistical software for quantitative analysis and thematic coding for qualitative insights. The adoption rate of DRMVs among surveyed farmers increased by 45% within the first year, with significant improvements in yield stability observed in drought-prone areas. Economic returns also showed a notable increase, particularly benefiting women farmers who are traditionally more engaged in agricultural activities. While initial adoption rates were high, sustained engagement and further policy support are needed to ensure long-term benefits of DRMVs for smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. Policy makers should prioritise extension services that promote sustainable farming practices and provide financial incentives for farmers who adopt DRMVs. Women's groups could be leveraged as key agents of change, given their active participation in agricultural activities. Drought-resistant maize varieties, smallholder farmers, yield stability, economic returns, Western Kenya