Strengthening Climate-Resilient Extension for Dairy, Poultry, Coffee and Tea Value Chains in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate-resilient agricultural development requires extension services that integrate production risk management, environmental stewardship and enterprise viability. This study examined priorities for dairy, poultry, coffee and tea value chains in Kericho County, Kenya, using farmer-group discussions, a structured coffee questionnaire and key-informant interviews conducted within a wider regional field assessment. Analysis distinguished geographically identifiable Kericho observations from pooled regional frequencies. Feed conservation was recorded in all seven regional dairy-group submissions, while all three coffee submissions recorded coffee berry disease, leaf rust and organic-manure/soil-conservation practices; both datasets included a Kericho entry. These results describe participating groups rather than county-wide prevalence. Feed and water security, animal and crop health, input affordability and market coordination emerged as intervention priorities. Producer-level evidence was uneven across commodities, particularly for poultry and tea. Demonstrations, farmer field schools, seasonal advisories and staged investment provide an integrated extension framework. Subsequent evaluation should establish whether these interventions improve adoption, enterprise performance and environmental outcomes.