Multiple knowledges for agricultural production: Implications for the development of conservation agriculture in Kenya and Uganda

This article explores the interactions of different agricultural knowledges in order to examine mindset changes related to the adoption of conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS). Farmers in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya and Uganda were presented with 20 statements representing three different agricultural frames: conventional modern agriculture, conservation agriculture, and risk-averse agriculture. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was also used for the three separate principles of CAPS. The findings legitimate the diversity in local agricultural knowledge systems, identify a difference in perspectives of farmers and of agriculture service providers and community agents, and demonstrates the role of local networks in influencing farmers’ technological frames. The article demonstrates that the mindset change necessary for farmers to adopt CAPS requires adaptation to the local agro-ecology and social network.