Abstract:
The research was done to analyse factors influencing the adoption of improved bean seed varieties
in bean value chain in Misenyi District. Specifically, the study examined value chain factors
influencing the adoption of improved varieties versus the local ones, socioeconomic
characteristics of smallholder farmers influencing the adoption of improved varieties and gross
margin of adopters and non-adopters of improved varieties. The study adopted a cross-section
research design in which data were collected through questionnaire and interview. Multistage
sampling was adapted to select smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square,
independent sample t-test, multiple response and binary logistic regression were employed in data
analysis. The study found that the value chain factors have positive significant influence on the
adoption of improved bean varieties when performed and managed in good manner hence
determines costs and affects profits, socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder farmers had
influenced the adoption of improved variety as it equip farmers with required information and
knowledge of new technology(p<O.005). Gross margin of adopters was greater than that of non adopters of improved varieties (p=O.OOO).Influence on adoption of improved varieties in bean
value chain had increased drastically as there is a significant difference in the scores of value
chain factors in bean production (p<0.05). Significant difference in the scores whereby adopters
•gross margin(p = 0.00). Supported with thelevene's test for equality of variances (F=5.477;
p=0.02) which indicates that the variability in the compared conditions is significantly different.
Hence, all the previously mentioned null hypotheses were rejected. The study concluded that
there were multiple factors that influenced the adoption of improved varieties that lead to greater
gross margin of adopters. It is recommended that to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation
system performance, uses or new varieties, training of farmers, credit access and extension
services to properly be addressed in future projects in the district and the country as whole.