Welfare Effects and Gender Dimensions of Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices: Evidence from Kenyan Small-scale Farmers

Abstract

This study investigates the welfare effects and gender dimensions associated with adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) among Kenyan small-scale farmers. Utilizing data from 1,809 farmers across 22 counties, the analysis explores (1) the factors influencing CSA adoption and (2) the heterogeneous impacts on welfare, measured by per capita monthly expenditure and savings especially among female-headed households. Key enablers of adoption include access to agricultural information, subsidies, credit, and being female-headed, while larger households and off-farm income reduce adoption likelihood. Findings reveal CSA adoption significantly improves welfare, with female-headed adoptive households experiencing greater gains than their male counterparts..