Role of Precision Agriculture Technologies in Enhancing Farm Productivity in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of precision agriculture technologies in enhancing farm productivity in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that precision agriculture technologies play a crucial role in enhancing farm productivity by enabling more efficient and effective farming practices. These technologies, which include GPS-guided equipment, remote sensing, and data analytics, allow farmers to precisely monitor and manage their crops and soil. By using GPS and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), farmers can create detailed maps of their fields, identifying variations in soil types and nutrient levels. Remote sensing technologies, such as drones and satellites, provide real-time data on crop health, helping to detect issues like pest infestations and water stress early on. Data analytics tools then process this information, offering actionable insights for optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and planting schedules. This targeted approach reduces waste, lowers costs, and increases yields. Moreover, precision agriculture promotes sustainable farming by minimizing the environmental impact through the judicious use of inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Overall, the integration of these technologies leads to more informed decision-making, greater efficiency, and improved productivity in modern farming. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, resource-based view and sociotechnical systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of precision agriculture technologies in enhancing farm productivity in Kenya. Farmers should be provided with tailored implementation strategies that consider local conditions such as soil types, crop varieties, and climate. Governments should develop policies that provide financial incentives and subsidies for the adoption of PAT.