Kavoi, JustusMwangi, JohnKamau, Geoffrey2024-06-192014-05-14There is, therefore, a need for a more user-centered approach in the form of alternative instruments that support innovation processes based on user needs, resources and priorities. The potential for adopting instruments that include co-development processes involving different development partners is also important in addressing the problem (Kaimowitz, 1990;Kavoi et al., 2014). These processes require the participation of stakeholders to ensure ownership and learning from experience, and should draw on multiple sources of knowledge so that interventions are designed appropriately for a particular context (Butler et al., 2017;Brookfield Institute, 2018;Devaux et al., 2018).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270512619https://repository.nrf.go.ke/handle/123456789/802The semi-arid areas of lower Eastern Kenya are characterised by poor infrastructure, low, erratic and poorly distributed rainfall. Although joint poverty-reduction initiatives have been carried out in the region, low adoption of improved technologies and innovations still inhibits farmers' ability to improve their farm productivity and household income. A study involving 165 respondents, for instance, was carried out to establish the factors related to low uptake of improved technologies and innovations. Data were collected through a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS versions 17.0. Results showed that poverty-reduction joint initiatives had the potential to improve farm productivity but were being negatively affected by relatively weak linkages; breach of contracts (Weak linkages were significantly higher than strong linkages ((χ 2 = 76.07, df = 2, p = 0.001; breach of contracts was significantly higher than distorted farm-gate and market prices (χ 2 = 59.49, df = 2, p = 0.001). The researchers concluded that joint poverty-reduction initiatives were likely to help smallholder farmers improve their farm productivity and that openness among stakeholders could greatly strengthen existing linkages. Stakeholders should use the prevailing support by stakeholders in planning and implementing joint poverty-reduction initiatives while embracing transparency and accountability to enhance the uptake of technologies and innovations.enBreach of contractsfarm productivityhousehold incomeLow adoptionsupport of key stakeholdersArticle