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Some rural areas in Kenya are characterized by a combination of low
agricultural potential, high population density, poor market access, and un
conducive institutional setting. Such areas have been classified as suffering
from institutional isolation. This paper analyses the role of institutional
isolation on the adoption of soil conservation technologies and crop
productivity in Machakos and Mbeere districts of Kenya, using survey data.
Multinomial logit and probit models of adoption of soil conservation and
ordinary least squares model for crop productivity are estimated. The results
show that institutional isolation hinders conservation and also adversely
affects productivity. The effect is more pronounced in Machakos than in
Mbeere district. To encourage adoption of soil conservation practices and
boost crop productivity, there is the need for policies that improve tenure
security, facilitate market access and access to information and extension
services, as well as promote social capital formation.
