Farmers relayed. Many listen to farming programmes on the radio and
 many are readers of newspapers.
 So, we must conclude, the reason for resistance to innovation in
 western Kenya is neither apathy nor ignorance. Therefore we have
 to look for other explanations when we find that our recommenda-
 tions are not taken up as readily as we would wish.

 PRESSURE POINTS
 In very general terms, let us consider the range of factors that will
 or might have influence on a farmer's decision to change his way of
 doing something. We can do this by drawing a diagram that shows
 "pressure points"-as many aspects as possible that impinge on a
 person's behaviour:



 Risk Concerns Traditional
 "Farming Practices

 Cultural Practices National Programmes

 Farmers

 Media Messages influential Figures

 Family and Education and
 Economic Needs Training


 Whenever a farmer is faced with a decision, some or most of these
 factors will have an influence-whether consciously or not.
 So, let us take the issue of harvesting and storage of maize and draw
 on Dr Mbula's research to illustrate some of these factors in the
 diagram-and consider some of the broad implications for building
 a productive relationship with the farmers.

 Traditional Practices
 Prior to the On-Farm Grain Storage Project, in western Kenya
 farmers harvested their maize when it was dry. The cobs were
 transported to the compound by ox-cart, wheelbarrows, lorries-


22 Chapter 3