The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of context of communication between extension officers and farmers on the adoption of Irish potato farming innovations in Kibirichia Ward, Meru County. The problem of the study was that little or no research has been conducted on context of communication between extension officers and farmers in adoption of Irish potato farming in Meru County, hence a gap that demands specific studies to be undertaken to fill it. The study was guided by the diffusion of innovation theory. In this study, qualitative research design was used and qualitative data was collected with the aid of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews amongst Irish potato farmers who were area residents from four sub-locations (Kimbo, Gathuine, Kiamiogo, Mburugiti) and all the extension officers involved in the production of Irish potato crop. A sample size of 39 respondents was drawn. Using qualitative methods in data analysis, focus group and interview data was transcribed, coded and categorized into relevant themes and sub-themes and possible and plausible explanations of the findings drawn. Findings of the study revealed that whereas physical, socio-psychological and temporal contexts of communication positively influenced adoption of Irish potato farming, cultural context did not have effect on adoption of Irish potato farming. The study recommended that farmers with the help of extension officers should form extension groups which consist of members who share the same interest and problems.

Keywords: Communication context, adoption, farmers, extension officers, Irish potato farming