BC-School of Environmental Studies

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Browsing BC-School of Environmental Studies by Author "Karega, R."

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    Adoption and adaptation of nutrient replenishment technologies by farmers in Kirege sub-location of Central Kenya
    (African Crop Science Society, 2003) Mucheru-Muna, M.; Muriu, F.; Kung'u, J.B.; Karega, R.; Njuki, J.
    Soil erosion, continuous cultivation, reduced land productivity, population pressure on land, low income, inappropriate and inadequate use of farm inputs such as fertilizers are some of the interrelated problems experienced by smallholder farmers in central Kenya highlands. These problems have been manifested in increased food insecurity in the area over the years. In an effort to address these problems research on soil nutrient replenishment technologies has been widely carried out in the area. Positive results(soil fertility improvement) have been reported from the use of tithonia, calliandra, leucaena, mucuna and crotalaria biomass. These technologies have been introduced to farmers in this area through participatory demonstration trial and on-farm trials to ensure that farmers benefit from knowledge generated through research. By the end 2003 short rains, two hundred and six (206) trained farmers had tested the soil nutrient replenishment technologies. A research was conducted to establish the criteria used by trained farmers of varying age and gender in their decision to adopt soil nutrient replenishment technologies. The study found out that farmers had adopted and adapted the soil replenishment technologies that were initially introduced to them. Use of calliandra and leucaena asincorporation materials had increased by 11% from the testing stage while 16% of the farmers preferred using the two tree species asfodder supplements. Preference of using calliandra had increased from 7% at the testing stage to 17%. Increased crop yield and otherfarmers’ experiences on improved soil fertility significantly influenced the farmers’ overall rating of the soil nutrient replenishmenttechnologies
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    Dissemination of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies Using Participatory Approaches in the Central Highlands of Kenya
    (Springer Netherlands, 2011) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Karega, R.; Muriuki, J.; Vanlauwe, B.; Merckx, R.
    Declining soil fertility and productivity is a critical problem facing smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Kenya. A study to improve soil fertility and farm productivity within the smallholder farming systems in the area was carried out from 2003 to 2006. The specific objectives were to identify farming system constraints, evaluate and disseminate potential integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) interventions using participatory approaches, assess achievements and impacts, and document learning experiences emanating from the methodologies used. The participatory approaches used were Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), mother–baby approach (with emphasis on demonstration), farmer groups, stakeholders planning meetings, village training workshops, cross-site visits and participatory monitoring and evaluation. The core problems identified were low crop and fodder yields that were caused by erratic rainfall, soil erosion, low soil fertility and small land sizes. There was high participation of farmers in all the partnership activities, and this possibly contributed to the high uptake of the technologies for testing by farmers whereby after only 2 years a total of 970 households were testing the new technologies. Maize yields at the farm level increased by more than 150% following use of the new ISFM interventions and about half of the farmers within the groups planted close to 500 trees propagated in the group nurseries. We recommend that pathways to reach more farmers should concentrate on demonstrations, farmer training grounds, field days and farmer groups and that a policy framework should be put in place to impart appropriate skills in ISFM to the extension workers.
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    Gender Differentials in Adoption of Soil Nutrient Replenishment Technologies in Meru South District, Kenya
    (Springer Netherlands, 2011) Mugendi, D.N.; Kirumba, E. G.; Karega, R.
    Understanding gender differentials in adoption of soil nutrient replenishment technologies is critical to their successful implementation by farmers. This study was conducted first to examine gender differentials in choices of technologies adopted at intrahousehold level. Second, to investigate socio-economic, institutional, and demographic factors influencing adoption, and finally to examine gender differences in the frequency of participation in project activities. The results indicated gender differences in the choice of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer. Gender differentials were also observed in the frequency of participation in project activities. A logistic regression model developed revealed that different factors influenced adoption at intrahousehold level. In male-headed households, adoption was positively influenced by the number of cattle owned, the access to credit, the number of adults working on farm, and farmer group membership. For female-headed households, adoption was positively influenced by the area under cash crops, the number of goats owned, the number of adults working on farm, participation in project activities, and farmer group membership. There is a clear need for strategies and policy to address gender disparities in adoption of soil improvement technologies and to encourage women’s participation in agricultural training activities.