Trends in Adoption of Soil Fertility Improvement Strategies in Chuka, Eastern Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted in Chuka division, eastern Kenya to assess trends in adoption of soil fertility replenishment strategies. Eighty two (82) farmers adopted the soil fertility improvement technologies during the short rains season 2001.During the subsequent two seasons, 163 and 206 farmers representing an increase of 99% and 150% above the initial adopters practiced the soil fertility improvement strategies. Technologies involving use of Tithonia diversifolia And Calliandra calothrysus alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer were readily adopted due to the high yields obtained as well as being sources of fodder in case of calliandra. Constraints to the adoption of the proposed soil fertility improvement strategies were identified as inadequate labor, poor yield observed from some of the technologies at the demonstration trial, inadequate organic and inorganic resources and laxity due to fear of failure