Cost-benefit analysis of farmer-tested soil fertility replenishment technologies in Kirege Location, Chuka Division, Eastern Kenya
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Date
2005
Authors
Kangai, R.
Mugendi, D.N.
Kung'u, J.B.
Mucheru-Muna, M.
Otor, S.C.J.
Waswa, B. S.
Mugwe, J. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Soil Science Society of East Africa National Research Laboratories
Abstract
A study was conducted in Chuka Division,
eastern Kenya to assess trends in adoption
of soil fertility replenishment strategies.
Eighty farmers adopted the soil fertility
improvement technologies during the short
rains season of200 1.During the subsequent
2 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.
During the 151 season of farmer follow-up,
tithonia + Y2 of inorganic fertilizer gave the
highest net benefit ofKshs. 50133 ha' and
was followed by the full rate inorganic
fertilizer treatment with a net benefit of
Kshs. 39568 ha'. Tithonia treatment had
the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 5.4.
Sole manure treatment recorded the lowest
net benefit (Kshs. 4601) and hence the
lowest BCR of 0.9. However, during the 2nd
season, manure plus Y2 rate of
recommended inorganic fertilizer recorded
the highest net benefit (Kshs. 41567) with a
BCR of 3.7. Farmer practice involving no
input had the lowest BCR of 0.2 with a net
sale of Kshs. 9853. Sole tithonia treatment Traditional farming systems in Africa relied
had the highest BCR (4.6) indicating greater on shifting cultivation practices to replenish
benefit per unit investment. Constraints to soil fertility. According to Sanchez and
the adoption of the proposed soil fertility Leakey (1997) and Vissoh et al. (1998), this
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ABSTRACT improvement strategies were identified as
inadequate labour, poor yield observed from
some of the technologies at the
demonstration trial, inadequate organic and
inorganic resources and laxity due to fear
offailure.
The technologies were seen to increase food
production at affordable cost at the same
time improving the soil quality in the area.
Therefore tackling of the mentioned
limitations to adoption of soil fertility
technologies need priority in any effort to
encourage widespread adoption. Timing
application of the organic resources needs
to be ensured to check on conflicts between
labour requirements with other farm or
domestic chores
Description
Proceedings of the 21st Annual Confrence of the SSEA that was held in Eldoret Kenya from 1st-5th December 2003