Assessment of factors affecting adoption of soil fertility improvement technologies in Eastern Kenya: the case of Kirege location, Chuka Division
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Date
2014-03-17
Authors
Adiel, Ruth Kangai
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Abstract
Declining soil fertility is a key problem faced by most farmers in Eastern Kenya. The
problem has been worsened by increased population growth and consequently high
demand for agricultural produce. To solve the problem, land users are being
encouraged to adopt soil fertility improvement technologies using locally available
resources. In a demonstration trial at Kirege Primary School, Chuka division, soil
fertility improvement technologies were demonstrated from which farmers were
encouraged to voluntarily select and practise on their farms. This study therefore set
out to evaluate the extent to which farmers adopted and adapted the demonstrated
technologies and also to identify the factors that influenced either adoption or nonadoption
of these technologies. A farmer follow-up study was carried out in Chuka
division over a period of two cropping seasons. Data were collected using farm
surveys, on-farm trials, and visual records. The data were then subjected to logit
regression and cost-benefit analysis to determine important variables affecting
adoption and the most profitable treatments of the new technology, respectively. The
study indicated that the use of inorganic fertilizer, though preferred by most farmers,
was low due to the high cost of the fertilizer. Most farmers practiced soil fertility
improvement technologies involving the use of cattle manure, which was readily
available, though in inadequate quantities to supply the required nutrients. Further,
lack of access to credit and inadequate extension services were identified as some of
the critical issues limiting effective adoption of soil fertility improvement
technologies. Eighty farmers adopted the soil fertility improvement technologies
during the 2001 short rains season. During the subsequent two seasons, 163 and 206
farmers representing an increase of 99 and 150% above the initial adopters were
practicing the proposed soil fertility improvement technologies. Technologies
involving the use of Tithonia diversifolia and Calliandra calothyrsus alone or in
combination with inorganic fertilizer were readily adopted due to the high yields
obtained. During the first season of farmer follow-up, tithonia plus half rate of
inorganic fertilizer gave the highest net benefit (Kshs. 50133 per hectare) followed by
the full rate of inorganic fertilizer treatment with a net benefit of Kshs. 37,568.
Tithonia treatment had the highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5.4. Sole manure
treatment recorded the lowest net benefit of Kshs. 4601, and hence, the lowest BCR
of 0.9. However, during the second season manure plus half-inorganic fertilizer
recorded the highest net benefit of Kshs. 41567 with a BCR of 3.7. Farmer practice
involving no input had the lowest BCR of 0.2 with a net benefit of Kshs. 9853.
Constraints to the adoption of the proposed soil fertility improvement strategies were
identified as inadequate labor, inadequate organic and inorganic resources and
reluctance due to fear of failure. Gender, farmer's occupation, land size, and land
under food crops, were identified as major factors significantly affecting adoption of
soil fertility improvement technologies. In conclusion there is need for the researchers
to put in mind the factors that might affect adoption of a technology in order to have
high adoption rates in any given area.
Description
Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development, 89p.:ill The S 633.5.K4A3 2004
Keywords
Soil fertility--Kenya--Meru South District--Chuka Division, Soils--Kenya--Meru South District--Chuka Division