Stakeholder Involvement in Upscaling of Soil Fertility Research Output in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

Food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa has prompted a lot of research in the development of soil fertility technologies; however, few of the recommendations from soil fertility management research have been put into use by the target end-users. The objective of the study was to investigate information exchange pathways used by researchers in upscaling of soil fertility in Maara and Mbeere South Sub-counties in Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 22 researchers and 240 farmers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, and percentages, while Chi-square, Kendal's correlation coefficient was used to test the magnitude of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Inadequate resources materials and poor networking among stakeholders were among the challenges that the researchers faced in the dissemination of their research outputs. The findings also showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between farm size and the mass media approach. Researchers and extension agents should use a mixed approach; this is the use of combined individual, group, and mass media approaches to cater to the different preferences based on socio-economic characteristics of farmers.

Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of integrated soil fertility management technologies among sorghum farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya

“…The dry regions of Upper Eastern Kenya have appreciated the application of ISFM in enhancing household crop productivity (Kimaru, 2017). This is evident through projects that have been launched in these areas in partnership with development partners latest being Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) (Aila et al, 2021).…”

Prospects and Challenges of the Chololo Pits Technology In Enhancing Crop Production in Semi-Arid Areas Of Central Tanzania

“…These practices include terracing in the Philippines (Acabado, 2009), the Inca terraces in the Andes, ancient terraced fields in China, as well as contour ploughing in the Appalachian Mountains and Swiss Alps. Also, stone bunds trap water in African drylands, and Zai pits in Burkina Faso and Ghana have significantly increased cereal production (Kimaru, 2017). Similar practices have included the Agun pits in Sudan, Kofyarpits in Nigeria, Tumbukiza pits in Kenya (Orodho, 2007) and chololo pits technology in Tanzania (Yegon et al, 2016).…”