The status of perception, information exposure and knowledge of soil fertility among small-scale farmers in Ghana, Kenya, Mali and Zambia

Communication factors influencing adoption of soil and water conservation technologies in the dry zones of Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

“…Improper information dissemination is among the significant causes of low technology adoption among the farmers ( Adolwa et al., 2012 ). Poor communication of the technology performance and benefits to the farmers has created wide communication gaps between the change agents and the farmers ( Adolwa et al., 2018 ; Spurk et al., 2020 ). Eventually, the adoption of the technologies has remained low.…”

“…Communication and knowledge sharing is vital in adoption and sustainability of any agricultural innovations ( Babu et al., 2012 ; Ashraf et al., 2015 ). Effective communication is considered indispensable, especially in explaining the benefits of investing in ISFM and SWC technologies because they are not only knowledge-intensive but challenging to differentiate from the effects of season-specific factors such as rainfall ( Vanlauwe et al., 2017 ; Spurk et al., 2020 ). The efficacy of up-scaling the use of ISFM and SWC hinges upon the effectiveness of communication and the tools used in the dissemination of research findings.…”

“…Several studies have argued that perception of information, knowledge, and pathways for disseminating information coupled with lack of proper organization and distribution of agricultural knowledge is the root cause of low technology adoption in SSA ( Spurk et al., 2014 ; Adolwa et al., 2017 , 2018 ). Others have attributed low agricultural productivity to ineffective technology delivery systems, poor information packaging, inadequate communication systems, and the use of poor communication methodologies ( Mapfumo et al., 2013 ; Spurk et al., 2020 ). It is in seeking to understand these dynamics that we investigated communication factors that influence the adoption of the selected ISFM and SWC technologies among smallholders in the drier parts of Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.…”

Assessment of farmers’ indigenous knowledge of soil quality management practices in Ghana: A case study of crop farmers in Ada West District

“…However, factors such as agricultural intensification in the face of limited land, poor land use practices and climate change impacts may render these indigenous farm-level fertility management activities ineffective unless they are adapted to current situations, including the hybridisation of indigenous knowledge and new technologies and options such as crop rotation. Improving the adoption of these new practices among smallholder farmers requires a comprehensive understanding of the indigenous perceptions of soil fertility and management practices within specific geographical and ethnic contexts (Spurk et al, 2019). Within cultures and societies, perception is critical in influencing actions aimed at addressing human problems at the local level (Jaishi et al, 2018).…”

“…Within cultures and societies, perception is critical in influencing actions aimed at addressing human problems at the local level (Jaishi et al, 2018). For example, a study by Spurk et al (2019) involving over 2400 smallholder farmers in four countries viz. Ghana, Kenya, Mali and Zambia concluded that many farmers did not perceive soil fertility as a major concern for farming, as they largely lacked knowledge on appropriate fertility management technologies yet hardly receive any such information from professional sources.…”