Title: Adoption of organic resources for soil fertility improvement in Meru South District, Kenya
Abstract: A study to assess adoption potential of organic resources for replenishing soil fertility by farmers within Chuka Division, Meru South District was done in 2002. The study examined feasibility, acceptability, biophysical responses, and farmers’ experiences as indicators of adoption. Results showed that farmers initially selected soil fertility improvement resources that combined organic and inorganic resources, with majority of farmers implementing tithonia and cattle manure possibly due to availability. Later more farmers were interested in leguminous trees that could also provide fodder. However farmers used the new technologies on relatively small plots (0.02 to 0.05 acres) indicating that they wanted to see the results first. Farmers have benefited in terms of increased crop yields. Some of the constraints farmers were experiencing was lack of inadequate biomass for incorporation and lack of cash to purchase inputs (hybrid maize and inorganic fertilizer). Farmers responded by planting trees for biomass production on their farms and by 2002 long rains season some farmers had planted up-to 700 trees. The study has revealed the need to monitor how farmers adopt technologies as it facilitates in identification of issues and constraints that might hinder adoption and that could possibly feed into second-generation research agenda.
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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