Accessibility and Reliability of Information Sources in Dissemination of Soil Fertility Management in Eastern Kenya

Abstract

Increased recognition of soil fertility depletion as the main factor limiting crop production in many small holder farms in sub-Saharan African has renewed interest in the dissemination of soil fertility management technologies. Despite soil technology development and research outputs, few of the recommendations from various soil fertility management research activities have been adopted by the small-scale farmers on a large-scale level. Only a small proportion of allocated research resources is invested in dissemination among research institutions. The objective of the study was to investigate communication channels used in dissemination of soil fertility management practices in Mbeere and Meru South Districts. Two hundred and forty randomly selected farmers were interviewed. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that 32.5% of the farmers who used combined organic and inorganic fertilizers received information from government extension officers while 41.3% of the farmers who use animal manure utilized their own farming experience. In disseminating soil erosion control measures, 51.2% of the farmers indicated that, farmer to farmer extension was the most commonly used. Also, 33.8% mentioned demonstration as the main method used in training soil fertility management practices. In general, the most common source of information was other farmers while there was least participation of researchers and agro input dealers in dissemination of soil fertility technologies. Thus, the study recommended more participation of stakeholders other than government extension officers as well as use of combined extension methods with farmer involvement in dissemination of soil fertility management practices. 

Keywords: manure, extension agents, farmer to farmer extension method, demonstration

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-11-03

Publication date: November 30^th 2020