Papers by Franklin Mairura
Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
A range of studies have highlighted the negative impacts of Covid-19 disruptions on incomes, food... more A range of studies have highlighted the negative impacts of Covid-19 disruptions on incomes, food and nutrition security among rural agricultural communities in developing countries. However, knowledge of how such disruptions affect different categories of small-scale farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa is lacking. We used a mixedmethod approach to collect data and determine the impacts of Covid-19 on farm input use, agricultural production, access to agricultural information services, and food security among small-scale farmers from Makueni, Nakuru, Siaya, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties in Kenya. A FAO-adapted farm household typology was developed with farm type 3 (wealthiest), farm type 2 (resource-constrained) and farm type 1 (most resourceconstrained) farmer categories. Covid-19 related disruptions led to decreased use of improved seeds, fertilizers and access to extension services across the three farmer categories. Farm type 3 farmers recorded the lowest Covid-19 disruption driven reduction in the use of improved seeds and fertilizers, compared to farm type 2 and 1. Contrariwise, farmers increased manure application rates by 33%, with manure-associated expenditure rising by 129% across all counties. Average crop incomes decreased in three of the five study counties, i.e., Kakamega, Nakuru and Siaya, with the strongest decrease observed among farmers in type 1 and 2 households. A lower proportion of type 3 farmers were worried about not having enough food (43% of farmers) compared to type 1 (70%) and type 2 farmers (71%) across Counties. The sale of household assets and livestock commonly used as measures for household wealth implies that such disruptions leave vulnerable farmers poorer and hungrier. The findings propose that policy strategies are needed to recognize heterogenous Covid-19 effects and provide targeted interventions for household types most vulnerable to future disruptions of the agrifood system.
Agricultural Water Management
Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
Yara compound fertilizers NPK 23-10-5 +2 MgO +3 S + 0.3 Zn YaraMila Cereal-Planting Cereals e.g. ... more Yara compound fertilizers NPK 23-10-5 +2 MgO +3 S + 0.3 Zn YaraMila Cereal-Planting Cereals e.g. maize and sorghum NPK 13-24-12+4 S + 0.01Zn YaraMila Power-Planting Cereals, potatoes, vegetables NPK 17-29-6 +6 S + 0.2Zn Yara MiCROP Planting Cereal crops NPK 40-0-0 + 5.5 S YaraVera Amidas-Topdress Cereals e.g. maize, rice, barley NPK 24-0-0 +6 S YaraBela Sulfan-Topdress All crops NPK 40-0-0 +5 S + 0.6Zn Yara MiCROP Topdress Cereal crops NPK 15-9-20 + 1.8 MgO +9.5 SO 3 +0.015 B + 0.02 Mn + 0.02 Zn YaraMila Winner-Topdress Fruits, vegetables, potatoes OCP-Kenya Ltd NPSB 18-38-0 +6 S + 0.01 B Planting Cereals MEA Fertilizers Ltd. Nakuru, Kenya NPK 10-26-10 +2CaO +5MgO +3 S Planting Cereals NPK 14-26-6 +4CaO +5 S Planting or Topdress Fruits and vegetables NPK 10-22-20 +9 S + 0.7MgO Planting Rice NPK 26-0-0 +13CaO Topdress Mainly cereals and vegetables Toyota Tsusho Fertilizers Africa, Eldoret NPK 14-29-6 +S + CaO + MgO + Zn + B Baraka Planting Standard Cereals e.g. Maize NPK 32-0-3 +9 S +3CaO +1MgO Baraka Topdress Standard Cereals e.g. Maize NPK 14-28-14 +S + CaO + MgO + Zn + B Baraka Planting for Potatoes Potato, onions, tomatoes NPK
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Sustainable Production and Consumption
Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures (&#39;agricolae&#39; package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures ('agricolae' package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
SSRN Electronic Journal
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers' observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
METHODS: The study was undertaken in six on-farm researcher-designed and managed trials in high a... more METHODS: The study was undertaken in six on-farm researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agro-ecological zones of Babati District in Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maizelegume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intraspace, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. The Mbili-Mbili technology adaptation assessment was conducted on 225 farmers during the 2021 cropping season. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Overall, maize grain yields increased by up to 56% in improved compared to farmer intercropping practices (P ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in maize grain yield among the improved practices. Significantly higher pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) yields of between 71% and 113% in 2020 and between 65% and 140% in 2021 were observed under Doubled-up legume and between 63% and 124% under local farmer practices in 2020 than in the improved cereal-legume practices. Across the study period, net revenues of sole maize and Doubled-up legume rotations were both the highest and lowest relative to other intercropping options, depending on the starting phase (US$ 653 sole maize and US$ 326 legume phase starting). These were also associated with the highest variances indicating instability. Mbili-Mbili intercropping system had not only high net revenue i.e., a mean of US$623 per hectare, but also more stable. Farmers perceived that Mbili-Mbili increased food security and 96% were willing to implement the system without project support. SIGNIFICANCE: Mbili-Mbili is recommended for adoption by farmers because of its potential economic benefits, food security and resilience in the current unpredictable weather and climate patterns.
SSRN, 2022
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2022
Seed treatment presents an opportunity to boost bean productivity; however, the technology has no... more Seed treatment presents an opportunity to boost bean productivity; however, the technology has not been widely tested in Kenya and the sub Saharan Africa region. An experiment was carried out at Kandara, Central Kenya to compare the effects of seed treatment applications on bean performance. The split-plot design experiment with three replicates included four seed treatment products: Apron Star, Seed Plus, Gro Plus and TriCoat applied at recommended and half recommended rates with two bean varieties as test crop. Split-plot ANOVA was implemented using Genstat and agricolae R procedures to compare the effects of seed treatment applications on aphid pest severity and bean performance parameters. Varietal performance differences to the seed treatment were observed with Nyota variety performing better than KATB1. Generally, Apron Star at recommended rates reported lowest pest incidences and consistent bean performance over the two cropping seasons. Consistent treatment effects were observed for recommended rates compared to half rate applications. Under favorable environmental conditions, use of the seed treatment products alone produced yields comparable to the fertilizer treatment. The benefits observed from use of seed treatment technology makes it a potentially sustainable strategy for improving productivity for cash strapped small-scale producers in the region.
Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2020
This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant r... more This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant residues, Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and maize stover, with urea on Striga infestation and maize yield in western Kenya. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times was used. The following plant residue: urea combinations was used so as to supply a total of 75 kg ha-1 in each treatment combination; 75:0, 60:15, 45:30, 30:45, 15:60, and 0:75 for five seasons (2007-2009). A control treatment where no nutrient inputs were applied was included. Calliandra applied at 45 kg N ha-1 plus urea (30 kg N ha-1) and maize stover applied 15 kg N ha-1 plus urea (60 kg N ha-1) had consistently lower Striga infestation compared other treatments. Negative linear relationship between maize yield and Striga population were observed in the first three seasons i.e. 2007 LR, 2007 SR and 2008 LR. Overall mean maize grain yields over the five seasons were highest (3...
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water ... more Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water is a key limiting factor to crop growth in the small-scale farming systems of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Climate adaptation is a fundamental and necessary response to the threat posed by the current and future climatic changes in semi-arid farming systems of the SSA region. This study was implemented to identify the socioeconomic drivers and determinants of adaptation to rainfall variability at the farm level in contrasting agroecological zones of Kenya. Two hundred and seventy (270) farmers were selected. The survey was implemented in Mbeere South, Meru South, and Maara Sub-Counties in Kenya to determine farmers&#39; perceptions of climate variation during the decade that preceded the survey and climate adaptation strategies that farmers implemented. The most common climate adaptation strategies included the use of terraces (89%), early maturity crop varieties (82%), and intercropping (79%). In comparison, the least common strategies included waterharvesting strategies (29%), trenches (35%), and staggering planting dates (46%). Farmers in low potential agro-ecological zones recorded lower education levels, less secure land tenure systems, and poor access to training, extension, and credit facilities necessary for successful climatic adaptation strategies. The study findings indicated that farmers in low potential zones, including Mbeere South Sub-County, faced more risks due to the nature of climatic variation in this agro-ecozone. Farm socioeconomic characteristics were important factors that influenced farmer adaptation, including gender and age differentials, education attainments and agricultural training, farm labor availability, household food security status, and preceding annual occurrences of crop failure. There is a need to develop holistic approaches that incorporate scientific findings from the researchers and the local household-based strategies that can enhance risk assessment and management, coping and adaption strategies, and decision-making by multiple stakeholders.
Environmental Challenges, 2021
Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers&#39; observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
Heliyon, 2021
Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices are widely recognized as crucial interventi... more Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices are widely recognized as crucial interventions but knowledge-intensive technologies for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Very few studies have synthesized the knowledge gaps between smallholder practices and recommended ISFM packages. A farm survey was therefore carried out in Runyenjes sub-County of Embu to determine factors influencing the quality of ISFM knowledge considering inorganic fertilizer, organic manure, integrated soil inputs, and improved maize seeds. One hundred small-scale maize farmers were systematically sampled in Embu County, Kenya, using a cross-sectional survey design. The most significant factors shaping the quality of ISFM knowledge (p < 0.05) included gender, age, household size, land under maize, off-farm earnings, maize yield, members involved in farming, farming experience, education level, and farm size. Farmers recorded lower knowledge scores for technical ISFM themes including soil liming, soil testing, fertilizer types, fertilizer functions, curing of organic manure, compost manure management, crop spacing, combination ratios for integrated inputs, and the labor and cost-benefit implications of integrated inputs, revealing important ISFM knowledge gaps. High-quality knowledge of blended fertilizers and DAP use was associated with increased soil testing and soil liming knowledge, respectively. Multivariate analysis of ISFM knowledge items provided a high-quality understanding of the structure of ISFM knowledge among farmers in Embu County, which is useful in developing future ISFM dissemination strategies.
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Papers by Franklin Mairura