Participatory research of compost and liquid manure in Kenya

Soil fertility is declining in Kenya’s low potential areas. More appropriate soil fertility management technologies are needed, which fit into farmers’ socio-economic circumstances. This working paper presents the methodology and results of an on-farm experiment with the use of compost and liquid manure on maize, using a Participatory Technology Development (PTD) approach. It was done with two groups of farmers. One group was composed of conventional farmers while the second group comprised farmers using a Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) approach. The PTD work started with debate amongst farmers and researchers on soil fertility management, followed by identification of promising technologies. This study has shown that with a PTD approach, farmers and researchers can come to agreement on technologies to be tested, treatments and research desig