How well smallholder farmers in Africa manage their soils by relying on new research knowledge and practices.
This thesis analyses the value of soil fertility research within the ever shifting smallholder contexts. It examines application of soil fertility management knowledge by smallholder farmers in western Kenya, and seeks to enhance the usefulness of research initiatives among local farmers.
This thesis first documents joint experimentation between researchers and farmers. Farmers’ practices following these experiments are then analysed, with particular focus on their underlying justifications and livelihood objectives.
Application of experimented concepts and technologies reflected labour constraints, land shortage, uncertain yield and economic gains, etc. Not-for-soil-fertility-management uses of the different technologies were important. However, the application of technologies was especially limited by social and ecological constraints.
Both farmers and researchers, it is demonstrated, need to enhance their capacity to modify their knowledge by engaging in well-designed joint research. Experimentation is recommended as important in strengthening farmers’ knowledge on soil fertility and to make science (e.g. on plant nutrients) more understandable so that farmers can be more effective in soil fertility management. This thesis also concludes that to increase the value of research requires addressing broader household objectives.