November 05, 2024

Empowering Rice Farmers in Kenya: Enhancing Soil Health, Production, and Nutrient Stewardship through the 4R Fertilizer Approach

Staple Crops

Kenya

Farmers in Kenya’s Mwea region, home to the country’s largest rice production, have long faced a familiar challenge: maximizing rice yields while managing fertilizer costs. Inefficient fertilizer use has resulted in low yields, increasing input costs and environmental strain. Soil analyses conducted by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in June 2023 revealed significant deficiencies in some key nutrients, while some nutrients were available in sufficient quantities. Such imbalances in nutrient availability limit the potential for maximizing attainable rice yields, impacting the ability of rice farmers to improve productivity on their farms, and increase farm incomes.

Through the rice partnership, the Mwea Rice Growers Co-operative Society Ltd. (MRGM) and 2SCALE collaborated with the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) to pilot the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework, which promotes a smarter, eco-efficient approach to fertilizer use. The framework emphasizes using the 4R principles: Using the Right Source of nutrients, applied at the Right Rate, at the Right Time, and in the Right Place (the 4Rs).

Understanding the 4R Principles

The Right Source refers to applying the correct fertilizer that provides crops with the nutrients required for good growth and high yields.

Right Rate refers to supplying growing plants with the right amount of nutrients for healthy growth.

The Right Time principle refers to matching nutrient application with the timing of plant nutrient uptake

Finally, the Right Place emphasizes adding nutrients to the soil at a place where plants can easily access them.

By following these principles, farmers make informed decisions that boost yields, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

APNI’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework pilot project specifically targeted MRGM farmers, training local coaches and extension agents to become Nutrient Stewards. These stewards play a crucial role in supporting farmers by delivering hands-on training in nutrient management. By March 2024, the project had successfully trained 190 coaches and extension agents, who are now equipped to spread the 4R principles to farmers, ensuring smarter and more efficient use of nutrients.

As we promote the 4R principles, we’re not only boosting farmers’ incomes through enhanced crop production but also curbing production costs by optimizing fertilizer application. This holistic approach supports soil health by maintaining balanced nutrient levels, which helps prevent soil degradation and fosters long-term productivity. It also helps steer clear of nutrient under- or over-application, significantly reducing environmental harm by minimizing nutrient mining and losses of applied nutrients.

Shares Dr Samuel Njoroge, APNI Scientist.

Additionally, distributing 250 copies of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship guides among the trained coaches and extension agents reinforced the training.

These guides provide a continuous reference point for the trainers as they work with farmers to implement the new practices.

Expanding Reach through Technology

Beyond in-person training, the project is broadening its reach through mainstream media and digital tools. In August 2024, a radio program titled 4R Insights aired on a local station, developed in collaboration with APNI and MRGM. The program featured three 15-minute episodes, with pre-recorded dialogues between a local rice farmer and Dr. Samuel Njoroge a trained specialist. Delivered in the local language, the episodes covered essential topics like soil health, fertilizer management, and sustainable farming practices. This innovative approach extended the reach of the 4R principles, ensuring that even farmers unable to attend in-person training could benefit.

In addition, there is potential to explore new technologies, such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems for on-demand fertilizer advisory services and digital tools like the Plantix App to help diagnose plant diseases. These options could further enhance knowledge accessibility and support farmers in adopting more efficient, sustainable farming practices.

One of the project’s key takeaways has been the eagerness of farmers in the Mwea region to embrace new farming methods. Motivated to improve yields and practice sustainable farming, these farmers are actively learning and implementing best practices to ensure long-term success.

Monicah Wanjiru, a young rice farmer from Mwea shares,

The guidance provided through the 4R Nutrient Stewardship training was invaluable. Learning about the 4R Nutrient principles has empowered me to make informed decisions about nutrient management on my farm.

Upon completing the course, participants, including Monicah, were also issued certificates, recognizing their commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Looking ahead, additional training sessions and field surveys would be beneficial for rice farmers, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen e-extension platforms. This collaboration is a prime example of how targeted agricultural interventions can drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. By combining the expertise of MRGM, APNI, and local stakeholders, we are laying the foundation for long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Kenya’s rice sector.

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