To address the gaps in agronomic research responding to the real need of Kenyan farmers, Fert and its partner, the Cereal Growers Association, have been conducting farmer-led experiments in the Laikipia and Meru counties since 2021.
The need expressed by CGA members involved in designing and managing the experiments was to find local solutions to climate change, rising input costs and declining soil fertility.
Among the solutions proposed by farmers, from learnings from an exchange visit to Ceffel in Madagascar, the use of Tithonia diversifolia was identified as the potential solution. This shrub, very common in certain areas of Kenya, is known for its beneficial properties for soil quality. Tithonia has deep roots that can reach up to 3 meters, enabling it to extract nutrients from deep in the soil. After decomposition, the plant releases nutrients and adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility. Trials have shown interesting results, and many farmers have already started using Tithonia, mainly for vegetable and potato crops.
Several experiments
The graph opposite shows the results of a trial about the use of Tithonia as green manure, alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer (DAP Diammonium Phosphate) in different proportions.
Another experiment compared different mulching strategies to preserve soil moisture and thus ensure a harvest even in drought conditions. The significant difference in yield between mulched and non-mulched plots fully convinced farmers in Laikipia County to adopt mulching, regardless of its source (Grevillea, grass or other).
“After being trained on how to use Tithonia on my farm, I harvested the little I have at home to prepare liquid fertilizer for my beans and green manure for my potatoes. I will also take advantage of this rain season to plant more Tithonia.”
A video has been produced to explain to growers how to use Tithonia :
For 2024, farmers are interested in finding organic solutions to several bean and potato diseases, as well as identifying relevant strategies for beans nutrition.
These trials were made possible thanks to a partnership with the Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and are part of a wider program for which Fert and CGA are supported by AFD, the European Union, the OACPS Secretariat and IFAD (FO4ACP).
Fert and CGA benefit from the support of Delphine BOUTTET, regional engineer at Arvalis, for the elaboration of the trial protocols and their analysis.
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the EU, OACPS and IFAD. The views expressed herein do not represent the official opinion of the EU, OACPS or IFAD.
