A rapid soil testing campaign has been rolled out in nine counties in the Western Kenya region to sensitise small-holder farmers on the importance of soil testing for improved agricultural productivity.
The United States of America International Development Agency (USAID) Funded: Feed the Future Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) targets 100,000 small-holder farmers from Homa Bay, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, Migori, Kisumu, Busia, Vihiga, and Siaya counties.
Speaking today during the launch of the campaign in Kakamega County, KCDMS Deputy Chief of Party Judy Odongo said already more than 30,000 farmers have tested their soils, which seeks to establish the soils’ acidity or alkalinity levels (pH) in order to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The campaign also seeks to provide farmers with accurate and reliable soil nutrient information to make informed decisions regarding fertilisation and crop selection.
“These small-holder farmers constitute a significant portion of the region’s agricultural sector and stand to greatly benefit from the improved soil management practices,” she said.
Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Mr. Benjamin Adama, who flagged off the campaign, welcomed the initiative, noting that local farmers will be able to maximise their yields and boost food production.
“Poverty levels in Kakamega County currently stand at 31 per cent of the population, and with this kind of intervention and partnership, we believe farmers will be able to maximise yields and boost food security, which is a key pillar under the county government,” he added.
He said the Kakamega County Government is strengthening the agricultural extension service with recruitment of 1,000 enumerators who will be expected to take specific details of farmers so as to know the economic activities they engage in as well as avoid duplication of services from various partners in the sector.
The campaign comes against the background of low food productivity in the country attributed to decrease of plant nutrients due soil acidity.
According to USAID, soil testing clinics will be set up in the county and will be equipped with modern soil testing kits, manned by qualified agronomists and technicians.
Farmers will be encouraged to bring soil samples from their fields for testing, access personalized soil health reports, including nutrient levels, pH and get recommendations for appropriate fertilization and crop choices.
By George Kaiga
