Browsing by Author "Gichangi, E.M."
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Item Accelerate Scaling up Forage Intensification Using Novel Digital Extension Approach in Kenya(UKnowedge, 2021) Njarui, D.M.G.; Gatheru, M.; Ndubi, J.M.; Murage, A.W.; Gichangi, A.W.; Gichangi, E.M.; Nogothu, U.S.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy ResearchWide scale adoption of diverse forages improves livestock productivity and farmers welfare. However, limited access to information and knowledge on forage production results in slow adoption in Kenya. There is need to enhance information and knowledge exchange among farming communities for efficient and effective adoption and decision-making. An inter-institutional pilot project was initiated in 2017 to scale-up forages in Kenya using a novel extension approach - the village knowledge centre (VKC). A VKC is an information and communication technology (ICT) digital platform-based linking farmers through smart phones and social media as a conduit for faster and effective information and knowledge. This paper shares the experiences of VKC intervention to scale up Urochloa grass technology among smallholder farmers for livestock productivity. Through the VKC support there has been increased access of information and knowledge on Urochloa grass management, conservation and livestock feeding. Approximately 702 farmers out of which 28% were women visited the VKC to seek information on Urochloa grass from May 2018 to May 2020. It has trained 22 lead farmers on the establishment and management of Urochloa grass. The VKC has created two WhatsApp groups for networking among farmers with over 330 members. Between September 2018 and May 2020, the groups shared 2550 messages on Urochloa management, conservation, and livestock feeding with other farmers in their communities. Additionally, the VKC has improved availability of Urochloa grass seeds to farmers. Over 530 farmers received the seeds through the VKC, while 500 made request though mobile phone Short Message Services (SMS) and were supplied using courier services. It was evident that VKC intervention has not only improved the adoption rate, but also led to increased forage productivity and higher income for farmers. There is a need to continue using tools such as the VKC in the dissemination of information on Urochloa grass and explore suitable funding for sustainability of the centre after the end of the project.Item Development of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices in Semi-arid areas of Kenya using Participatory Leaming and Action Research Approach: Final Report(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2004) Gachimbi, L.N.; Thuranira, E.G.; Karuku, A.M.; Itabari, J.K.; Nguluu, S.N.; Gichangi, E.M.; De Jager, A.; Van Keulen, H.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Wageningen Univerity and Research centre, The Hague, The Netherlands.; Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research center, Wageningen, The Netherlands.In order to address the problems of low soil fertility in the ASAL, the project "Assessment and monitoring of nutrient flows and stocks to determine appropriate integrated nutrient management strategies for semi-arid lands in Kenya". The nutrient monitoring in semi-arid lands (NUTSAL) project was formulated and implemented in the period 1998-2003. The objective of the project was to analyse the nutrient management practices in the semi-arid areas and to design, test and disseminate improved, integrated soil fertility management recommendations for various land use zones, soil types, farming systems and farm types through participatory efforts of scientists and other stakeholders.
