hosted by the Intersectoral Forum on Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (ISFAA) on July 25, 2024, shed

In the face of mounting global challenges such as climate change, deteriorating soil health, shrinking arable land due to competing land use, and an ever-growing population, farmers around the world are under increasing pressure. The situation is further exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns leading to significant crop losses, soaring input costs, and other stressors. These factors have driven the urgent need for more sustainable farming practices that not only restore soil health but also boost productivity while supporting biodiversity and human well-being.

A recent dialogue titled “A Farmer-Centric Approach to the Distribution of Commercial Organic Fertilizer and Bio-Fertilizer in Kenya,” hosted by the Intersectoral Forum on Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (ISFAA) on July 25, 2024, shed light on the potential of agroecological solutions like organic and bio-fertilizers to meet these challenges. The event aimed to engage stakeholders in identifying and overcoming obstacles in the “last mile” distribution of organic fertilizers and understanding the factors limiting small-scale farmers’ adoption of these inputs. The dialogue was anchored in the findings of a study conducted by Biovision Foundation and Practical Action, which extensively explored the commercial organic fertilizer sector in Kenya, with a focus on farmer-facing challenges such as availability, accessibility, and awareness.

John Chettleborough, Agriculture and Markets Lead at Practical Action, presented key findings from the study, highlighting the dominance of two main distribution models in Kenya: farmer intermediaries and commercial intermediaries. “Smaller companies tend to rely more on farmer intermediaries, while larger firms often utilize both models”, He pointed out while emphasizing that while systemic constraints significantly impact distribution, the core of the issue lies in farmer awareness and demand.

The dialogue provided a comprehensive exploration of the commercial organic fertilizer sector in Kenya, revealing a stark contrast between familiarity and usage where, while 70% of farmers are aware of home-produced organic fertilizers, only 6.4% have ever used commercially produced ones. This gap underscores a critical opportunity to transform perceptions into practice.

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, and were keen to understand the workings of bio and organic fertilizers as they frequently field questions from farmers. The session underscored the necessity of intensive engagement to shift mindsets, share risks, and create market incentives to encourage broader adoption.

Insights and Observations from the Study

The study, which involved key informants such as the Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), Practical Action’s Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods (RAY) project, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, and others, was conducted across diverse regions including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kisii, Kilifi, and Kakamega.

It found that although farmers have a positive perception of home-produced organic fertilizers, this does not translate into demand for commercially produced alternatives. Notably, while 70% of farmers have experience making and using home-produced organic fertilizers, 50% of farmers and 85% of focus group participants believe these organic options perform better than inorganic fertilizers.

Enhancing Demand: Recommendations and Strategies

The dialogue emphasized the importance of direct interaction with trusted intermediaries to build demand for organic fertilizers. Key recommendations to increase demand include:

1. Subsidized Support: Providing subsidies to reduce the cost of farmer intermediary distribution models can make organic fertilizers more accessible.
2. Market Development: Creating markets that offer incentives for adopting organic fertilizers can drive demand. This includes developing partnerships with development partners to enhance the efficiency of farmer intermediary models and bundling fertilizers with other inputs or services, such as finance and insurance.
3. Official Subsidy Programs: Including organic fertilizers in official subsidy programs can make them more affordable and attractive to farmers.
4. Extension Services: Developing partnerships with organic input companies to deliver extension services and provide education on the benefits and use of organic fertilizers is crucial.

Advantages of Organic and Bio-Fertilizers

One of the dialogue participants raised a concern on the low uptake of organic and bio fertilizers, observing that farmers opt alternatives since they are fast in yielding production. While responding to this sentiment, Dan da Silva a Senior Program Manager Policy and Advocacy at Biovision Foundation noted that organic and bio-fertilizers offer numerous benefits for both soil and farmers. They enhance soil structure and fertility, boost microbial activity, and improve water retention. He stressed that unlike chemical fertilizers, organic options release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply over time, which not only improves crop yields but also promotes sustainable farming practices. Additionally, organic fertilizers reduce the risk of soil and water pollution, contributing to environmental conservation.

Dan observed that extension service providers have a lot of responsibility at their disposal to educate farmers of the long term benefits of organic and biofertilizers. “Many farmers give up on organic inputs because they don’t yield instant results as compared to other synthetic options. What they are not made aware of is that while results from synthetic inputs are quite fast, the long-term effects are lethal. On the other hand, organic inputs act gradually enriching and repairing the soil bit by bit but the long-term advantages are numerous and long-lasting. There is need to sensitize farmers of the entire process and not only tell them of the advantages without taking them through the entire transformation process,” he advised.

For farmers, organic and bio-fertilizers are often more cost-effective in the long run. They can be produced locally, reducing dependency on external inputs and fostering self-reliance. Moreover, the use of organic fertilizers aligns with the growing consumer demand for organically produced food, potentially opening up new market opportunities and increasing farm profitability.

Despite the acknowledged benefits to soil and human health, the study revealed that only 6.4% of farmers have used commercially produced organic fertilizers, highlighting a significant challenge in translating awareness into action.

Challenges in Obtaining and Marketing Organic Fertilizers

Several challenges impede the widespread adoption of organic fertilizers, including:

1. Awareness and Mindset: A lack of awareness about the benefits of organic fertilizers, coupled with traditional mindsets and skepticism towards new practices, limits interest.
2. Product Characteristics and Cost: Organic fertilizers are often bulkier and less nutrient-dense compared to chemical fertilizers, which can be perceived as less efficient. Additionally, the higher upfront cost can be a barrier for smallholder farmers.
3. Competition from Alternatives: Chemical fertilizers are widely available and heavily marketed, creating stiff competition for organic options.
4. Distribution Network: The reliance on agro-dealer networks is premature, as these do not provide the intensive engagement required to shift farmer behavior.

Wrapping Up

Biovision Foundation and Practical Action have been at the forefront of exploring models that work for agroecology value chains, backed by extensive research. Their efforts aim to create a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and the environment.

The dialogue on July 25, 2024, marked a significant step towards advancing a farmer-centric approach to the distribution of commercial organic and bio-fertilizers in Kenya. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the recommendations outlined, stakeholders can work collaboratively to create a robust and sustainable market for organic fertilizers, thereby enhancing soil health, improving crop yields, and contributing to the overall well-being of Kenyan farmers.