Bio-Fertilizer Farmers Research Network Trials
Overview
Bio-fertilizer trials were initiated in early 2023 across Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties to establish the effects of Bocashi and Bocashi + tithonia on indigenous vegetable yields.
Trials involves farmers setting up and establishing trial plot units within their farms following the trial design outlined. It also involves data collection analyzing and dissemination of the key trial findings. Currently the targeted farmers have started value addition processes of produced vegetables through use of community solar dries established in each of the targeted location.
Representation of farmer researchers across Awasi, Kochogo and Kakola Locations in Kisumu County. A total number of 14 females and 11 representing males.
Representation of farmer researchers across Wang’chieng Location in Homabay County with a total number of 5 males and 20 females
Women involvement and participation across the two targeted Counties.About 20% represents youths from both regions.
Men involvement and participation across the two targeted Counties. About 5% represents youths from both regions.
Total number of trial plots established within Kisumu and Homabay Counties
- Bocashi
- Bocashi + Tithonia Tea
- Control (No Application)
Total number of Community Solar driers installed in 4 Locations, 2 per the targeted County
Total number of dried and sold indigenous vegetables within the targeted communities.
Trial Broad Goal
The goal of this trial is to engage small holder farmers from Kisumu and Homabay Counties on bio-fertilizer trials for enhanced soil health and farm productivity.
- To engage farmers on the testing of bio-fertilizer performances on cowpea vegetables and beans in Kisumu and Homabay Counties.
- To enhance soil health and fertility through application of bio-fertilizers.
- To enhance vegetable yield production through application of bio-fertilizers.
- To enhance learning and knowledge sharing among farmers through participating in the trials
Outstanding Results
- Fresh cowpea vegetable yields were positively affected by the application of either bocashi alone or bocashi + Tithonia tea manure. This observation was highly contributed to by the fact that all harvest yields were accurately weighed using a digital weighing machine immediately after harvesting within the experimental sites. Applying Tithonia tea in 2 weeks interval also tend to reduce prevalence of pests such as aphids as compared to other plots without the application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the general growth and yield attributes of cowpea were substantially affected by application of either bocashi or bocashi + tithonia tea during the end of the long seasons trials.
Results from these experiments illustrates slight tithonia tea responsiveness as compared to other plots without the same application.
The FRN BIOFERTILIZER trial has demonstrated that by active engagements and participation of diverse farmer groups across different regions translates to concreate information that can be then used for joint efforts towards soil health and fertility enhancement.
However, CREP Programme through its development partner in this trial is endeavored to work towards strengthening and empowering small holder farmers production systems for enhance livelihoods.
