Factors Influencing The Use Of Fehtilizer Ahong Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study Of Muran'ga District.

Abstract

Although fertilizer use by smallholder farmers in Kenya started after independence in 1963, their level of application has refrained extremely low. They apply approximately one-third of the recommended level on

coffee and between 5% and 60% on maize. This obser ved pattern of

application (extremely low) formed the major stimulus of this study.

The main objective was to identify the factors that influence the use of fertilizer among smallholder farmers in Mur-ang a district. The sub-objectives included determining and quantifying the factors that influence the use of fertilizer, determination of the direction and magnitude of these factors and derivation of policy implications. from the study necessary to accelerate use of fertilizer by smallholder farmers. Multiple regression models for fertilizer application on coffee and maize

were estimated using the seemingly unrelated techniques suggested by

Zellner (1962).

Primary cross-sectional data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was based on a random sample of farmers in kandara Division. The study found the"!! fertilizer credit, price of fertilizer and producer prices are statistically significant factors influencing use of fertilizer by smallholder farmers, Extension contact, literacy and price of manure were not found to be statistically significant factors influencing use of fertilizers. Tentative explanations are given for any contradictions found in the study.

Policies recommended from the findings of the study include that fertilizer credit""S"hould be made available to farmers proper produce pricing policies should be followed ,fertilizer prices should be kept low and that farmers should be provided with smaller packages of fertilizer. Fertilizer should also be distributed to the farmers in good time.