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Gendered farmer perceptions towards soil nutrition and willingness to pay for a cafetière-style filter system for in-situ soil testing: Evidence from Central Kenya

  • 0Directorate of Research and Development, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya.
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September 26, 2024

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September 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Farmers in Kenya need accessible soil testing. A new prototype technology for in-situ soil nutrition analysis shows farmers are willing to pay for convenient, on-site soil testing, improving agricultural productivity.

Area Of Science

  • Agricultural Science
  • Soil Science
  • Technology Development

Background

  • Soil nutrition is critical for agricultural productivity, yet point-of-need testing is scarce in resource-limited regions like Kenya.
  • Current soil testing methods are often costly and inaccessible, leading to low adoption rates among farmers (only 1.5% currently test).

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the perceived need for soil testing among Kenyan farmers.
  • To evaluate farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a prototype in-situ soil nutrition testing technology.

Main Methods

  • A study involving 547 farmers from Murang'a and Kiambu counties, Kenya, using multi-stage sampling.
  • Utilized the double bounded choice contingent valuation method (CVM) to determine WTP for a prototype soil testing device.
  • The prototype employs a cafetière-style filter and microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for nutrient analysis.

Main Results

  • Farmers expressed a strong willingness to pay for convenient, in-situ soil testing, with WTP values exceeding current rapid testing costs.
  • Youth, women, and men showed significant WTP: KSh1,612.53, KSh1,558.68, and KSh1,504.83, respectively.
  • Farmers are willing to share soil data publicly, particularly with extension officers, to improve practices.

Conclusions

  • The developed prototype technology addresses the need for accessible soil nutrition testing in Kenya.
  • Democratizing soil nutrition data through accessible technology can empower extension agents to boost agricultural productivity and commercialization.
  • Farmers' willingness to pay indicates market viability for convenient, on-site soil testing solutions.

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