Why Kenya needs organic fertiliser
Sponsored by Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK)
Junnie R. Wangari, chairperson of the Organic Fertiliser and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), during an interview in Nairobi.
Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK)Chairperson, Junnie R Wangari, speaks to Sammy Waweru on the need to go organic.
What does organic fertiliser do in promoting sustainable farming?
Organic fertiliser and soil conditioners are derived from residues like crop remains, food waste, by-products from industrial processes and animal manure. These materials contain organic carbon that serves as a food source for soil organisms. Organic fertiliser and soil conditioners enrich the soil with organic carbon, helps reduce acidity and improve capacity to retain water and nutrients.
Applying the input and soil conditioners, combined with sustainable management practices can help maintain high levels of organic carbon in the soil. Organic fertiliser and soil conditioners can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They help reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Why does Kenya need organic fertiliser?
During the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit in Nairobi in May 2024, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) said about 40 per cent of Kenya’s arable land is highly acidic and 97 per cent of the country’s land is deficient in organic carbon. These conditions have reduced crop production. OFIMAK members are committed to supplying certified, high-quality organic fertiliser, soil conditioners and biopesticides. Our mission is to promote the manufacture, sale and use of certified organic fertiliser, soil conditioners and biopesticides. Our membership includes 17 manufacturers and one agricultural insurance provider.
Junnie R. Wangari, chairperson of the Organic Fertiliser and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), during an interview in Nairobi.
What do farmers need to know about organic fertiliser?
Certified organic fertiliser and soil conditioners are available in the market, primarily in 50kg and 25kg bags for solids. Liquid fertiliser and biopesticides are offered in various sizes, ranging from 500ml to 20-litre cans. Our products have demonstrated the ability to improve yields by around 30 per cent. This depends on factors like crop type and climate.
Farmers should increase organic carbon content in their soil by combining one to two bags (50 kilos each) of organic fertiliser or soil conditioner with every 50 kilo bag of inorganic fertiliser. Farmers should adopt other recommended sustainable soil improvement practices.
What is being done to increase adoption of organic fertiliser?
We conduct farm trials and have listed some of our products at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores. We intend to partner with NCPB to list our products to improve distribution.
Development agencies are training farmers on utilising organic materials in their land to make fertiliser. They train farmers on soil improvement. We are lobbying the government to include organic fertiliser and soil conditioners in the subsidy plan.
What is the state of organic fertiliser Kenya?
Organic fertiliser accounted for 2.9 per cent of the total fertiliser usage in Kenya in 2023. It had limited visibility until the Covid-19 shutdowns, which caused logistic and supply disruptions. Since inorganic fertiliser is imported, the disruptions led to shortages. Locally produced organic fertiliser gained popularity. Seventeen manufacturers are OFIMAK members, with five joining soon.
What challenges face organic fertiliser makers?
Low product awareness and distribution, insufficient government support in the form of subsidies and a challenging regulatory framework pose problems to the industry. OFIMAK has raised awareness on existence of local makers. We have contributed to the review of organic fertiliser standards.
OFIMAK has also attracted support from development partners like GIZ, AFAP-Kenya and the Biovision Foundation. This has enabled us to make some products available at NCPB stores, improving distribution and accessibility.
With the state subsidised fertiliser, how do your members sustain their businesses?
We’ve requested the Agriculture Ministry to incorporate and promote locally made organic fertiliser in the subsidy framework, as endorsed in the Nairobi Declaration from the AFSH Summit.
What is your view on policies and regulations on the making and use of organic fertiliser?
The 2024 AFSH Summit elevated discussions around soil health and reaffirmed commitment to triple the domestic production and distribution of organic and inorganic fertiliser by 2033. The ministry launched the Agricultural Soil Management Policy 2023 at the summit. Participation of ministry officials at the launch of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation 2024-33 in November paved the way for consultations aimed at supporting the organic fertiliser industry. The documents stress the need for integrated approaches to soil fertility management.
What are the long-term goals for OFIMAK?
We aim to make and sell more than a million tonnes of organic fertiliser per year by 2033. We strive to contribute more than 50 per cent of fertiliser consumption in government schemes. To increase yields and contribute to nutrition security goals, we are committed to soil-improvement. We will forge partnerships with the government, development agencies and others to drive the Soil Health Agenda for Kenya.
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