- KALRO says poor soil health is contributing to Kenya’s low maize yields
- Researchers push for site-specific fertiliser recommendations based on reliable soil data
- Stakeholders explore better nutrient management to raise productivity and farmer incomes
Kenya’s maize production is falling far below its potential, with farmers harvesting an average of just 1.9 tonnes per hectare against a potential yield of about six tonnes, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has warned.
The gap has been linked to declining soil health, poor nutrient management and limited soil data, raising concerns over the country’s ability to boost food production and improve farmers’ incomes.
Speaking during an AgWise stakeholder workshop on maize nutrient recommendations hosted by KALRO, Dr David Kamau, KALRO’s Director of Environment and Natural Resource Management, said Kenya needs to shift towards evidence-based and site-specific fertiliser recommendations.
Dr Kamau, who represented KALRO Director General Dr Patrick Ketiem, said better use of soil and crop data would be critical in unlocking the country’s agricultural potential.
The workshop brought together scientists and researchers from KALRO, CGIAR centres and universities, alongside representatives from the private sector, NGOs and development partners.
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It was organised by KALRO, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and IITA, with participants focusing on ways to improve maize nutrient recommendations and promote sustainable soil management.
Dr Kamau noted that declining soil health remains one of the key challenges holding back agricultural productivity, calling for stronger collaboration between research institutions, universities, the private sector and development partners.
The discussions centred on the need for quality soil and crop data to guide fertiliser use and develop practical recommendations tailored to specific farming areas.
The stakeholders also examined how improved nutrient management could help raise productivity, strengthen food security, increase farmer incomes and build resilience to climate and other production challenges.
The workshop comes as the Government implements frameworks including the Agricultural Soil Management Policy, 2023 and the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation 2024–2033, which seek to promote sustainable soil management and evidence-based agricultural production.
KALRO and its partners said stronger research collaboration and reliable data would be essential in developing recommendations that respond to the actual soil and crop conditions faced by farmers across the country.
By Lizzy Aluga
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