Trees for Food Security Project participatory trials follow up study in Rwanda
A survey was conducted in 2014 to determine farmers’ perception on the agroforestry trials establ... more A survey was conducted in 2014 to determine farmers’ perception on the agroforestry trials established under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded ‘Trees for Food Security’ (T4FS) project in Rwanda. The trials form part of Work Package (WP) 2 activities- obtaining and documenting feedback from farmers with participatory trials. The specific objectives of the study were to: 1) Determine the number of farmers and technologies in place. 2) Understand farmers’ perception towards effectiveness of the technologies. 3) Determine challenges faced in implementation of the technologies and 4) Identify opportunities for improvement of the technologies.
The World Agroforestry Centre is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is ... more The World Agroforestry Centre is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is a rural transformation in the developing world as smallholder households increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, social cohesion, energy resources and environmental sustainability. The Centre generates science-based knowledge about the diverse roles that trees play in agricultural landscapes, and uses its research to advance policies and practices, and their implementation that benefit the poor and the environment. It aims to ensure that all this is achieved by enhancing the quality of its science work, increasing operational efficiency, building and maintaining strong partnerships, accelerating the use and impact of its research, and promoting greater cohesion, interdependence and alignment within the organization.
This paper presents the results of a study that was undertaken to assess adoption dynamics of Tit... more This paper presents the results of a study that was undertaken to assess adoption dynamics of Tithonia diversifolia in Siaya and Vihiga districts of western Kenya from 1997 to 2004. The study was undertaken among a random sample of 120 farmers from eight pilot villages exposed to the technology. Descriptive statistics and a logit regression model were used to analyse data. The findings show that more farmers in pilot villages of Siaya are taking up the use of Tithonia than in Vihiga. As of 2004, 52% of farmers in Siaya were adopters compared to only 8% in Vihiga. Results of the logit regression model show that the use of Tithonia biomass for soil fertility management (SFM) is more likely to be adopted in a context where there is a scarcity of animal manure, farmers are willing to plant it on farms and hire casual labour. The use of Tithonia by smallholder farmers for SFM is therefore a promising low-cost option that can be scaled up to areas where farmers face similar constraints. †This research is part of a PhD programme on Participatory Approaches and Up-scaling , coordinated by Technology and Agrarian
Beyond the Pilot Sites: Can Knowledge-Intensive Technologies Diffuse Spontaneously?
Springer eBooks, 2014
Rapid and cost effective transfer of knowledge-intensive agricultural technologies is of paramoun... more Rapid and cost effective transfer of knowledge-intensive agricultural technologies is of paramount concern to research and development organisations. However, very little information exists on whether such technologies can diffuse spontaneously from pilot sites. This study sought to examine the diffusion and adoption of improved tree fallows and biomass transfer technologies in villages neighbouring pilot sites in western Kenya. Pilot sites refer to villages where an agroforestry programme worked with farmers to test and disseminate knowledge-intensive agroforestry-based soil fertility management technologies using a community-based participatory approach. Data in non-pilot sites was collected through household interviews and observations. Findings of the study show that although there was spontaneous diffusion of the technologies, a substantial number of farmers who heard about the technologies never adopted. The low adoption was attributed to insufficient knowledge to implement the practices, lack of immediate tangible benefits and insufficient resources such as land and labour. Spontaneous diffusion was mostly through informal social networks such as neighbours and relatives which were not sufficient on their own to enhance the adoption of the knowledge intensive technologies. A conducive context, extensive social networks and technical support are important determinants for spontaneous diffusion and adoption to take place.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so the saying by Chinese Philosopher Con... more A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so the saying by Chinese Philosopher Confucious goes. This journey began in September 2003 when I came to Wageningen University to enroll for a PhD Programme under the Participatory Approaches and Upscaling Programme (PAU) coordinated by Technology and Agrarian Development (TAD) Chair Group. It has been indeed a long journey full of ups and downs, but everything that has a begginning also has an end. It has finally come to an end and I wish to acknowledge the support of people and institutions that have contributed to my being able to complete this journey. First and foremost I wish to thank the Rockefeller Foundation, for providing financial support both for my fieldwork in Kenya and my stay in the Netherlands. My gratitude also goes to Dr. Paul Konuche-Director, Kenya Forestry Research Institute for granting me study leave. I also wish to thank the Centre Director, Muguga Regional Research Centre, Mr Elly Mwanza for logistical support; he was always willing to assist. He provided a vehicle whenever I wanted to go to the field, even on short notice. Asante sana! I wish to acknowledge the support I received from my supervision team. My promoter, Prof. Paul Richards, co-promoters Dr. Paul Hebinck and Dr. Steven Franzel all put in many hours to ensure the completion of this thesis. It was indeed an honour to work with Paul Richards. He introduced me to realism and realist evaluation that have formed the basis for my thesis. There are many times I got confused and overwhelmed, but I now look back and appreciate the fact that confusion is part of the process. Paul, your philosophical and critical comments/suggestions and final editing of the thesis have made it what it is today. Thank you! And to you Paul Hebinck, your optimistic nature and enthusiasm often made me feel so at ease even when the going got tough. You always had time for me even when you had other deadlines to meet. The frequent meetings we had and your suggestions greatly improved the thesis. Asante sana! To Steve, thank you for making it possible for me to use the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) facilities in Nairobi and for your suggestions and valuable comments during the initial stages of my fieldwork and also when I was writing articles for journals. Your encouraging words often gave me the motivation to write more papers. Dank u wel! To Dr. Conny Almekinders, the coordinator of the PAU Programme, no amount of words can really describe my appreciation. Your vigour, energy, and support in all aspects of my stay in the Netherlands are highly appreciated; from identification of relevant courses, field visits, finding a suitable co-promoter, financial matters and even taking time to show us (PhD students in the programme) many interesting sites in the Netherlands. Thank you for incorporating personal development and peer learning in the programme, it indeed made me understand myself better and how to relate with others in addition to creating an environment of sharing ideas with my fellow students which greatly improved the development of my research proposal during the early stages. Dank u wel! Inge Ruisch, thank you for adminstrative support (tickets, making sure I had a room in Bornsesteeg whenever I came to the Netherlands, allowances etc.) and for being a friend, your occasional loud laughter, something we hardly hear of in the Netherlands, often made me feel like I was back in Kenya. Thanks Inge for taking me to many social places; it indeed made my stay in the Netherlands enjoyable. Asante sana Inge! Na Mungu akubariki. My colleagues from the third cohort; Dr.
A decline in public sector extension services in developing countries has led to an increasing em... more A decline in public sector extension services in developing countries has led to an increasing emphasis on alternative extension approaches that are participatory, demand-driven, client-oriented, and farmer centered. One such approach is the volunteer farmer-trainer (VFT) approach, a form of farmer-to-farmer extension where VFTs host demonstration plots and share information on improved agricultural practices within their community. VFTs are trained by extension staff and they in turn train other farmers. A study was conducted to understand the rationale behind the decisions of smallholder farmers to volunteer their time and resources to train other farmers without pay and to continue volunteering. Data were gathered through focus group discussions and individual interviews involving 99 VFTs. Findings of the study showed that VFTs were motivated by a combination of personal and community interests that were influenced by religious beliefs, cultural norms, and social and economic incentives. Altruism, gaining knowledge and skills, and social benefits were the most frequently mentioned motivating factors for becoming VFTs.3 years after starting, the income earned from selling associated inputs and services was also a main motivating factor. There were no significant differences between motivating factors for men and women VFTs. The findings point to the fact that VFTs work effectively without being paid, but investments in human, social, and financial capital are crucial to keeping them motivated. These factors are key to ensuring the sustainability of farmer-to-farmer extension programs beyond the projects' lifespan. Keywords Farmer-to-farmer extension Á Gender Á Volunteer farmer trainers Á Motivation Á Human capital Á Social capital Á Financial capital Abbreviations DFBA Dairy farmer business association DMG Dairy management group EADD East Africa Dairy Development NGO Non-governmental organization VFT Volunteer farmer trainer
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Dec 31, 2018
The effectiveness of community-based extension approaches has been widely documented, however the... more The effectiveness of community-based extension approaches has been widely documented, however their sustainability remains weak. Institutionalization has been proposed as a way of achieving sustainability. This paper shares experiences of the learning and planning phase of the institutionalization of the volunteer farmer-trainer (VFT) approach in three dairy producer organizations (POs) in Kenya. The paper builds a detailed understanding of the key steps and social processes involved and the wider lessons that might be learned regarding institutionalization in the context of local institutions such POs. We draw on data from key informant interviews, focus groups discussions and workshops. The first phase of the process which spanned one year involved engagements with stakeholders at different levels; from VFTs, dairy cooperative management, government extension and local NGOs. The process involved awareness creation, joint learning at the individual, group and organization level, a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis of producer organizations and identifying opportunities for harnessing resources for support functions. We highlight the important supporting social and institutional processes that are required for this to happen. These include getting acceptance and support from key stakeholders, developing a shared understanding, stakeholder ownership of the process, commitment from top leadership of POs and institutional structures to support the process. For the process to be actualized, we discuss mechanisms that need to be put in place.
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Nov 2, 2019
The reform of agricultural extension institutions in developing countries has in the past decade ... more The reform of agricultural extension institutions in developing countries has in the past decade seen the implementation of many donor-supported farmer-to-farmer extension (F2FE) programs that are participatory and client-oriented. Their effectiveness in disseminating agricultural information is widely documented. However, most of these F2FE approaches only survive as long as funding support continues. Scant information exists on what can make externally initiated F2FE approaches sustainable. Drawing on lessons from a F2FE program known as the volunteer farmer-trainer (VFT) approach in an externally funded project in Kenya, this paper examines what makes such programs sustainable. The findings are based on the experiences of four dairy producer organizations (POs) that, three years after the end of project support, still had strong VFT programs. The paper highlights the importance of four drivers of sustainability: local institutional support, social capital, technical backstopping and motivation of farmer trainers to work voluntarily. Strong POs and farmer groups, coupled with the existence of an informal, multiinstitutional network that supported the creation of knowledge and learning processes were key components contributing to the sustainability of the VFT program.
Fodder trees are important feed sources for livestock in a wide range of agroforestry systems thr... more Fodder trees are important feed sources for livestock in a wide range of agroforestry systems throughout the world. Farmers have used fodder trees since ancient times and they are common in traditional feeding systems. In recent times there have been significant movements of germplasm and increased cultivation of fodder shrubs in many areas. Fodder trees are easy to grow, require little land, labor or capital, have numerous by-products and often supply feed within a year after planting. Key challenges constraining the uptake of fodder trees include limited species appropriate to different agroecological zones, shortages of seed and that many farmers lack knowledge and skills needed to grow them.
Gender and Agroforestry in Africa: Who Benefits? The African Perspective
Advances in agroforestry, 2012
This chapter examines women’s participation in agroforestry relative to men and the challenges an... more This chapter examines women’s participation in agroforestry relative to men and the challenges and successes they experience. Women’s participation is hampered by socioeconomic, cultural, and policy issues that vary within and across locations. The degree of women’s involvement relative to men in practices such as soil fertility management and fodder production is fairly high in terms of proportion of female-headed households participating but is low as measured by the area they allocate to these activities and the number of trees they plant. The lesser involvement reflects women’s lack of resources, particularly labor, their heavy workload, and perhaps their greater aversion to risk. Women dominate the production and processing of indigenous fruits; however, they are confined to the lower end of the value chain (retailing), which limits their control over and returns from the production process. The recommendations arising from the review include (1) facilitating women to form and strengthen associations, (2) targeting women’s associations, (3) helping women to improve productivity and marketing of products considered to be in women’s domain, and (4) improving women’s access to information.
Review of seeds and seedlings systems in Ethiopia: East shewa, West Shewa and East Wollega zones
This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/IXPEKSKey informants' survey on seeds... more This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/IXPEKSKey informants' survey on seeds and seedlings systems in were conducted in Ethiopia i) map out the tree seed and seedling supply system in order to establish the role of the government and NGOs in the systems, ii) assess the quality of the germplasm as mapped out in the seed sourcing, collection/ procurement and distribution and ultimately seedling production; and iii) identify the organizations and individuals dealing with tree seeds and seedlings, their roles, supply channels, the support given to tree seed dealers and nursery operators available, challenges encountered in the system and opportunities that exist. The findings were expected to give early indications of research and development interventions geared towards overcoming bottlenecks in the systems especially on networking, information sharing and system sustainability.
The World Agroforestry Centre is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is ... more The World Agroforestry Centre is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is a rural transformation in the developing world as smallholder households increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, social cohesion, energy resources and environmental sustainability. The Centre generates science-based knowledge about the diverse roles that trees play in agricultural landscapes, and uses its research to advance policies and practices, and their implementation that benefit the poor and the environment. It aims to ensure that all this is achieved by enhancing the quality of its science work, increasing operational efficiency, building and maintaining strong partnerships, accelerating the use and impact of its research, and promoting greater cohesion, interdependence and alignment within the organization.
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Papers by Evelyne Kiptot