Enhancing sustainable agri-food systems using multi-nutrient fertilizers in Kenyan smallholder farming systems

• Published in: Heliyon 2023-04, Vol.9 (4), p.e15320-e15320, Article e15320
• Main Authors: Adolwa, Ivan S., Mutegi, James, Muthamia, Joses, Gitonga, Angela, Njoroge, Samuel, Kiwia, Abednego, Manoti, Dismas, Mairura, Franklin S., Nchanji, Eileen B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Food security; Micro-nutrients; Multi-nutrient fertilizer blends; Profitability; Sustainable crop production; Yield response
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15320

Persistent food insecurity in the global south has triggered calls for sustainable development worldwide. Moreover, more than a quarter of the world's population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies or hidden hunger. The population bulge, declining soil fertility and inadequate/inappropriate use of farm inputs in Sub-Saharan Africa place it in a precarious position. Multi-nutrient fertilizer blends have been mooted as a key innovation in closing yield gaps and boosting food and nutrition security. This study assessed the extent of multi-nutrient fertilizer blends utilization and yield response across agroecological zones and their on-farm profitability under Kenyan smallholder farmer conditions. We collected data through a detailed household survey conducted in eight counties in Kenya representative of high, medium, and low productivity zones using a sample of 1094 smallholder farmers. Multi-nutrient fertilizers increased maize yields significantly (P