Karen Ayabei, an agronomist with OCP, a Moroccan-based fertilizer company, announced an initiative to train 1,000 farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County on the importance of soil health to maximize food production. This training program is a response to soil testing results showing that most soils in the county are acidic, with very low pH levels, adversely affecting food production.
Speaking at the launch of the soil testing results in Bugar, Keiyo North sub-county, Ayabei emphasized the urgent need to reverse soil deterioration trends to ensure food security. The soil tests revealed low phosphorus levels in the highlands compared to the soils in Kerio Valley, highlighting a critical nutrient deficiency for crops like potatoes, which require phosphorus for growth.
“There is a need to increase phosphorus levels in the highlands where farmers grow potatoes,” Ayabei noted.
Edwin Seroney, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, stated that OCP conducted soil testing for 75 farmers from each ward. The results will guide farmers on the appropriate type of fertilizer to use, addressing the problem of haphazard fertilizer application that has led to increased soil acidity.
“The results will be of much importance to us as our farmers will know what type of fertilizer to use to increase their yields,” Seroney said.
Farmers in the region have welcomed the initiative. Hillary Kiprono, a local farmer, expressed relief at learning he had been using the wrong fertilizer for his soil. “I was spending lots of money to buy fertilizer but I have now realized I was buying the wrong type. With these results, I will buy the right fertilizer for my farm,” Kiprono said. He also highlighted the importance of early planting to benefit from nitrogen.
Pascaline Chepkok added that the training had taught her the significance of soil analysis and testing, which is crucial for not only increasing yield but also managing crop diseases.
This comprehensive training program by OCP aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve soil health, thereby enhancing food production and ensuring food security in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
