Project Summary
Increasing incomes and reducing poverty for rural smallholder farmers in remote areas of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Implementing Partners
KENYA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
TANZANIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT
UGANDA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
t Cover
photo: An agricultural extension officer explains proper agro-input use for onion production to farmers in Kenya’s Bungoma East District.
u The
EADN project stand at the annual agricultural show ‘Nane Nane’ in Arusha Njiro (Tanzania).
Table of Contents Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Agro-Input Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Project Coverage Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Project Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Baseline and Outcome Assessment Surveys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Capacity Building of Agro-Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Capacity Building of Extension Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Technology Transfer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Business Linkage and Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Study Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Collaboration with Stakeholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Challenges Encountered and Lessons Learned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Annex 1. Agro-Dealer Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Annex 2. Demonstration Plots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Annex 3. Field Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Annex 4. Acronyms & Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
This publication is an adaptation of the EADN final report, submitted in March 2012.
EADN Project Summary
Executive Summary
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The EADN Concept Improving financial returns from agriculture for smallholder farmers is critical to establishing food security and alleviating poverty in rural areas of Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) provided funding for the Extending AgroDealer Networks (EADN) project in targeted areas of these three key countries in East Africa. EADN sought to improve agro-dealers’ access to modern production technologies and yield-enhancing agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds and crop protection products (CPPs). The three-year project, which began in January 2009 and ended on December 31, 2011, also supported smallholder farmers’ efforts to increase their productivity. The use of modern agro-inputs by smallholder farmers is essential in order to efficiently and effectively improve their crop yields while protecting the environment. While agrodealers can play a key role in linking farmers in rural areas to input and output markets, at the beginning of EADN most agro-dealers were concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas. EADN increased the knowledge base of small-scale, entrepreneurial agro-dealers throughout the project areas, enabling them to provide adequate technical and advisory services to their farmer-customers. Prior to EADN, most agro-dealers were unable to develop and implement the strategic marketing campaigns needed to sustain their businesses and fully develop their markets. EADN helped agrodealers to participate in cost-effective decision-making processes that can lead to reduced transaction costs. EADN activities improved rural smallholder farmers’ physical and fiscal access to agro-inputs. However, financial incentives for farmers to use more agro-inputs must increase, particularly for staple crops such as maize, rice, wheat and beans.
EADN Project Summary 2
UGANDA
KENYA
Kampala
Nairobi Arusha Dar es Salaam
TANZANIA
Project Coverage Kenya: Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central and Eastern provinces. Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara regions. Uganda: Western, Northern and Eastern regions.
EADN Project Summary 3
p An
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agro-dealer’s shop advertising not only agro-inputs and equipment but information as well.
A Market-Oriented Approach
EADN was a market-oriented initiative emphasizing private sector development and investment in all segments of the agro-input value chain. Innovation and information transfer were key elements of each EADN activity. EADN emphasized increasing the number of markets served by agro-dealers, increasing dealers’ level of participation in those markets and increasing their technical and marketing expertise so that they can be of greater service to their farmer-customers. Other IFDC projects have proven that those actions spur customer demand, influencing promotional activities and expansion of agro-dealers’ services and business volume. Expanding the number of agro-dealers and farmers served helps to generate volume price discounts. Agro-input prices can be reduced through procurement efficiencies, improved product mix selection, timely physical distribution and operating efficiency improvements. Among the strategies the EADN project staff employed to achieve these goals were targeted training programs, product demonstrations and the development/distribution of leaflets and wall posters about the safe use and handling of agro-inputs. Increased private sector investment in agro-dealer networks, in combination with greater market transparency and information exchange, supported improved agro-dealer access to loans as well as improved decision-making at all levels of the marketing chain. In addition, linkages among national and regional agro-dealer associations improved members’ buying power, helped to address cross-border issues and better served inland markets. More active and effective agro-dealer associations strengthen dealers’ organizational, policy and regulatory reform and advocacy capacity. These improvements also will increase currently limited product availability and usage.
EADN Project Summary
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Project Focal Areas
u Strategic Assessment Monitoring – market situation, opportunity analysis, potential for collaborative
activities among partners, dealer network mapping and project impact analysis for more remote farmer locations. u Human Capacity Building – development of training materials and programs, training of trainers (ToT)
and field agent personnel and association-building activities among dealer groups at national and regional levels. EADN also provided direct technical assistance and support to stakeholders at all levels (government policymakers, importers/wholesalers, dealers, stockists and financial institution employees). u Technology Introduction – portable soil-testing kits, bulk blending of fertilizers, improved seeds,
fertilizers and CPPs. u Market Transparency and Business Linkage Development – regional training programs and study
tours, and facilitation of producer, trader, financial and governmental linkages at multiple levels and dimensions of the market value chain. A primary goal of EADN was to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by increasing smallholder farmers’ incomes in more remote areas. Project activities focused on strengthening the capacity of existing and new agro-dealers and extending dealer networks in rural areas to better service smallholder farmers’ needs. The project empowered these farmers by improving their access to markets and knowledge of agro-inputs. Establishing new agro-dealers and strengthening the input supply chain benefited smallholder farmers across the intervention zones. The benefits were achieved by: improving farmers’ access to agro-inputs and technology; building capacities of agro-dealers and extension agents; strengthening institutional capacities in the agro-input sector; improving market transparency; developing and strengthening agro-dealer associations; and establishing and fortifying market linkages along the input value chain. A key reason for food deficits in the project area was the low usage rate of fertilizers and improved seeds. Factors which contributed to this were: inability by a majority of farmers to buy fertilizers due to high prices; rural agro-dealers’ inadequate financial reserves to purchase agro-inputs in required quantities; an insufficient secondary distribution network of agro-dealers in rural areas, which forced farmers to travel long distances to access inputs; and agro-dealers’ inadequate product knowledge, causing them to give unreliable and incorrect advice to farmers. In baseline surveys carried out in Kenya and Uganda, distances covered by farmers to the nearest agro-dealer varied; in Kenya, the average distance was 7.0 kilometers (km) while in Uganda about 60 percent of the farmers reported traveling over 10 km. In reference to the baseline study, agro-dealers attached more relevance to the skills taught by EADN (often not emphasized by other development programs) such as product knowledge (95.6 percent), business management (91.6 percent) and financial management (43.1 percent).
EADN Project Summary 5
p Participants
view goats used in dairy farming during an EADN farmer field day.
Kennedy Wambugu Farmer, Githanga Jua Kali Mukurweini, Kenya “We never used to know the right maize variety to plant and we did not use good farming practices. But now we have been taught the recommended farming practices including the correct distances to plant seed. “When I compare the yields from the same quarterhectare, I am amazed. I used to harvest three bags of maize, but today I am expecting more than 25 bags from the same land. And so I have experienced the benefits of the new kind of farming. I have increased my production area from a quarterhectare to one hectare, and I have managed to buy more land from the income I am making.”
EADN project activities were implemented in 20 districts in Kenya, 13 districts in Uganda and 10 districts in Tanzania. The selection of project areas was made in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and its various departments in each country and other IFAD programs/projects. Capacity building of agro-dealers comprised one of EADN’s main activities and was carried out successfully in each country. In total, 1,376 agro-dealers were trained (1,005 men and 371 women; 443, 402 and 531 agro-dealers in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, respectively). Also, 90 public extension service providers were trained (55 men and 35 women). Of these, 29 were Kenyan and 61 were MoA staff from Tanzania.
In March 2009, 27 people went through ToT training for two weeks (eight each from Kenya and Tanzania and 11 from Uganda). They were trained prior to project implementation in agro-dealer development and capacity building.
EADN Project Summary 6
p Farmers
being trained on value addition at an EADN field day in Bureti, Kenya.
Demonstration plots were established on farms in the three countries (93 in Kenya, 43 in Tanzania and 129 in Uganda). Most of the crop demonstrations conveyed the message to farmers that the more efficient use of inputs would increase their yields. For example, at maize demonstration plots in Mukurweini in Kenya, yields averaged about 3.6 metric tons/hectare (mt/ha) while the yields under farmers’ practice averaged only 1.77 mt/ha. These yields translated to a gross margin of Kenya shillings (KSh.) of 17,297/ha for demonstration plots and a loss Tobista Macha of KSh. 12,355/ha using farmers’ practice. Seed potato demonstration plots in Kenya’s Mamtukuna Training Institute Nyandarua District indicated that if farmers Rombo, Tanzania were to multiply potato seed, they would “When you look at the crop of maize that we have, make in excess of KSh. 150,000/ha compared it is a good one and it appeals to people who pass with a gross margin of KSh. 27,000/ha through by the field. If you compare that crop with that of normal potato cultivation. the neighboring farms, there is a big difference. In Kenya, fertilizer deep placement Our crop is appealing to everyone because it is a technology (FDP) was introduced in rice healthy crop and has not been affected by pests. So production through an EADN intervention. the training we received about using fertilizer when This was as a result of an EADN-sponsored planting and then using different pesticides in the educational tour by four senior MoA staff to farming process has given us very good results.” Bangladesh to learn more about FDP-based rice production. After returning from the visit, the team recommended the technology be tested in Kenya. EADN-supported urea deep placement (UDP) trials using urea briquettes were introduced in collaboration with the MoA and the institution responsible for paddy rice production. Preliminary results of the UDP trials were 37 percent higher yields compared with the standard method of broadcasting fertilizer and a 56 percent increase in yield above the control. Assisted by IFDC’s office in Bangladesh, two briquette-making machines were imported by a private fertilizer distribution company. Interest in FDP technology is growing in Kenya and within the region. While the demonstrations continue to be carried out under research conditions, the technology is also being tested in on-farm demonstrations, with promising results.
In Kenya, 26 field days were held (6,244 farmers and other stakeholders participated); in Tanzania, 13 field days were held (4,318 farmers participated); while in Uganda, four field days were organized (369 farmers and other stakeholders participated). A total of 10,931 people (6,659 men and 4,272 women) participated in EADN field days. Business linkage forums were facilitated through the involvement of stakeholders in the input value chain. These included financial institutions, importers/distributors of various agro-inputs, public and regulatory institutions and MoA senior staff members. In the three countries, 14 linkage events (two in Kenya, four in Tanzania and eight in Uganda) were organized with a total of 501 participants (421 men and 80 women). At such meetings, agro-dealers were informed that they qualified for financial credits or they could directly procure inputs from suppliers. Educational tours for agro-dealers were organized to neighboring countries so that they could learn from their counterparts through experience-sharing. Internal educational exchange visits also were organized. Collaboration with other organizations in agro-dealer development improved and value was added in the intervention areas through such collaboration. Key collaborators were the MoA in the three countries; in Kenya, IFAD projects also worked very closely with EADN. Challenges encountered in implementing EADN were addressed based on experiences gained during the course of the project. Some required more collaborative efforts with other organizations involved in agricultural development. For example, in Kenya, a harmonized training program for agro-dealers was developed and will form the basis of future accreditation by the MoA. The program module was used to implement a European Union project in agro-dealer training in 2011.
p Officials
of the Kenyan MoA and EADN staff visited a research institute’s rice fields in Bangladesh.
EADN Project Summary
Field days were carried out throughout the life of the project on EADN crop demonstration plots. Field days were learning forums for farmers that also created opportunities for networking and linkages between farmers, agro-dealers, agro-input suppliers, financial institutions and local service providers.
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EADN Project Summary 8 p A farmers’
field day on cabbage production at an EADN demonstration site in Meru, Kenya.
Introduction Funded by IFAD, the EADN project supported smallholder farmers’ efforts to improve economic returns from agriculture by improving their access to modern production technologies and yield-enhancing agro-inputs (fertilizers, improved seed and CPPs) to increase productivity. The objective of Millennium Development Goal 1 is halving poverty and food insecurity by 2015. This objective is being achieved through increased agricultural productivity and production, improved by the availability and use of appropriate agro‑inputs.
Naseriani Ngaputi Farmer Muduli, Tanzania “On one-half of a hectare, we planted the certified seeds and on the other half, we used the seeds we have been using all along. The produce from the certified seeds was greater than from the plot on which we planted our local seeds. The certified seeds produced a very good crop of healthy maize, but we did not get any produce from our local seeds; we just got maize stock. So I have seen it’s better to plant certified seeds.”
The goal of EADN was to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by increasing incomes of poor farmers in the countries’ more remote areas. Project activities focused on strengthening the capacity of existing and new agrodealers and extending dealer networks in rural areas to better service the needs of poor smallholder farmers. EADN sought to empower farmers by improving their access to markets and knowledge of agro-inputs. The project emphasized increased private sector involvement in dealer networks and contributed to knowledge transfer through targeted training programs, product demonstrations and safe use and handling of pesticides. Improved market transparency and information exchange supported improved dealer access to loans and improved decision-making at all levels in the marketing chain. Agriculture forms the backbone of the economies of the three project countries in East Africa.
In Kenya, over 80 percent of the population directly or indirectly depends on agriculture as the source of their livelihood. However, agricultural production has been trending downward – primarily because of a low rate of adoption of agro-inputs (especially fertilizer) and inefficient use of these inputs. The trend has been more evident among rural smallholder farmers who are resource-poor and lack access to information and new technology.
Most farmers in Tanzania used farmer-saved seeds (FSS), which generate very low yield per hectare. Other factors contributing to low agricultural productivity include declining soil fertility, poor water control, weeds and increased pest and disease problems. Therefore, EADN’s contribution to improve farmer production practices was vital. Rates of agro-input use in Uganda are among the lowest in the world. Less than 10 percent of Ugandan farmers use fertilizer (less than two percent of smallholder farmers). Average fertilizer use is still less than 1.0 kilogram (kg)/ha/yr for most smallholder farm families. Studies have revealed that average nutrient depletion in Uganda is more than 60 kg/ha/yr (IFDC – An Action Plan for Developing Agro-Input Markets in Uganda, 2003). Furthermore, many people in Uganda wrongly perceive that their soils are fertile and that inorganic fertilizers are harmful to the soil. These issues call for a widespread public education campaign. Increasing yield per unit of land will require farmers to adopt high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties, use proper crop and land husbandry practices, use organic manure and inorganic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and develop skills to sustain small-scale irrigation and water conservation measures to hedge against drought or poor rains. Low productivity in Uganda can be traced to low usage rates of modern inputs such as improved varieties of crops and livestock breeds, fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation by smallholder farmers. The productivity per unit area is far below the desired standards to match the ever-increasing population in Uganda as envisaged in the 2007 report Plan for Modernization of Agriculture. This is attributable primarily to minimal usage of productivity-enhancing agro-inputs. EADN project implementation began in mid-2009. The primary activities implemented by the project included agro-dealer trainings, business linkage and networking meetings, technology transfer via demonstration plots, farmer field days and educational tours.
EADN Project Summary
In Tanzania, 85 percent of the population is engaged in or depends on agriculture. The agricultural sector is vital to Tanzania’s economy and also to the eradication of poverty. The sector creates more employment opportunities than any other and, as a result, the Tanzanian government has given special attention to agriculture under the slogan “Kilimo Kwanza” (Agriculture First) since 2005. Agriculture First was coupled with the introduction of a subsidized voucher system to help farmers access inputs.
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Kennedy Wambugu – A Smallholder Farmer in Mukurweini District of Kenya Kennedy Wambugu, who has been farming since he was a small boy, is a member of the farmer group Githanga Jua Kali. In 2009, the group was selected by the agricultural officer in Mukurweini District to host a demonstration plot to show maize production using modern agricultural methods as taught by the EADN project. Wambugu was chosen by Githanga Jua Kali to represent the group and manage the plot. He relates what happened: “We were approached by the Mukurweini District agricultural officer to host a demonstration plot. I was requested to manage the plot by other members of the group. I gave land for the purpose and through IFDC/EADN, I was provided with certified maize seed and some fertilizer for planting. I was also later provided with top dressing fertilizer. I was then guided by the local agricultural extension officer on how to plant using proper spacing and also how to apply the fertilizer at planting and later as top dressing. At the same time, I planted maize alongside the demonstration plot in the same manner I normally would, using the traditional methods I have used since I was a boy. “I have used fertilizer and also seed bought from the shops, but was not keen on their quality. Previously, I would plant maize without any fertilizer application at that time. Later, I mixed very small quantities of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizers and applied them after plant germination. On the demonstration plot, we placed appropriate t Kennedy
amounts of fertilizer, then planted the improved seed. When the plants were knee-high we applied CAN, the top dressing fertilizer. “The differences were pronounced even at the germination stage. The demonstration plot crops were vigorous and strong while my plot had few plants because germination was very poor. I also noted that even after a long spell of reduced moisture availability, the demonstration plot was more resistant, as it was strong at germination. The difference in yield between the two plots at harvest was astounding. I harvested less than one bag from my plot while I harvested over five bags from the demonstration plot! “Since then I have increased my farm to over a hectare, changed my farming practice and adopted what I learned from the demonstration. I have seen many benefits since then. I now have enough food for my family and therefore have realized savings from the money I previously used to buy food. I am also able to generate income from the sale of my farm’s surplus maize. Also, I have negotiated to purchase land from my neighbor, which I am buying with the income I am now earning. After decades of being a subsistence farmer, I have become a commercial farmer! “In 2010, I was invited to give a talk on how smallscale farmers can improve their food security and generate income from farming. This was during the World Food Day in Central Province, held in Mukurweini District. I told my fellow farmers of the transformation on my maize farm just from using the right agricultural methods, including the proper use of inputs. I emphasized the need for smallholder farmers to change their attitudes and to see farming as a business.” n
Wambugu shows the success of his maize field after adoption of modern agricultural practices.
p Wambugu
and his wife in a field before the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
EADN Project Summary
SUCCESS STORY
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EADN Project Summary 12
Agro-Input Overview Among the reasons for food deficits in East Africa are low rates of fertilizer and improved seed use. Some of the factors that contribute to this are: u Inability by the majority of farmers to buy fertilizers due to high prices. u Rural agro-dealers’ inadequate financial resources, preventing them from purchasing inputs in required
quantities. u Inefficient secondary distribution network – there are few rural agro-dealers, causing farmers to travel long
distances to access inputs. u Agro-dealers’ inadequate product knowledge, preventing them from giving reliable advice to farmers. u Agro-dealers’ limited entrepreneurial skills. u Lack of rural credit facilities. u Low prices for crops compared with input prices.
Kenya As EADN began, agricultural production in Kenya continued to decline amid increasing food needs caused by population growth rates. Concurrently, agro-input prices had been on an upward trend, reaching levels that most small-scale rural farmers could not afford. Fertilizer prices had risen by over 80 percent, while seed and CPP prices had risen by 10-20 percent. The rise in fertilizer prices was caused by rising crude oil prices, increased world demand for fertilizer and the weakness of the Kenyan shilling against the American dollar. High prices had led farmers to plant without fertilizers or to use very little. Coupled with farmers’ poor knowledge of proper input use, low yields and food shortages occurred across the country.
p EADN
project leader (white shirt/blue pants) with farmers in Nyandarua District, Kenya.
EADN Project Summary 13
p A technology
demonstration at an EADN field day in Rombo, Tanzania.
The Government of Kenya (GoK) developed interventions to aid small-scale farmers. The first intervention was direct importation of fertilizer by the government and its sale through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) at subsidized prices. The GoK also started another subsidy program – the National Accelerated Agricultural Input Access Program (NAAIAP). NAAIAP primarily targeted small-scale maize farmers with at least 0.4 ha of land. The program provided the farmer with an input voucher redeemable for maize seed as well as enough basal and top dressing fertilizer for 0.4 ha. In Kenya, most agro-dealer training focused on business development skills at the expense of product knowledge. EADN developed dealers’ technical (product) knowledge, as well as business skills. EADN empowered agro-dealers through training and technology transfer. These dealers are now empowering farmers by giving more complete information using demonstrations on inputs and their correct usage, which is expected to improve agricultural production and income levels of resource-poor farmers. Through interaction with other stakeholders involved in agro-dealer development – Agricultural Marketing Development Trust of Kenya (AGMARK) and the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK) – EADN initiated unified agro-dealer training. This involved the development of training curricula for both trainers and agro-dealers. The MoA was involved and coordinated the process and is accrediting agro-dealers who successfully participate in the trainings.
p A sunflower
demonstration plot in Uganda, showing a Pannar Hybrid variety on the left and a Sunfora OPV variety on the right.
EADN Project Summary 14
p A credit
official from Stanbic Bank addresses participants at an EADN business linkage roundtable in Mbale District,Uganda.
Tanzania While the private sector has contributed to agro-input availability, the input supply companies cannot deliver inputs at the village level. More rural agro-dealers are needed. However, even those that now exist have major problems including: a lack of financial capacity to buy enough inputs to meet farmers’ demands; lack of entrepreneurial and business skills; and a lack of collateral to justify financial institutions’ lending risks. Therefore, input use has been very low, contributing to food insecurity. Smallholder farmers are unable to obtain appropriate inputs to achieve adequate yields from increasingly depleted soils (compounded by poor water control, increased pests and diseases).
Uganda In collaboration with other stakeholders, EADN has worked to build the capacity of agro-dealers, to improve their knowledge of agro-inputs and to manage their businesses more effectively. This was expected to have a positive impact on smallholder farmers. The emphasis was placed on teaching modern agricultural practices, use of improved seed, recommended and efficient use of fertilizer and the safe handling and use of CPPs.
Naseriani Ngaputi – A Farmer Learns About Fertilizers “Like most of the farmers around me, I am a farmer who has grown maize using seed that has been saved from previous cropping seasons. This has been the common practice used by all farmers in this area. “When IFDC’s EADN project staff came to introduce the use of fertilizer and improved maize seed, I was not convinced. When they came to plant, my neighbors and I did not even know what the fertilizer called DAP was. To us, it looked like large grains of millet and we asked why they were planting millet together with maize in the same hole. We were also not used to planting our crops in rows and we were used to putting more maize seeds per hill, because so few would germinate. “As part of the test of the improved seed, I also planted traditional maize seeds alongside the demonstrations. The difference in germination rates was huge and even more so when harvesting the crop. It was like magic because the maize from the improved seed that was fertilized was strong and the kernels were very large compared to what I had planted. I harvested 12 bags from the fertilized demonstration plot of improved seed; I harvested only one bag from the plot in which I had planted my own saved seed without fertilizer. “My neighbors admired the maize crop during the field day they attended. Now I am using fertilizer and improved seeds and my neighbors are also using fertilizers, buying improved maize seed and planting in rows.” n
u Naseriani
Ngaputi stands in a harvested field on her farm.
EADN Project Summary
SUCCESS STORY
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EADN Project Summary 16
p Farmers
examine a demonstration plot in Tanzania.
Project Coverage Area p The
project covered provinces and districts in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
In Kenya, the project was implemented in five provinces and focused primarily in 20 districts that also were included in other IFAD programs (mainly the Smallholder Horticulture Marketing Program [SHoMaP] and the Central Kenya Dry Areas Project [CKDAP]). The districts included:  Bungoma (Bungoma East, Bungoma Central, Bungoma North, Bungoma South, Kimilili), Bureti, Embu (Embu West), Gucha, Kirinyaga (Kirinyaga South), Kisii Central, Meru Central, Meru North (Imenti), Meru South, Nandi (Nandi North, Nandi South, Tinderet), Nyandarua (Nyandarua North, Nyandarua South), Nyeri (Mukurweini) and Thika. In Tanzania, the project was implemented in 10 districts in three regions in northern Tanzania: Arusha Region (Arusha, Karatu, Meru and Monduli); Manyara Region (Mbulu, Simanjiro); and Kilimanjaro Region (Hai, Moshi Rural, Mwanga, Rombo). In Uganda, EADN activities were implemented in the following areas: eastern Uganda (Bukedea, Busia, Kapchorwa/Bukwo, Kumi, Manafwa/Bududa, Pallisa/Budaka and Tororo); western Uganda (Kabale, Kabarole/Bundibugyo, Kasese and Kisoro); and West Nile (Arua/Terego-Maracha and Nebbi/Zombo).
Administrative Boundary
EADN Project Summary
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EADN Project Summary
Arua
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Adapted from: Map No. 3862 Rev. 4 May 2003
UNITED NATIONS
Department of Public Information Cartographic Section
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UNITED NATIONS
EADN Project Summary
B a h r el J e b e l
UGANDA
Department of Public Information Cartographic Section
EADN Project Summary 20
Project Achievements Baseline and Outcome Assessment Surveys Baseline surveys were conducted in 2009 during the initial stages of the project to form a benchmark for later activities. The objective of the surveys was to identify intervention areas in the districts that EADN could address. The project conducted random sample surveys in several of the districts in the implementation areas; further sampling of agro-dealers and farmers was done to create a survey population.
Nancy Murage Agricultural Officer Mukurweini, Kenya “EADN helped us achieve improved production. The farmers who have adopted better farming practices have helped this district move out of the slot of the food insecure.”
p A roadside
market in Uganda.
EADN Project Summary 21
p The
chairman of a farmers’ group explains the results of an EADN demonstration to Rob Groot (white shirt in center), director of IFDC’s East and Southern Africa Division, and other visitors.
Kenya The survey was conducted in 13 districts; 177 agro-dealers and 120 farmers were interviewed. The second survey to assess the outcome of training took place in 24 districts, covering 103 agro-dealers. The surveys assessed the benefits and improvements made as a result of the trainings. In both surveys, over half of the agro-dealers interviewed were male; most had been in business for over five years; and their businesses operate throughout the year and not just during the growing season. In the initial survey, 83 percent of the retail businesses were located in urban centers and did not have branches in rural markets; only 17 percent had rural outlets. Results of the training outcome assessment indicated that 52 percent of the agro-dealers strongly agreed that the training was relevant and appropriate to their businesses. They ranked networking skills training as the most relevant with business management and marketing skills next. Nearly 30 percent either agreed or strongly agreed that they needed further training. The baseline survey indicated that 88 percent of the agro-dealers received information from input suppliers and distributors. According to 73 percent of the responses, dealers wanted more information about the products and technologies that they sell. Therefore, this was a key focus of the EADN training. Results revealed that 70 percent of the agro-dealers sourced their inputs from wholesalers and distributors. After completing the training, 67 percent of the agro-dealers are now procuring stock from new input suppliers. According to the baseline findings, the agro-dealers kept purchase, inventory and sales records. However, records on debtors and creditors were rarely kept. Results of the training outcome assessment survey showed that record-keeping increased by 20-30 percent, with records being kept including stock/inventory, sales/ purchases, profit/loss accounts, debtor/creditor and cash books.
EADN Project Summary 22
p Participants
at an EADN agro-dealer training in Imenti District, Kenya.
It was clear from the surveys that those who underwent training sold more compared with the untrained. This is due in part to the fact that only trained agro-dealers participate in the GoK fertilizer and seed subsidy programs. More than 90 percent of the agro-dealers reported an increase in sales in 2011 compared with the 2009 season (prior to EADN training). Post-training, 92 percent of the agro-dealers had visible signage to attract customers, 84 percent had front office display arrangements and 89 percent had products properly arranged on shelves. More than 80 percent joined an agro-dealer association (compared with only 19 percent who were pre-training members). The most popular benefits offered by the associations were business linkages, market information and advocacy. However, the agro-dealers cited gaps that needed to be addressed including access to credit and new product information, high input prices and the need for further and continuous training. Farmers interviewed indicated that they traveled an average of 7.0 km to access inputs. The main reason farmers chose particular agro-dealers was because those dealers sold their products at a better price than their competitors. This is expected to improve through better sourcing after participation in linkage forums. Most of the farmers appreciated the advice they receive from agrodealers (51 percent said that the advice was useful). Benefits realized by farmers because of advice from agro-dealers included increased yields and better storage methods. In addition, farmers stated that they would like to get more technical information about input usage. After the training, 97 percent of the agro-dealers are now comfortable dispensing advice on the correct and efficient use of inputs, with 63 percent being extremely comfortable. The MoA was the main source of information for farmers according to the survey results, while the second source of information was agro-dealers. Most of the farmers (about 57 percent) had no problem with the current fertilizer packaging, preferring package sizes in this order: 5-kg pack (35 percent); 10-kg pack (27 percent); and 25-kg pack (24 percent). The largest package – 50-kg – was preferred by only two percent of the interviewed farmers (it is too large and expensive for most farmers).
Samuel Nabimanya – An Extension Officer with a Sustainable Business Samuel Nabimanya is a National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) extension officer in Kabale District who realized the opportunities in the agro-input sector after attending an EADN capacity building training session.
concentrate on agro-input demand creation and advisory service support to farmers and to expand to other technologies that he is sure will enhance the incomes of the farmers – thus improving their purchasing power.
Prior to attending the EADN training, Nabimanya was engaged in establishing technology transfer demonstrations in Bukinda sub-county in Kabale District. However, he often faced the challenge of farmers failing to access the necessary agroinputs after participating in the demonstrations. Sometimes he would buy agro-inputs on their behalf while in the urban centers and deliver them to the farmers at no charge.
Currently, he has two agro-input outlets in Kabale and his participation in business linkage platforms has further helped him link with various suppliers and distributors. Due to his success and his credibility as an extension officer, they offer stock on credit, which he repays after the products are sold. Nabimanya is certain that the business relationship management techniques he acquired from EADN are among the reasons for his success and have helped him to build a sustainable business. n
However, the EADN workshop opened his eyes to the possibility of various business opportunities. He took the initiative to open an agro-input outlet in Bukinda sub-county and employed someone to manage it on his behalf (since he continued as an extension officer). This helped Nabimanya to
p Samuel
Nabimanya inside one of his two agro-input outlets.
EADN Project Summary
SUCCESS STORY
23
EADN Project Summary 25
p An
EADN agro-dealer training session in Kimili District, Kenya.
t Opposite
page: A demonstration on the proper use of protective clothing at an EADN training in Nakuru, Kenya.
t Below
left: A trainer demonstrates the proper use of a knapsack sprayer pump to EADN training participants in Nakuru, Kenya.
Uganda The baseline survey sampled 140 of the 190 active agro-dealers and 120 representatives of farmer groups active near the agro-dealers within the identified project implementation districts. Data collected included: demographic variables; capacity status of agro-dealers; input business dynamics and markets; available and accessible credit facilities; institutional/association affiliations and ownership; customer focus; and services offered by agro‑dealers. Consideration was also given to farmer groups’ input procurement modalities, agricultural production status and post-harvest marketing of produce. In the baseline study, agro-dealers attached more relevance to information taught by EADN than by other development programs. The dealers preferred key skills such as product knowledge (95.6 percent); business management (91.6 percent); and financial management (43.1 percent). The project intervention resulted in 58.6 percent adopting some of the skills and incorporating them into their business operations. These skills included customer care and management (54.9 percent); record-keeping – especially cash sales and expenses (38.4 percent); technology transfer demonstrations as part of a marketing strategy (25.9 percent); and outreach marketing to connect more with farmer-customers (22.6 percent). The project had a positive impact on agro-dealer sales due to their improved knowledge of products and services, customer relations and business management skills. Agro-dealers with sales of less than million Uganda shillings dropped from 15.2 percent to 10.1 percent; those in the range of 2.0-10.0 million Uganda shillings increased from 20.7 percent to 28.9 percent. Through business linkage platforms, there is a recognized improvement in the input-sourcing options available to agro-dealers. The percentage of agrodealers sourcing from one to six suppliers/distributors was reduced from 36.9 percent to 26.9 percent, and those sourcing from more than six suppliers/distributors increased from 18.6 percent to 28.6 percent.
EADN Project Summary 26
There was also an increase in the level of agro-input business engagement. Owners were encouraged to involve family members in their businesses, and learned about succession planning and management. This reduced the number of agro-dealer businesses run and managed by one person from 56.2 percent to 43.1 percent and those managed by two persons to increase from 14.1 percent to 24.2 percent.
Miriam Njuguna Agro-dealer Nyandarua, Kenya “Through the training I learned how to run my business more professionally. I also learned how to handle customers more effectively, how to keep records and how to better manage my money. Now I am not afraid when going to the bank. I have confidence that I will make it. “Now anytime I hear there is a training course I always rush there because I know I will gain more knowledge about the products. That is most important because I cannot just sell something to a customer, I need to know how it is used. “I believe that if it were not for the training I would not be where I am today. I want to improve my knowledge because I know I am here to stay.”
Tanzania The baseline survey targeted a sample of 240 farmers and 120 agro-dealers in eight districts. An equal number of agro-dealers from each district were randomly selected. Of those dealers, 67 percent were men; 33 percent were women. The survey indicated that their key area of interest was technical knowledge about the agro-inputs they sell. Of those interviewed, 70 percent indicated that their agro-dealer business was their sole source of income. The survey also found that 97 percent of the dealers sell seed, fertilizers and CPPs. The majority of the agro-dealerships surveyed operate as retailers; 86 percent operate their businesses throughout the year while only 14 percent operate seasonally.
Survey results show that information/ instruction on how to use inputs is mostly given by extension officers (45 percent), but that the dealers believe the amount of training is inadequate. A 2011 follow-on survey indicated that IFDC’s intervention was highly appreciated.
p Farmers
participating in an EADN demonstration of fertilizer top dressing in Kisoro District, Uganda.
EADN Project Summary 27
p Students
participate in an EADN field day in Rombo, Tanzania.
According to the survey results, the agro-dealers keep sales and purchase records as well as stock and inventory records. However, records on debtors and creditors were rarely kept. In terms of credit usage, over 55 percent of the respondents used credit facilities obtained from banks and/or micro-finance institutions (MFIs). Lack of credit facilities was usually due to the lack of collateral. However, National Microfinance Bank (NMB) offered loans to agro-dealers who successfully completed an agro-dealer training program. The 2011 follow-on survey also indicated that those who underwent training generated greater revenue through increased sales compared with untrained dealers.
Daniel Loiruck Regional Agriculture Advisor Arusha Region, Tanzania “One of the organizations that we have been collaborating with is IFDC – especially in strengthening the agro-dealer networks. The government is giving out vouchers for agro-inputs and it is one of our interventions towards food security and increasing farmers’ income. We needed this collaboration with IFDC as we mobilized our agricultural extension officers. And we really need the agrodealers to be close to the farmers so that they can provide the agro-inputs at the right time and the right varieties as required in different parts of the country.”
The importance of an agro-dealer association was emphasized during the EADN trainings. The follow-up survey revealed that in 50 percent of the districts surveyed, agro-dealers have subsequently formed associations. In regard to the farmers surveyed, most (150 of 240) cultivate an area of 0.5-5.0 ha per year. Most would like to buy small packages of agro-inputs, which are convenient to carry and affordable. Farmers get information on how to use inputs and markets from extension officers, supply companies and agro-dealers. According to the surveys, IFDC/EADN demonstrations and field days were very helpful to farmers, because they learned about the importance of agro-inputs and how to properly use them.
EADN Project Summary 28
SUCCESS STORY John Matama – Building An Effective Agro-Dealership John Matama sells produce and agro-inputs in Bubulo sub-county in the Manafwa District of eastern Uganda. Formerly, his primary business was selling produce to Kenyans who would come to his township via the Lwakoko border post. However, as business in the community increased, several new competitors began operating in the township. John realized that he lacked the loyalty of the local farmers, who were selling their produce to his business rivals. After attending an EADN capacity building training workshop in Mbale, he realized the opportunity he could have to develop better business relationships
p John
Matama in his thriving agro-input shop.
with area farmers if he professionalized the agroinput side of his business. Area farmers began seeing him from a different perspective – a fair businessman who would sell them effective agroinputs as well as offer a market for their surplus harvests. Because of improved customer loyalty to his business (which has improved his income), John also offers his farmer-customers credit when they purchase agro-inputs, which he recovers at harvest when they sell him their surplus crops. His agroinput sales have increased 10-fold (to over 3 million Ugandan shillings), while his produce sales have grown from 2 million to over 10 million Ugandan shillings annually. n
EADN Project Summary 29
p A well-stocked
agro-dealership in Tanzania.
Capacity Building of Agro-Dealers Kenya Peter Mbogo Project Manager IFAD-SHoMaP Nakuru, Kenya “When we hold demonstrations on crop production and field days, we bring farmers and input stockists together to interact and create relationships that will improve the businesses of both groups. “Farmers are able to identify stockists who operate within their areas and they develop relationships and procure inputs from these stockists. “The field days also bring other service providers like banks, financial institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to inform the farmers about their services. We have even seen other value chain players participating in these field days.”
One of EADN’s key components was building the capacity of agro-dealers. An agro-dealer training curriculum was developed to cover two key areas – product knowledge (fertilizer, seed and CPPs) and marketing and business management/customer service and care. Most agrodealers lack knowledge about the products they sell and yet farmers rely on them for advice on these products, as evidenced by the baseline survey findings. Therefore, EADN training modules were geared toward improving dealers’ knowledge about the inputs they sell so that they can offer quality advisory services to farmers. This is important since the ratio of extension officers to farmers is inadequate. Prior to the project’s implementation, a ToT course was held in March 2009 to ensure that those who were to be trainers were knowledgeable about the topics they were expected to transfer. A total of 27 people were trained for two weeks in Nairobi (eight each from Kenya and Tanzania and 11 from Uganda). In Kenya, 21 training events were conducted; 443 agrodealers were trained (150 women and 293 men). Each training lasted three days. Eight ToT trainers facilitated the trainings. Table 1-A in Annex 1 gives a summary of trained agro-dealers by district and gender.
EADN Project Summary 30
p A display
of value-added products at a field day in Embu, Kenya.
Elizabeth Massawe Agro-dealer Rombo (Terekea), Tanzania “[Because of the training] my business is growing and I was able to open another agro-input shop. If I had not gotten this training, I would not have been able to help my clients. Because I have helped them farm more effectively, they have increased their purchases. Now I also make an effort to deliver to my clients’ farms. If they have bought some fertilizer, I will deliver it to their farm and that way they keep trading with my shop.”
As a result of the EADN agro-dealer training, the Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP), which has a chain of agro-input outlets across the country, asked EADN to train their shop managers and attendants. A total of 37 KENFAP employees were trained. Also, Equator Kenya Limited, a private company contracting with farmers to produce paprika and birds’ eye chili peppers in Coast Province, asked EADN to conduct a training for agro-dealers to improve service in the districts they worked with farmers; 25 agro-dealers from six districts in Coast Province were trained. An organizational development and management training workshop was organized and facilitated by IFDC at the request of district agro-dealer associations. This was a result of an educational tour to Uganda in which the agro-dealers interacted with the Uganda National Agro-Input Dealers Association (UNADA) and the orientation information provided during EADN training. Training was organized for 34 interim officials (23 men, 11 women) to improve their skills in management of the districtlevel grassroots associations, which became the Kenya National Agro-Dealers Association (KENADA).
Tanzania Over three years, 402 agro-dealers (277 men and 125 women) received training in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives (MAFC), seed companies, agro-chemical and fertilizer companies, NMB and the Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT). A training manual in Kiswahili (the language spoken by nearly all Tanzanians) was developed. The training manual was translated from training materials developed by IFDC.
Kenya
293
150
443
EADN Project Summary
Uganda
Tanzania
277
125
402
31
Uganda
435
96
531
1,005
371
1,376
EADN trained 531 agro-dealers – 96 women (18.1 percent of the total) and 435 men (81.9 percent) – in the project implementation areas of Uganda (Annex 1, Table 1-B). Capacity building trainings focused on product knowledge and business and financial management of agro-input businesses. Table 1. Summary of Agro-Dealers Trained
Country
Total
Men
Women
Total
Capacity Building of Extension Staff Kenya One of the project’s key output areas was building and strengthening the capacities of extension agents. A five-day training workshop was organized targeting extension officers from the MoA. Training covered: review of facilitation and training skills; safe use and handling of CPPs; fertilizer and seed product knowledge; business management and marketing; and importance of a regional agro-input market information system.
Stephen Mwangi MoA Officer Nyandarua, Kenya “Because of the extension staff training by IFDC, I was able to convince AAK to give me 100,000 KSh. to train officers and farmers. With the money I was able to train all 31 officers and 106 farmers.”
The training was a refresher course for the extension officers (all of whom had a background in agricultural training). However, it was noted that over 90 percent of the participants had not undergone any training in the safe use and handling of agro-chemicals. Two key stakeholders – AAK and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) – were invited to facilitate the sessions on safe use and handling of pesticides and seed, respectively. The training was highly rated and appreciated by the participants. Extension officers (nine women and 20 men) from 29 districts were trained.
EADN Project Summary 32
Tanzania In Tanzania, 61 public sector extension staff (26 women and 35 men) were trained in Monduli and Hai districts (Annex 1, Table 1-C). The trainings were requested by the respective agricultural districts’ local authorities. Table 2. Summary of EADN-Trained Public Extension Service Providers
Country
Men
Women
Total
Kenya
20
9
29
Tanzania
35
26
61
Total
55
35
90
Technology Transfer n Crop Demonstrations Agro-inputs are often too expensive for many rural smallholder farmers in the region. The few farmers who can afford inputs have not realized their full benefits due to improper use or the wrong choice of agro-inputs for soil conditions and/or crops. In collaboration with the ministries of agriculture in the three countries, EADN established crop demonstration plots to train farmers on the proper use of recommended agro-inputs.
Kenya Demonstration plots were set up in collaboration with the respective district Ministry of Agriculture offices (DAO), the SHoMaP program in some districts and input suppliers. EADN provided the inputs while the MoA provided technical guidance and backstopping to the farmers and farmer groups. Communities provided land for the demonstration plots, labor and other locally available inputs. IFAD/SHoMaP shared costs for some of the demonstration plots in districts in which it had a presence. A total of 93 demonstration plots (covering 8.6 ha) were established as a means of transferring technology to farmers. The objective of the demonstrations was to show farmers the importance of using certified seeds; recommended fertilizers; methods, timing and correct rates of application; proper use of agro-chemicals; and recommended agronomic practices for the demonstration crops. The selection of demonstration crops was discussed with the DAO teams to determine the priority crops that would have an impact in a specific district. The district agricultural teams also identified the farmers/farmer groups to host the demonstrations. Table 2-A in Annex 2 gives a list of the demonstration plots established during the project and the distribution in the project districts.
u Opposite
page: Farmers inspect a cabbage field at an EADN field day in Meru, Kenya.
EADN Project Summary
Economic Analysis of Select Demonstrations
34
Economic analyses of maize and Irish potato demonstrations indicated that farmers would benefit if they adopted the technologies used in the demonstrations. The gross margin analysis results are presented in Annex 2, Table 2-B. For maize, the yield in the demonstration plots increased two-fold when compared with farmers’ traditional practice (3.6 mt/ha compared with 1.8 mt/ha). This yield translated to a gross margin of KSh. 18,000/ha for demonstration plots and (negative) KSh. 13,000/ha for farmers’ practice. Two Irish potato varieties were planted: Asante and Tigoni, which yielded 16.8 mt/ha and 23.7 mt/ha, respectively, as compared with potatoes under farmers’ practice. The gross margin was 76 percent and 97 percent higher for Asante and Tigoni varieties, respectively, when compared with yields from farmers’ traditional practice. It was also noted that if farmers were to multiply potato seed, they would make in excess of KSh. 375,000/ha for the Tigoni variety compared with KSh. 67,500/ha that they make as gross margin on traditional potatoes at KSh 1,000/50-kg bag.
n Urea Deep Placement Trials UDP, a technology developed in part by IFDC, has been highly successful in increasing rice production in Bangladesh for over three decades. Today, UDP technology is being employed on over 1 million hectares of Bangladeshi farmland, representing more than 12 percent of the nation’s annual irrigated rice crops. UDP technology counters the low crop uptake of nutrients (most critically nitrogen [N]) supplied when fertilizers are broadcast. Broadcasting increases losses from ammonia volatilization, nitrification/denitrification, leaching, immobilization and ammonium fixation. The deep placement of nitrogen-rich urea briquettes near a plant’s root zone has proven to reduce traditional nutrient losses, mitigate environmental risks and substantially reduce the advent of weeds, pests and plant diseases. In addition, less fertilizer is used, replacing multiple broadcast applications with a single UDP application.
Kenya Eighty percent of Kenya’s national rice production is achieved through a national irrigation program conducted by the National Irrigation Board (NIB). This program is concentrated in Mwea in central Kenya and Ahero, West Kano and Bunyala in western Kenya. EADN supported UDP technology trials using urea briquettes on rice crops in collaboration with the NIB and MoA. The trials were established at NIB’s Mwea Irrigation Agricultural Development (MIAD) Center. The trials were conducted as a follow-up to a visit to Bangladesh in February 2010 by a team including senior MoA officials and Philip Karuri, the EADN project leader. The visit resulted from a request to EADN by an MoA official. The team recommended
u Opposite
page: Farmers apply UDP fertilizer in a field in Mwea, Kenya.
EADN Project Summary 36
p A UDP trial q Below:
plot at Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme (Mwea, Kenya).
Urea briquettes manufactured in Rwanda and used in a UDP demonstration in Kenya.
A Promise By Bidan Muhingo Rice Farmer in Mwea, Kenya “I am just waiting to see the yield that comes out of this UDP plot, otherwise the crop is speaking for itself when I compare it with my own crop. UDP can save me a lot of money because I will top dress only once using UDP; I usually use sulfate of ammonia and top dress two to three times. Come next season, I will convert my entire 1.6 ha farm to the UDP method.”
adoption of the UDP technology in Kenya since research in Bangladesh had shown that UDP use increased paddy rice yields by 22 percent while decreasing the amount of urea fertilizer used by 47 percent. The trials (which have continued) seek to establish the effect of the UDP technology on paddy rice production in Kenya, both on fertilizer use efficiency and yield, to encourage adoption of the technology if found beneficial. Four treatments were used (1.8 g, 2.7 g, recommended fertilizer and a control with no fertilizer) and MIAD conducted the trial. These treatments were to be compared against the recommended fertilizer for rice production in Mwea at 40 kg/ ha of N and 60 kg/ha of P2O5 at transplanting and 40 kg/ha of N as top dressing.
Average rice yields in Mwea are about 5.0 mt/ha, which is a relatively low yield compared with the yields of other riceproducing nations. Yields above 7.0 mt/ha have been recorded in Egypt, Japan and South Korea; a substantial increase in Kenyan production was a expectated. Results from the first trial were promising. To collect measurable statistical data, the trials are to continue through a number of cropping seasons in the Mwea and Ahero rice irrigation schemes. When the final results are tabulated, IFDC will utilize the data to formulate an action plan for greater use of the UDP technology in Kenya and other African countries. On-farm trials also began, following the convincing results from the initial on-station trials. Farmers hosting the UDP trials were impressed with the UDP crop when compared with the crop under
EADN Project Summary 37
p In
Mwea, Kenya, a farmer uses the traditional method of broadcasting urea in a flooded rice field.
their own practice. One of the farmers, Bidan Muhingo, decided to put his entire 1.6Â ha rice farm under UDP in the next cropping season. He points out that UDP not only saves the cost of fertilizer but also the cost of labor because he normally applies sulfate of ammonia two to three times as compared with urea briquettes, which are only applied once.
u The
Kenyan team members are shown by Bangladeshi hosts how a briquette applicator works.
EADN Project Summary 38 p The
Kenya team on a tour of a factory that manufactures briquette-making machines for UDP technology in Bangladesh.
SUCCESS STORY EADN’s Urea Deep Placement Technology Trials in Kenya In August 2009, IFDC President and CEO Dr. Amit Roy gave the keynote speech at the Kenya National Fertilizer Conference, which was organized by the MoA. In his presentation, Roy spoke about the improved nutrient use efficiency rates of UDP technology in rice production in Bangladesh. With UDP technology, USG are deep-placed in the rice root zone, leading to increased rice yields. UDP has three key benefits – crop yields are increased while less fertilizer is used, saving money for the farmer and reducing the impact on the environment. Following up on Roy’s speech, the director in charge of agribusiness and market development in the MoA approached the EADN project leader with a request that EADN facilitate an educational tour to Bangladesh for MoA staff to better understand how the UDP technology worked. The EADN project organized such a visit through the IFDC office in Bangladesh for a team of four senior agricultural officers from the Kenyan ministry in February 2010. The team included the director who requested the tour, the director in charge of agricultural policy, an
officer in the MoA mechanization division and an agricultural officer in charge of a rice production district. During the tour, the team visited the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and the
EADN Project Summary 39 p The
farmer (spotted shirt) who hosted the UDP demonstration in Mwea, showing others how to place the briquettes.
q The
team visits a farmer’s field in Bangladesh, where UDP technology is being used to grow rice.
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute – the two institutions conducting intensive research on rice production technologies, including UDP. The Kenyans also made field visits where they met Bangladesh MoA personnel in charge of rice production and farmers using UDP to grow their rice crops. Returning from the visit, the team was convinced that UDP technology should be introduced in Kenya. They recommended this to the MoA and, as a result, the director of IFDC’s East and Southern Africa Division was approached for support to introduce the technology. The EADN project was chosen to support the MoA and the UDP technology trial started in September 2010 through a collaboration of EADN, MoA and the NIB at an NIB rice research center at one of the major rice-growing irrigation schemes.
NIB recommended replication of the trials in 2011 at the second-largest irrigation scheme in Kenya (Ahero in western Kenya), while also recommending on-farm demonstrations under farmers’ conditions. Results from the first Kenyan trial are promising. Total grain, fertile grains and sterile grain weight differed significantly between treatments. An application of a 2.7-g UDP briquette gave the highest total grain weight and fertile grain weight. The use of the 2.7-g briquette resulted in a 30.1 percent and 31 percent increase in total grain weight over the standard method and the control (no fertilizer), respectively. In similar fashion, total grain yields differed significantly among the four treatments. The use of UDP resulted in 37 percent higher yields compared with the standard method and a 56 percent increase in yield above the control. To expand and sustain the use of UDP in Kenya, the private sector must become interested in the technology and in importing the briquetting equipment for production. EADN staff convinced the Athi River Mining Company (with IFDC’s assistance) to import two briquetting machines, making the fertilizer available to farmers during the introductory stage. There has also been an interest in Tanzania and South Sudan, where Athi River has exported USG fertilizer for tests. n
EADN Project Summary 40
Tanzania In Tanzania, stakeholders involved in the implementation of crop demonstrations included local agrodealers, service providers to oversee the proper implementation of the right package, private and public seed companies, CPP suppliers and the MAFC. Site selection of demonstration plots was done in collaboration with the MAFC office in the districts.
John Andrea Farmer Rombo District, Tanzania
“Before EADN, I used to harvest four bags of sunflowers from my 1.0-hectare farm. With improved farming knowledge such as the use of fertilizer and hybrid seed, I harvested 12 bags from the same piece of land in 2010. This year, the crop is looking even more promising. All the farmers around me have copied the same farming practice after a field day that was held on my farm in February. I am now able to feed my animals with sunflower oil, have enough oil for the whole year and sell the rest, allowing me to pay for my children’s school fees very easily, which I could not do before.”
p One
There were 43 demonstration plots established in 10 districts. The selection of demonstration crops was based on local preferences; the purpose was to improve farmers’ attitudes regarding the use of agro–inputs. The demonstration plots’ increased yields and profitability helped convince farmers of the benefits of agro-inputs. The crops selected ranged from food crops such as maize to high-value ‘cash’ crops such as sunflowers, onions and tomatoes. Participation by MAFC officials was important because they have greater knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of their farmers and agro-dealers. In Rombo District, maize and sunflower yield increases in demonstration plots were 434 percent and 712 percent, respectively; in Mbulu District, there was a 236 percent yield increase in maize production (Annex 2, Table 2-C).
of the EADN demonstration plots at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro (seen in the background).
EADN Project Summary 41
p Agro-dealers
from Kenya on an educational tour in Kapchorwa, Uganda.
Uganda As part of EADN’s objective to create demand for agro-inputs, eight districts participated in the technology transfer activities during the project. Enterprises deemed viable by the agro-dealers and farmers were supported by the project to enhance awareness and understanding of new production techniques. More than 125 technology transfer demonstration sites were established. Farmers were selected to host the sites along with agro-dealers affiliated with sites depending on their business locations. This enabled the agro-dealers to take a leading role in the demonstration activities along with the farmers and participating stakeholders, such as district-level extension organizations and NGOs. With support from IFDC/EADN, trained agro-dealers learned that demonstration sites are a valuable marketing tool and are opportunities for short-term technical assistance and technology transfer. ‘Ownership’ of the demonstration plots by participating agro-dealers motivated other dealers to take the initiative to establish their own technology transfer demonstrations.
EADN Project Summary 42
p Value u An
addition of produce is demonstrated as part of an EADN field day.
EADN field day in Bungoma East, Kenya, features a question-and-answer session.
n Participation in Regional Agricultural Shows Kenya In addition to demonstrations on farmers’ fields, EADN also facilitated demonstrations on proper crop production at regional agricultural shows. EADN participated in the Kisii District agricultural show as a way of reaching farmers outside the project areas.
Tanzania EADN participated in the Zonal Agricultural Show in Arusha in collaboration with ACT and several agrodealers. Activities included demonstrations of the efficient use of agro-inputs on various crops and the displays of several agro-inputs by the agro-dealers. During the agricultural show, more than 650 people visited the EADN stand, including senior members of the government and representatives of a number of NGOs. This led to a number of collaborations. EADN also participated in a seed fair to demonstrate the proper and efficient use of fertilizer and CPPs to reap maximum yields from seeds. This demonstration created a great deal of interest from visiting farmers and
EADN Project Summary 44
p Kenya
Commercial Bank participates in an EADN farmers’ field day in Nyahuru, Kenya.
agro-dealers. More than 500 farmers visited the EADN demonstration site; many had questions regarding the proper use of inputs. The seed fair was held on the World Vegetable Centre (AVRDC) farm in Arusha and attracted six seed companies, as well as input suppliers and agro-dealers.
n Field Days Field days were held on several of the demonstration sites established for technology transfer to farmers.
Kenya
Salome Njonge Agricultural Extension Officer Nyandarua, Kenya “We were given improved seeds and fertilizer by EADN. We planted the seeds and now we are comparing yields with the farmers’ practice. There is a very big difference and farmers appreciate the seeds and fertilizer. “The farmers feel so positively about the project because they have compared the way they used to farm and the way they are doing it now. The recommendations from IFDC and the Ministry have changed the farmers’ practice.”
As shown in Annex 3, Table 3-A, 26 field days were held in different districts. Through the field days, 6,244 farmers (3,796 men and 2,448 women) were trained in modern agricultural technologies, including the use of correct seeds and the efficient and proper use of fertilizers and CPPs, value addition (such as agro-processing) and home economics training by the MoA with an emphasis on utilization and cottage processing. The farmers also had an opportunity to interact with more than 70 agricultural stakeholders at the field days, including agro-input supply companies, agrodealers, NGOs, commodity-based organizations (CBOs), government departments, financial institutions and research organizations.
Justus Namureeba – A Record-Keeper after EADN Training Justus Namureeba is an agro-dealer in Kabale District in southwestern Uganda. He has been in the agro-input business for over 10 years; nonetheless, his main challenge has been the financial management of his business. Even though he opened two agro-input outlets to better serve his customers (by bringing services closer to them), money matters have been complex and he has been unable to realize profits. But after attending an EADN project capacity building training session on business and financial management, he now has the knowledge to manage his cash flow and record- keeping. He is better able to analyze his various business transactions and manage his shops more effectively. Namureeba has also been able to separate his business from his personal accounts. He realized that he was using most of the income from his
p Justus
Namureeba in his shop with the record-keeping books.
sales for domestic expenses rather than putting the money into his business. He learned that the business could generate enough income to support expansion and domestic expenses if it was managed more professionally. He has developed procedures that his staff must follow in his absence in order to maintain recordkeeping. Keeping accurate records has ‘paid off’ for Namureeba because his business has prospered. He also decided to engage in commercial farming as a way to generate additional income to finance his domestic expenses and provide capital for further business expansion. With the knowledge he gained from the EADN training and his entrepreneurial efforts, he is currently operating his agro-input shops on a solid financial basis. n
EADN Project Summary
SUCCESS STORY
45
EADN Project Summary 46
p Ugandan
agro-dealers visit an agro-input outlet in Arusha, Tanzania.
Tanzania Thirteen field days were held over three years in eight districts. During the field days 4,229 farmers (2,478 men and 1,751 women) were trained on a variety of modern agricultural technologies. Farmers also had an opportunity to interact with stakeholders during the field days, including agro-input supply companies, agro-dealers, NGOs, CBOs, government departments and research organizations.
David Ndungu Gitari Dakima Horticultural Farmers Nyandarua, Kenya “A quarter-hectare of land was producing five bags of potatoes, but now we are expecting to harvest more than 20 bags. This demonstrates that if we change from the way we have been farming and start planting improved seeds and using fertilizers, we will be able to grow more and better produce. “Our farmers’ group is planning to become seed multipliers in Shamata. From the training we received, we know the importance of multiplying and selling good seeds so that other farmers can also increase their production. So we are planning to buy more land and multiply the seeds.”
EADN Project Summary 47
p The
IFDC EADN stand at the Regional Agricultural Show in Arusha, Tanzania.
u Center: A seed
company display table at an EADN farmer field day in Bukedea District, Uganda.
Some field days received media attention from Independent Television (ITV) and STAR Television, local FM radio stations and newspapers. Information was also posted on the IFDC website and articles were written for the ACT newsletter.
Uganda EADN facilitated four field days with 369 farmers, district agricultural officers and extension personnel, 23 agro-input suppliers and distributors and 43 agro-dealers participating (Annex 3, Table 3-B). The suppliers/distributors who participated in the various mini-product exhibitions during field day activities included Balton U Ltd, Meta Products (U) Ltd, Mt. Elgon Seeds, Pearl Seeds Ltd, Twiga Chemicals Ltd and El Shadai Int. Ltd.
Table 3. Summary of Participants Reached in Field Days
Country
Men
Women
Total
Kenya
3,796
2,448
6,244
Tanzania
2,494
1,824
4,318
Uganda
369
*.
369
6,659
4,272
10,931
Total * Figures not available on gender basis.
EADN Project Summary 48
p A representative
of Lachlan Tanzania Ltd provides information to agro-dealers about the availability and reliability of the company’s products.
Business Linkage and Networking Business linkage and networking were key EADN activities. Activities were tailored to bridge the gap between agro-dealers, agro-input supply companies, importers and other service providers. The objective was to enhance business relationships among the stakeholders in order to improve access to quality inputs for rural farmers at the appropriate time, price and place. A total of 505 people participated in these forums (as shown in Table 4 on page 50).
Gilbert Ngetich Proprietor, Wakulima Store Bureti District, Kenya “Because of the networking meetings, I can now get my stock easily by making a telephone call to the companies I met. Last season, I ran out of stock of shortseason maize seed and my local distributor didn’t have any in stock. I made a call to Pannar Seed Company and my stock was replenished within one day!”
Kenya Two business linkage meetings were held – one in Kericho for the South Rift region and the second in Bungoma for the larger Bungoma region. The Kericho meeting brought together agro-dealers from several districts, input supply companies, MoA representatives, financial institutions and others involved in agrodealer development such as AGMARK. The Bungoma meeting brought together agro-dealers and input supply companies from multiple districts. Each of the service providers made a presentation on their company and products. At the end of the
The meetings were beneficial; for example, input supply companies without a network of distributors were able to identify potential agents for their products through the meetings. Key issues included: u Shortage of seed during peak season – agro-dealers made contacts with the input distributors and were
advised to get in touch whenever there is a shortage. u Counterfeit products – agro-dealers were advised to buy only from recognized distributors and report
anyone distributing counterfeit products to MoA officials. u Companies were requested to organize regular trainings for agro-dealers to inform them about new
products. u Some agro-dealers are operating illegally (without the necessary licenses) – the MoA promised to
conduct regular checks to ensure all dealers meet the legal requirements.
Tanzania Discussions occurred between suppliers and agrodealers regarding stock. Through the interactions, agro-dealers were informed on what to procure and when. A total of 118 people participated in these meetings. The linkage meetings were very successful because most of the agro-dealers’ questions were answered on the spot. The agro-dealers appreciated the opportunity to meet the agroinput suppliers. They were able to provide their observations about various products they sell, as well as feedback from their farmer-customers. A major issue was curbing counterfeit inputs because their effect is so negative. The suppliers acknowledged that counterfeit p An IFAD program manager awards certificates inputs were available in the market even when of participation at an EADN training in they had no stock available. Arrangements were Meru Central District, Kenya. made between the suppliers and agro-dealers for future distribution channels. If agro-dealers combined their orders, a supplier could cut transportation costs – and prices. This would create price competitiveness that could be passed to their clients (e.g., traders operating in Karatu, which is 150 km from Arusha). Seed companies were requested to demonstrate their seeds at district levels, which they agreed to do in upcoming seasons.
EADN Project Summary
meetings, open sessions were provided for discussions and networking. The meetings were attended by 16 input companies and 49 agro-dealers. MoA officials from the respective districts also participated.
49
EADN Project Summary 50
Uganda EADN facilitated eight business linkage meetings in the central districts of Arua, Kabale, Kasese and Mbale. The meetings brought together 318 participants (269 men and 49 women) including agro-dealers, distributors, suppliers and collaborating partners such as government agricultural agencies (NAADS, DAO), commercial banks such as Stanbic Bank and Centenary Bank NGOs involved in promoting increased farm productivity, among other stakeholders. The business linkage meetings were appreciated since they were scheduled prior to the season, enabling the stakeholders to: plan business activities; arrange procurement sources in advance; plan for financing based on the projected scale of business; and forecast demands for future stock management. Participants established networking contacts and suppliers identified agro-dealers to support grassroots marketing of their inputs among farmers. Financial institutions and suppliers/distributors committed to participate in future forums organized closer to their service beneficiaries after realizing the potential of the rural agricultural markets. Table 4. Summary of Participants in EADN Business Linkage Meetings
Country
Men
Women
Total
Kenya
59
10
69
Tanzania
87
31
118
Uganda
269
49
318
Total
415
90
505
EADN Project Summary 51
p An
agro-input shop in Uganda advertises its membership in UNADA, Uganda’s national association of agro-dealers.
Study Tours Kenya In March 2010, a three-day tour to Uganda was organized by EADN as one of the agrodealer development activities. The tour had three objectives: to show the Kenyan agrodealers how associations are formed and managed; the benefits members of UNADA receive; and to learn and share experiences with Ugandan agro-dealers. One agro-dealer was selected for the tour from each of the eight districts in which EADN had held agrodealer trainings. The group attended a one-day linkage meeting organized by the EADN staff in Uganda. The meeting brought together agrodealers, distributors, suppliers and UNADA. At the meeting, the Kenyan agro-dealers learned how agro-input marketing is done in Uganda and the challenges encountered.
u Participants
in an EADN agrodealer training discuss key issues.
EADN Project Summary 52
p Geoffrey
Livingston of IFAD discusses a point with the Nyandarua District Agricultural Officer while on a field visit to a farmers group in Kenya.
They also learned the importance of linkages from the Ugandan dealers, who discussed how they formed vital business connections for future exploitation. The team visited Kapchorwa to meet UNADA officials and members of the Kapchorwa Commercial Farmers Association (KACOFA). The Kenyans also learned about the relationship between UNADA and KACOFA. UNADA officials led by National Chairman Wilson Chemusto explained how UNADA has grown since its formation in 2003. Chemusto also explained the UNADA leadership structure and how the association members have managed to stay united. In addition to providing information about methods of agro-input marketing, UNADA also provides members with training opportunities, exposure, bulk purchasing and advocacy.
p A question-and-answer
session during an EADN field day in Rombo, Tanzania.
The Kenyans also learned how KACOFA was formed to market its farmer-members’ produce, how it has grown over the years and how it works with UNADA to source inputs for its members, who are smallholder farmers. The KACOFA visit exposed the Kenyan agrodealers to output marketing, which can be an alternative source of income and also a way agro-dealers can assist their farmer-customers to market their produce. The contractual relationship between KACOFA and the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Purchase for Progress (P4P) program for bulk purchase and supply of maize also was explained.
EADN Project Summary 53 p Elizabeth
Massawe (at left) with customers in her agro-dealer shop.
SUCCESS STORY Elizabeth Massawe – An Agro-Dealer in the Rombo District of Tanzania Elizabeth Massawe benefited from training on agroinput product knowledge and business management offered by IFDC through the EADN project. The following is her overview of the results of that training.
have been able to open three additional agro-input shops to get the inputs nearer to the farmers. I also purchased a truck, which is used to procure inputs and distribute them to my shop and key customers.
“After completing the training, I went back to my business and trained my staff on what I was taught by EADN during the three-day course. The information provided by EADN that was most helpful to me and my staff included how to handle customers (customer care) and how best to provide information and advice to my farmer-customers on the right products to use (depending on their specific requirements, crops and soil types).
“I also attended two field days organized by the EADN project. At those field days I learned even more practical information about agro-inputs and I also was able to link up with suppliers of pesticides and agro-chemicals who also attended the field days. Farmers who attended the field days and saw the importance of agro-inputs increased their use of the inputs and improved their yields and incomes.
“I realized that I have been selling agro-inputs without enough knowledge about their properties or their use. In particular, I did not know enough about fertilizers – I did not understand why they were used or how they were to be used. After the training, I understood their importance and how necessary it is that I be able to give good advice to my customers. “I also learned the importance of keeping proper business records. Applying the knowledge I gained from the training in my business has led to an increase to the number of farmers I serve, and I
“ I appreciated the opportunity to attend the training. It is my hope that I will be able to attend additional IFDC training and that the training is even more in-depth. I would also like my employees to have an opportunity to attend such training, because I am convinced that my business and my customers will benefit.” n
EADN Project Summary 54
p Riverien
Lindiro of the CATALIST project demonstrates the application of UDP technology in a rice field in Kenya.
While in Kapchorwa, the Kenyan team visited two agro-input shops to share experiences with those dealers. The Kenyan agro-dealers appreciated the tour, which stimulated their thinking regarding forming associations at the grassroots level in Kenya. As a result of this visit, there were requests for training on agro-dealer association formation from several districts. Training was organized for 34 interim officials from the requesting districts on organizational development and management to improve their skills in managing the district-level associations.
UDP Informational Mission to Rwanda A team of Kenyans from the MoA, NIB and IFDC visited Rwanda on a learning tour with the following objectives: u To learn from Rwanda how UDP technology has
been disseminated to farmers. u To hear the views of farmers who have adopted
the technology. u To learn about rice production and marketing in
Rwanda. Seven members of the nine-person tour were sponsored by IFDC/EADN and two were sponsored by NIB. The nine included two MoA field officers from rice-producing districts, two senior officers from MoA headquarters (one in charge of the rice section and the other in charge of the inputs section), two NIB field officers in charge of agricultural activities (mainly rice production in the Mwea and Ahero irrigation schemes), two senior NIB headquarters officers in charge of the
Humphrey M. Mwangi, MBS Director of Agriculture Kenya Ministry of Agriculture “One of the things we have been able to do among the Ministry, IFDC and the agro-dealers is to establish an umbrella organization – the Kenya National Agro-Dealers Association – which will be able to build up the country’s agro-dealers’ capacities. “The urea deep placement program has been very successful in rice growing. It has been established that it is able to decrease the loss of nitrogen by over 45 percent. It is a technology that needs to be scaled up. We have already engaged fabricators to build some of those machines for deep-placing urea briquettes.”
EADN Project Summary 55
p Tanzanian
agro-dealers at one of UNADA’s demonstration plots in Jinja,Uganda.
rice-producing irrigation schemes and the EADN country coordinator. The team was hosted by staff members of IFDC’s CATALIST project who conducted visits to two marshlands in Bugesera under the management of two different cooperatives: Kwaterwa (40 ha) and Twizamure (56 ha). The UDP trials are conducted on-farm with select host farmers in the marshlands. The approach used by CATALIST is that the host farmer (after seeing the benefit of UDP technology) demonstrates to other farmers how to use the technology. One of the host farmers in the Kwaterwa cooperative harvested 5.6 mt/ha using the UDP technology compared with 3.6 mt/ha using the method of broadcasting prilled urea (PU). Because of the good results generated by UDP, he converted his entire farm to the UDP technology. As a result of his demonstrations, other farmers planted an additional 10 ha of rice using UDP. This created demand for USG and a resulting need for an increased supply.
p A farmers’ field
day showcases UDP at the Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme (Mwea, Kenya).
Differences between the UDP plots and the PU plots were obvious in terms of the number of tillers (grainbearing branches), the vigor and the green coloring of the plants. Some members of the delegation counted more than 20 tillers in the UDP crop compared with 10 tillers in the PU plots. The group then visited the varietal selection trials in Bugesera operated by the National Rice Research Institute. They saw a range of varieties prior to their release to farmers.
EADN Project Summary 57
p An
IFDC onion demonstration plot in Mangola, Tanzania.
t Uganda’s
mountainous landscape is intensively farmed in some areas.
The group appreciated the visit and saw the need to broadly promote UDP technology to boost the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rice. They noted that if UDP trials are conducted on high-yielding varieties in Kenya, the results would be impressive. They were also surprised at how rice farmers in Rwanda maintain the irrigation infrastructure in the marshland communally without much trouble (including the use of irrigation water, a situation they would like to see in Kenya).
Tanzania A two-day regional study tour for six agro-dealers (three men and three women) from different EADN districts in Tanzania to Uganda was organized in May 2010. During the study tour, UNADA, several seed companies and agro-dealers in Kampala and Jinja were visited. Based on the trip, the agro-dealers approached the MoA about opportunities discovered during the study tour. The Tanzanian agro-dealers are now doing business with the Ugandan agro-dealers. For example, the agro-dealer sought sorghum seeds from Uganda to supply to his farmer-customers. The tour also led the agro-dealers to strengthen their association. Participants also learned the importance of advertising, marketing and output marketing. One of the dealers is now buying produce from farmers during the off-season, making his business active throughout the year. The study tour provided information to the Tanzanian agro-dealers on how associations are formed and managed and details about member benefits. One participant was the assistant chairperson of the Tanzania National Agro-Dealers Association (TANADA). Information he received from UNADA has helped make TANADAÂ stronger.
Uganda IFDC facilitated two internal tours and one cross-border study tour for 41 agro-dealers and five farmers. The internal tours involved agro-dealers and farmers from Kabale/Kisoro and Arua/Nebbi visiting the eastern districts of Bukedea, Kapchorwa and Manafwa, while the cross-border tour visited the agricultural hub of Arusha, Tanzania.
EADN Project Summary 58
p A field
test evaluation of legume species in Mlingano, Tanzania.
q Agro-dealers
from the West Nile District of Kenya tour KACOFA’s warehouse in Kapchorwa District, Uganda.
Participants learned about the importance of customer relationship management, advertising and marketing, which will help them to build their businesses. Participants also learned about product displays, choosing a prime location for the business, advertising signposts, customer relations and support (by providing information to guide farmers when they make procurement decisions from proprietors of various agro-dealerships).
EADN Project Summary 59
p Farmers
show interest in a demonstration during an EADN farmer field day in Bungoma East, Kenya.
Collaboration with Stakeholders EADN collaborated with other organizations involved in agro-dealer development to pool efforts and resources. This was done to reach the EADN objective of supporting smallholder farmer efforts to improve economic returns from agriculture. By improving farmers’ access to modern production technologies and inputs, productivity and yields are increased while agro-dealers are further professionalized.
Kenya EADN collaborated with public and private stakeholders in the agricultural sector including the MoA, SHoMaP, KEPHIS, AAK, input suppliers (seed, fertilizer and CPP companies), KENFAP, AGMARK, National Accelerated Agricultural Input Access Program (NAAIAP), Equity Bank, NIB, MIAD, CBOs and NGOs. p NMB
officials participate in an EADN training session in Tanzania.
EADN Project Summary 60
SUCCESS STORY Judith Idebu – Farmer and Technology Transfer Demonstration Host Judith Idebu is the mother of six children and lives in Kachumbaala sub-county of Bukedea District in eastern Uganda. She is one of a group of 30 women who were selected to host the EADN project demonstration because her farmland is along the roadway. Idebu is separated from her husband who abandoned her and their children. Her crop yields from the farm were so low that she had trouble paying for her ever-increasing domestic expenses. Although she thought about agricultural credit support, she was worried that she would not be able to repay a loan. However, when she saw the increased yields on the sunflower demonstration plot using new agronomic practices, she realized that the use of improved agro-inputs really does enhance yields – and thus enhances family incomes. Two sunflower varieties were demonstrated – Pannar Hybrid and Sunfora OPV. They yielded 1,040 kg and 250 kg per acre, respectively, even though the weather during the growing season was not very good. Idebu used the income from the sale
p Judith
of the sunflowers for re-investment and eventually developed the courage to approach Centenary Bank and request an agricultural loan to expand and support other commodities on her farm. She was granted the loan and repaid it because the modern farming techniques she adopted were increasing her yields, allowing her to sell her surplus crops for profit. She is currently raising several different crops using fertilizers, improved seeds and modern agricultural techniques to realize better yields. With the income generated by the improved yields, she is now able to educate her children and pay her household bills on her own – without the aid of her absent husband. Moreover, she is encouraging other members of her women’s group to embrace modern agricultural techniques and the use of agro-inputs on their farms. The group has established a microcredit program to support the cause. Members can take out loans from the program and then repay the credit they received after the sale of their harvests. n
Idebu shows other farmers her successful sunflower crop at a demonstration plot in Bukedea District, Uganda.
EADN Project Summary 61
p KENFAP store
managers in an EADN training session.
Notable collaborations were cost-sharing in some of the trainings between IFAD/SHoMaP and EADN (in which SHoMaP contributed 30 percent of the agro-dealer training budget while EADN contributed the remaining 70 percent). Similar arrangements were made between EADN and KENFAP and EADN and Equator Kenya during the KENFAP and Equator agro-dealer trainings. KEPHIS, AAK and Equity Bank were instrumental in capacity building events (in which they presented sessions on seed, CPPs and financial options, respectively). Kenya Seed Company and MEA (K) Ltd also partnered with EADN in setting up nine crop technology transfer demonstration plots in four districts (Bungoma East, Central, West and Kimilili). Three field days were held on four of the demonstration plot sites through cost-sharing efforts among the three organizations. Over 400 farmers were informed about improved agricultural technologies through this effort. EADN also partnered with the MoA and NIB/MIAD on UDP rice trials. EADN approached companies in the fertilizer sector to participate by importing USG manufacturing machinery. Athi River Mining Company, the manufacturer of the Mavuno brand of fertilizers, saw an opportunity and imported two urea briquettemaking machines through IFDC. The company is currently producing briquettes for sale not only in the Kenyan market but also in the regional market.
Humphrey M. Mwangi, MBS Director of Agriculture Kenya Ministry of Agriculture “IFDC and EADN have been very helpful even with other programs we are running like the national accelerated agricultural input access programs, which the World Bank is funding. We want to build the agro-dealers’ capacity by giving them input vouchers so that our farmers can access the inputs through them.”
EADN Project Summary 62
p A seed
fair in Tanzania sponsored by the East African Seed Company.
Tanzania Various collaborators contributed to the success of EADN activities. Among them were MAFC, which organized most of the activities in the districts and Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) which was involved in seed technology transfer and gave information on seed regulations. The Tanzania Seed Trades Association (TASTA) provided information on types of seeds and on the fight against counterfeit seeds. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) gave six special sorghum seed varieties to help establish demonstration plots in areas that are dry and where other crops do not grow well. AVRDC helped by providing a demonstration plot with improved vegetable seeds, land and irrigation water; a seed trade fair was held at the demonstration plot in early 2011. A number of seed companies contributed seeds for various demonstration plots, while agro-chemical companies provided herbicides and pesticides. Various financial institutions assisted during agro-dealer training, providing information on loans, overdrafts and types of collateral that can be used to obtain loans. p An
agro-dealer explains the use of products at an EADN field day in Bureti District, Kenya.
EADN Project Summary 63
p An
agro-input shop in Kasese, Uganda.
u Farmers
are trained on various crops at an EADN field day in Bungoma East, Kenya.
ACT was a key collaborator in EADN’s efforts in Tanzania. It provideded IFDC administrative and logistical support in Tanzania. ACT also helped organize meetings with government personnel (particularly in the initial stages of introducing EADN in the country). It also participated with EADN at the Arusha regional agricultural show. EADN operated from Arusha where it was hosted in the IFAD/Agricultural Marketing Systems Development Program (AMSDP) offices. The program provided offices and other support services.
EADN Project Summary 64
p Kisoro
and Kabale agro-dealers visiting an EADN demonstration site in Manafwa, Uganda.
Uganda Partnering and collaboration with stakeholders was one of the main objectives of IFDC/EADN activities. Collaboration enabled the project to achieve its objectives despite limited resources. EADN continued to build on previous collaborative efforts to strengthen relationships with government institutions (i.e., the local extension structures and the national policymaking bodies). EADN also networked with NGOs operating in the selected intervention areas on complementary tasks and to build synergy for activities since the collective focus was on the same beneficiaries – smallholder farmers. These efforts also increased the abilities of agro-dealers (in terms of their outreach efforts, marketing capabilities and business management competence). EADN also collaborated with government agricultural extension agencies such as NAADS, the Vegetable Oil Development Program and DAOs (mostly at district and grassroots levels) to promote technology transfer thorough demonstration activities and field days. The extension agencies were actively involved in mobilization and dissemination of information to farmers and support to agro-dealers on technical matters. Collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) helped ensure that agro-dealers were knowledgeable about their products and able to advise and support farmers to procure and adopt new innovations in order to enhance their farm productivity. Collaborations with NGOs such as SNV and CBOs were aimed at creating demand and sensitizing farmers on the necessities of adopting modern production technologies. All these efforts were made in order to help meet the Government of Uganda’s vision of reducing poverty to below 10 percent by 2017.
EADN Project Summary 65
p An
agro-dealer’s shopfront in Magale, Uganda.
u An
EADN mixed cropping demonstration plot in Tanzania.
The other major collaborator was UNADA, which hosted the project in Uganda. EADN used UNADA’s existing structures to mobilize agro-dealers through regional coordinators and district officials. The various collaborations were deeply appreciated because often the stakeholders were implementing project activities independently (sometimes leading to conflicting messages to the same intended beneficiaries). The collaborations also helped promote agro-dealers’ pivotal role in the modernization of agriculture in Uganda.
EADN Project Summary 66
p A produce
market in Kasese, Uganda.
Challenges Encountered and Lessons Learned u A number of participants in the agro-dealer trainings were employees in agro-dealer shops; follow-up
revealed that some left their jobs after the training (although some were later employed in similar positions in other agro-dealer shops and therefore still useful). Future agro-dealer capacity building should target the shop owners who can then train their employees. u Implementation rates for some of the training recommendations were low among agro-dealers (due
primarily to limited resources). u Access to credit was a major issue (due primarily to high interest rates and general unwillingness by
financial institutions to provide loans to agro-dealers). u Harmonization of the agro-dealer curriculum in Kenya was important in agro-dealer development.
However, this was not easily achieved due to vested interests of organizations involved in agro-dealer development. u Technology transfer demonstration plots were more effective when they were laid out as strip plots
adjacent to farmer practice plots. In this way, the farmer was able to easily compare the improved technology to his technology and was more quickly convinced by seeing the differences side-by-side. u Some demonstration plots failed because of unfavorable weather conditions and/or poor management
by host farmers. Selection of host farmers is a critical element to the success of technology transfer plots. u The group approach was the most effective method for technology transfer to farmers. The groups
managed demonstration plots better and the ‘trickle-down’ effect among members was higher than with individual farmers. u Collaboration and collaborative benefits should be clearly defined with the various stakeholders so as not
to raise expectations or generate conflicting interests.
EADN Project Summary 67
p An
EADN demonstration plot shows the zero tillage method (Arusha, Tanzania).
u Agro-dealers need continuing support and guidance
to fully integrate the business skills and knowledge acquired from the capacity building interventions into their day-to-day business operations. This can be effectively achieved through follow-up trainings and one-to-one interaction at their businesses. It can also be supplemented by exposure to successful agro-dealers. u Agro-dealers should pay more attention to business
management and marketing in order to improve their businesses. Financial linkages and credits can then be effectively and efficiently harnessed to support business growth and development. u Bureaucratic protocol to engage government
personnel, as well as high expectations and conflicting interests, negatively impacted certain project collaborations. u It was difficult to cope with demands to extend
EADN activities to more districts in the three countries. n
p An
EADN field day at the Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme show cases UDP (Mwea, Kenya).
EADN Project Summary 68
Annexes Annex 1.  Agro-Dealer Training Table 1-A. Trained Agro-Dealers by District, Organization and Gender in Kenya
District
Men
Women
Total
Bungoma Central/West
19
3
22
Bungoma East
17
11
28
Bungoma North
9
9
18
Bungoma South
12
4
16
Bureti
13
3
16
Buuri
6
8
14
Embu West
8
4
12
Gucha
16
5
21
Imenti North
14
6
20
Imenti South
19
15
34
Kirinyaga South
10
4
14
Konoin
17
5
22
Meru Central
14
6
20
Mukurweini
9
5
14
Nandi South
20
6
26
Nyandarua North
27
20
47
Nyandarua South
13
7
20
8
9
17
KENFAP
23
14
37
Equator Kenya
19
6
25
293
150
443
Thika
Total
District
Men
Women
Total
Arua/Terego-maracha
28
2
30
Kabale
49
15
64
Kabarole
35
9
44
Kapchorwa/ Bukwo
61
10
71
Kasese
45
19
64
Kisoro
50
11
61
Kumi/Bukedea
26
6
32
Manafwa/ Bududa
53
10
63
Nebbi-Zombo
28
5
33
Pallisa/ Budaka
34
5
39
409
92
501
TOTAL
Table 1-C. Trained Public Extension Service Providers in Tanzania
District Hai Monduli
Men
Women
Total
31
17
48
4
9
13
EADN Project Summary
Table 1-B. Trained Agro-Dealers by District and Gender in Uganda
69
EADN Project Summary 70
Annex 2.  Demonstration Plots Table 2-A. Demonstration Plots in Kenya by District and Crop
No. District
No. of plots
Total area (ha)
Rice
8
4.0
Tomatoes
3
0.375
Crops
1
Kirinyaga South
2
Thika West/East
Maize/dolichos lablab
4
1.0
3
Bungoma Central/West
Tomatoes
4
0.5
4
Bungoma East
Onion
1
0.125
Tomatoes
2
0.25
Cabbage
2
0.5
Tomatoes
2
0.5
Watermelon
1
0.25
Irish potatoes
12
1.8
Garden peas
12
1.8
Beans and maize
6
1.5
Variety of horticultural crops
2
0.5
Tomatoes
2
0.5
Passion fruit
1
0.25
5
6
Embu West
Nyandarua North
7
Mukurweini
8
Nandi South
Tomatoes
1
0.25
Passion fruit
1
0.25
Irish potatoes
1
0.5
Amaranth
1
0.5
Tomatoes
1
0.25
Sweet potatoes
1
0.25
Cabbage
1
0.25
Tomatoes
1
0.25
EADN Project Summary
Irish potatoes
2
0.25
71
Garden peas
2
0.25
Bungoma
Variety of horticultural, pulses and cereal crops
5
1.25
15
Gucha
Variety of horticultural and cereal crops
4
1.0
16
Kenyenya
Variety of horticultural and cereal crops
4
1.0
17
Kisii Central
Variety of horticultural and cereal crops
2
1.5
18
Ahero
Rice - UDP
1
1.0
90
22.6
9
Nandi East
10
Meru Central
11
Imenti North
12
Imenti South
13
Nyandarua West
14
Total
EADN Project Summary 72
p Visitors
view an EADN onion production demonstration plot in Bungoma East, Kenya.
Table 2-B. Gross Margin Analysis of Demonstration Plot Results for Maize and Irish Potatoes in Kenya
Maize – Mukurweini District, Kenya EADN Demonstration Plots Quantity
Unit Price (KSh)
Farmers’ Practice
Total Amount
Quantity
Unit Price (KSh)
Total Amount
39.54 bags (90 kg)
2,300
90,942
20 bags (90 kg )
2,300
46,000
Seed (DH04)
25 kg
100
2,500
25 kg
100
2,500
Planting fertilizer (NPK 23-23-0)
200 kg
60
12,000
125 kg
60
7,500
Top dressing fertilizer (CAN)
200 kg
40
8,000
Pesticide (Bulldock)
10 kg
250
2,500
Storage dust (Sumicombi)
2.5 kg
600
1,500
2.5 kg
600
1,500
Land preparation (first and second plowing)
1 ha
10,000
10,000
1 ha
10,000
10,000
37,500
37,500
37,500
37,500
Yield/Gross Income Expenses
Labor (planting, weeding, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, transport) Total expenses Gross margin (gross income less total expenses)
74,000
59,000
18,000
(13,000)
Notes: 1. Three demonstration plots of 0.25 ha each were established in Mukurweini District. 2. Average yield was 4 bags per plot (39.54 bags/ha). 3. KSh.2,300 per bag is the current NCPB recommended price. 4. The comparison of the GMs show that farmers can make up to KSh.18,000/ha in profit when they use recommended input regimens; at the same time farmers are incurring a loss of up to KSh.13,000 under their current farming practice.
EADN Project Summary 73 p A deficiency
of the nutrient phosphorus is shown in this photo of maize plants.
Irish Potatoes – Nyandarua District, Kenya EADN Demonstration Plots
Farmers’ Group Practice
Qty/ha
Unit Price (KSh)
Total
Qty/ha
Unit Price (KSh)
Total
Tigoni variety
215 bags (110 kg)
900
193,500
125 bags (110 kg)
900
112,500
Asante variety
152.5 bags (110 kg)
900
137,250
25 bags (50 kg)
1,500
37,500
25 bags (50 kg)
1,000
25,000
60
22,500
187.5 kg
60
11,250
3,750
3,750
Yield/Gross income
Expenses Seed Planting fertilizer (MAP)
375 kg
Sprouting hormone Fungicide
5 kg
1,500
7,500
2.5 kg
1,500
3,750
Land preparation*
1 ha
10,000
10,000
1 ha
10,000
10,000
Labor**
45,000
45,000
126,250
95,000
Tigoni
67,250
17,500
Asante
11,000
Total expenses Gross margin (gross income less total expenses)
* First and second plowing ** Planting, weeding, tilling, pest control, harvesting, transport Notes: 1. Farmers do not use certified seed due to distant sources and price; thus higher losses from diseases. 2. Five plots were established in Nyandarua North district with two Irish potato varieties; the yield ranged from 54 to 68 bags/ha and 63 to 110 bags/ha for Asanti and Tigoni varieties, respectively. 3. The Tigoni variety yielded better than the Asanti variety in all the plots by an average margin of 30%. 4. The gross margin would be in excess of KSh. 375,000/ha (at KSh. 1,000/50 kg bag for the Tigoni variety) if the farmers venture into seed multiplication.
EADN Project Summary 74
p The
grading of seed potatoes is demonstrated at an EADN potato field day in Meru, Kenya.
Table 2-C. Yield Comparison between EADN Demonstration Sites and Farmers’ Traditional Practice in Tanzania
Farmers’ Practice
EADN Demonstration Plots on Farmer Fields
Average yield kg/ha
Yield in kg/ha
Yield in kg/ha
Planting fertilizer kg/ha
Topdressing fertilizer kg/ha
Seed rate kg/ha
Maize
600
2,606
6,440
40
50
9
Sunflower
200
1,425
3,521
20
20
2
Maize
300
2,203
5,443
35
50
9
Sunflower
150
1,230
3,039
5
20
2
Maize
800
1,889
4,668
40
40
8
Moshi Rural Maize
400
2,034
5,026
50
40
8
Maize
500
2,460
6,078
35
40
9
Sunflower
300
1,620
4,000
20
20
2
Monduli
Maize
200
2,402
5,935
40
40
8
Meru
Maize
350
2,125
5,250
50
50
9
Siha
Maize
838
2,813
6,950
50
50
9
District Rombo Karatu Mbulu
Hai
Crop
25-01-10
Mukurweini
Githi Primary School
68
50
118
EADN Project Summary
Annex 3.  Field Days
27-01-10
Nyandarua North
Munandaine
66
54
120
75
27-01-10
Mukurweini
Nguyoini
60
43
103
29-01-10
Mukurweini
Ngamwa
47
20
67
13-07-10
Meru Central
Kibirichia
118
90
208
14-07-10
Imenti North
Municipality Location
66
54
120
22-07-10
Mukurweini
Githi Primary School
192
166
358
29-07-10
Imenti South
Uruku Location
56
48
104
24-08-10
Embu West
Kiandathi Village
36
28
64
31-08-10
Bungoma East
Misikhu Location
227
165
392
01-09-10
Bureti
Chebwagan Location
314
56
370
09-09-10
Nyandarua North
Kanyagia Location
41
50
91
14-12-10
Kirinyaga South
MIAD Center
179
25
204
03-02-11
Imenti South
Abogeta Division
135
75
210
16-02-11
Imenti North
Miriga Mieru East Division
74
31
105
17-02-11
Meru Central
Kibirichia Division
106
95
201
06-04-11
Nandi South
Kanyagia Location
58
31
89
11-05-11
Bungoma East
Webuye Division
47
59
106
29-06-11
Gucha
Sameta Division
139
77
216
30-06-11
Kenyenya
Kenyenya Division
72
105
177
14-07-11
Nyandarua West
Kirimangai Location
60
47
107
18-07-11
Kisii Central
Agricultural Show Ground
1,498
1,002
2,500
28-07-11
Bungoma South
Malakisi
39
22
61
17-08-11
Nyandarua North
Ndaragwa
29
14
43
09-09-11
Kimilili
Kimilili
44
26
70
01-11-11
Kirinyaga South
Kimbimbi
25
15
40
3,796
2,448
6,244
Table 3-A. Number of Farmers Reached through Field Days in Kenya by District
Date
District
Attendance
Venue
Total
Men
Women
Total
EADN Project Summary 76
p An
agricultural extension officer addresses participants at an EADN field day in Bungoma East District, Kenya.
Table 3-B. Summary of Participants at Field Days in Uganda
Attendance Date
District
Venue
Farmers
Agro-Dealers
Suppliers/ Distributors
Government Officials
Total
17-08-10
Bukedea
Kachumbala
80
5
5
11
101
18-08-10
Kapchorwa
Kapchosombe
125
3
6
7
141
19-08-10
Tororo
Mukujju
75
15
6
13
109
20-08-10
Manafwa
Butiri
89
20
6
7
122
369
43
23
38
473
Total
EADN Project Summary 77
p Urea
‘supergranules’ are an efficient and effective way to deliver urea directly to a plant’s root zone.
Annex 4. Acronyms & Abbreviations AAK ���������������������� Agrochemical Association of Kenya ACT ���������������������� Agricultural Council of Tanzania AGMARK ������������ Agricultural Market Development Trust AMITSA ��������������� Regional Agricultural Input Market Information System AVRDC ���������������� The World Vegetable Centre CBO ���������������������� commodity-based organization CPP ���������������������� crop protection product(s) DAO ��������������������� District Agriculture Office EADN ������������������� Extending Agro-Dealer Networks GoK ���������������������� Government of Kenya ha ������������������������� hectare(s) IFAD ��������������������� International Fund for Agricultural Development IFDC ��������������������� International Fertilizer Development Center KACOFA �������������� Kapchorwa Commercial Farmers Association KENFAP ��������������� Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers KEPHIS ���������������� Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service kg ������������������������� kilogram(s) KSh ����������������������� Kenya shillings MAFC ������������������ Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperation MIAD ������������������� Mwea Irrigation and Agricultural Development MoA ��������������������� Ministry of Agriculture MoU ��������������������� memorandum of understanding mt ������������������������� metric ton(s) NAADS ���������������� National Agricultural Advisory Services NAAIAP ������������� National Accelerated Agricultural Inputs Access Program NCPB ������������������� National Cereals and Produce Board NGO ��������������������� non-governmental organization
EADN Project Summary 78
p Participants
at an EADN training display their certificates of attendance (Hai District, Tanzania).
NIB ����������������������� National Irrigation Board NMB ��������������������� National Microfinance Bank PU ������������������������� prilled urea SHoMaP ������������� IFAD Smallholder Horticulture Marketing Program TANADA ������������� Tanzania National Agro-Dealers Association ToT ����������������������� Training of Trainers UDP ��������������������� urea deep placement UNADA ��������������� Uganda National Agro-dealers Association
Text – Philip Karuri, EADN staff members and Scott Mall Editing – Scott Mall and IFDC Communications Staff Primary Design – Meg Ross Design Adaptation – Victoria L. Antoine
u A farmer u Back
admires a sunflower crop at an EADN demonstration plot in Rombo, Tanzania.
cover: A farmer works in an EADN demonstration plot in Bureti, Kenya.
IFDC East and Southern Africa Division c/o icipe Duduville Campus, Kasarani Thika Road P.O. Box 30772-00100 Nairobi KENYA Telephone: +254 20 863 2720 Telefax: +254 20 863 2729 E-Mail: ifdckenya@ifdc.org IFDC Headquarters P.O. Box 2040 Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35662 USA Telephone: +1 (256) 381-6600 Fax: +1 (256) 381-7408 E-Mail: general@ifdc.org Website: www.ifdc.org
Š IFDC 2012. All rights reserved. For additional information about IFDC and/or the EADN project, visit www.ifdc.org.