摘要
This study aimed to first assess knowledge levels of the farmers in the use of manure, fertilizer and combinations of manure and fertilizer and secondly to identify the socioeconomic factors influencing the levels of knowledge in the use of animal manure, inorganic fertilizers and combination of animal manure and inorganic fertilizers in Meru South, Maara and Mbeere South districts of the central highlands of Kenya. Data were collected from a random sample of 300 households through face to face interviews using an interview schedule. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results showed that 75% and 73% of the respondents had high levels of knowledge in use of manure and fertilizers, respectively, while 43% of the respondents had moderate levels of knowledge in the use of manure ＋ fertilizers. Age of the household head （HHH） training in the use of animal manure and group membership significantly influenced household levels of knowledge in use of animal manure. In regard to levels of knowledge on fertilizer use, group membership, age of the HHH and total farm size were important explanatory variables while gender of the HHH, household size, training on manure ＋ fertilizers, group membership and total farm size were important in influencing the levels of knowledge in use of manure ＋ fertilizers. The implication of these results is that training and belonging to a group enhances level of knowledge on soil fertility management and development, so workers should focus on these two aspects.
