This working paper describes the results of a survey done on soil data availability and use in the agricultural sector in Kenya. The survey was commissioned by the National Environment Research Council (NERC) to assess the potential value of NERC digital tools such as the MySoil app, to decision makers in the region. The objectives of the survey were therefore to highlight the decision needs related to sustainable agricultural intensification that would be met through greater accessibility to soil information, identify the critical uncertainties surrounding those decisions and identify the potential information that could be provided by a digital app such as the MySoil app for Africa. Those surveyed were selected from research and academia, government, private sector, agricultural extension, community work and farmer groups. The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire on SurveyMonkey. The results showed that the greatest information need that could be met through a digital application was site- and crop-specific input recommendations while the biggest consideration when developing such a tool needs to be given to figuring out how to communicate effectively with end users. The report also recommends a horizontal approach to the development of the app. This would allow for contributions based on farmers’ indigenous knowledge.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5716/WP17355.PDFAltmetric score:
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Publication year
2022
Authors
Tamba, Y.; Muchiri, C.; Shepherd, K.; Luedeling, E.; Robinson, D.
Language
English
Keywords
soil quality, soil science, soil, decision making, household surveys
Geographic
Kenya
