The Regenerating Soils, Empowering Farmers: Innovations in Soil Health for Western Kenya report by FIPS Africa presents the findings and system-wide lessons from a seven-year initiative (2018–2025) aimed at restoring soil health among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. It begins by outlining the soil health challenge—particularly widespread soil acidity, declining organic matter, and inefficient fertiliser use—and the rationale for developing context-responsive, affordable innovations.
The report details a participatory research approach combining farmer-led pH testing, lime microdosing, Bokashi composting, and the use of WonderGro soil conditioner, alongside controlled experiments and large-scale field trials. Results demonstrate significant yield gains, high value-to-cost ratios, improved nutrient availability, and strong behavioural change driven by real-time soil diagnostics. Beyond agronomy, the report highlights market systems facilitation—partnering with agrodealers and suppliers to expand access to lime and soil inputs—as well as institutional collaboration with county governments and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization to embed soil testing and mapping into public systems.
The final sections present lessons learned, policy recommendations, and a long-term vision for scaling integrated soil fertility management to strengthen food security, farmer incomes, and climate resilience across similar agro-ecological contexts.
