The impact of fertilizer application on bean productivity.

Abstract

Bean production plays a critical role in enhancing household food security and income. Despite the role of the crop, farmers of western region still encounter different constraints during production of the crop. The study was to assess the effects of fertilizer application on bean productivity in western region. It was specifically conducted to; (i) to characterize the input use by bean productivity, (ii) to assess the factors influencing the use of fertilizers by bean farmers, (iii) to identify impact of fertilizers on bean productivity. A cross sectional research design applying quantitative techniques was used to collect data by ACDP project using structured questionnaires on ACDP –RMT mobile. Data was analyzed using SATA version 15 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that farmers in western region used mainly inorganic fertilizers (89.86%) with less use of organic fertilizers (12.74%) in their farming practices and most belonged to farmer groups. The main fertilizer used was DAP (67.85%) with less use of CAN fertilizer. The study further established that Nabe bean 12c was mostly planted with the highest percentages of (98.81%) and Naro bean 4c was less used. The study concluded that majority of farmers in western region use fertilizers in their farming and recommended the need for sensitizing farmers on the benefits of adopting soil enhancing technologies to restore soil fertility. The study further recommended MAAIF and NARO interventions in providing more extension services and training about correct input application and by supplying farmers with improved pests and disease free bean seed varieties which are high yielding.