Back to Library

Manure management by smallholder farmers in the Kano close-settled zone, Nigeria.

Published by:
Publication date
24/09/2001
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Articles & Journals
Focus Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Focus Topic:
Land / Water / Resource Management
Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0014479701003040
Author
Harris, F.; Yusuf, M

Manure is a key input to smallholder farming systems, especially in the semi-arid environment of West Africa where cost and availability limit the use of inorganic fertilizers. This paper considers manure management by farmers in an intensive integrated farming system in the Nigerian savanna. The paper reports farmer indigenous knowledge concerning manure production, quality and application, chemical analysis of manure nutrient content and application rates of manure. The potential manure supply of the livestock population of the Kano close-settled zone is calculated and compared with application rates. Recommendations are made concerning methods for improving manure quality through changes in management practices.