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    Factors Influencing uptake and Utilization of Treated Human Excreta as Organic Fertilizer in Imenti South, Meru County Kenya

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    Date
    2023
    Author
    Ntabathia, Festus Mwenda
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    Abstract
    The purpose of the study was to explore factors influencing the uptake and utilization of treated human excreta as organic fertilizer among small scale farmers in Imenti South Sub County of Meru County. The study specifically focused on the following objectives: to assess knowledge (education), attitude, and perception on the utilization of treated human excreta as organic fertilizer, to ascertain the influence of household sanitation practices on the utilization of treated human excreta as organic fertilizer, to determine the socio-cultural factors and investigate economic factors impacting on the utilization of treated human excreta as organic fertilizer in Imenti South, Meru County. The study target population was 64,186 households' heads. The study applied purposive and stratified sampling techniques to select 100 households comprising of 96 farming households and 4 sanitation personnel using the Fisher's formula. Data was collected using closed-ended structured questionnaires and open- ended interview guide. The findings of the study showed that knowledge, attitude and perception affected about 82% of the respondents negatively. From the 18% of respondent utilizing treated human waste, about 84% believed it is usage improved soil fertility and farm yields, 7% applied it because it was not harmful, and 2% used it because it was readily available. The study established that perception, negative attitude and knowledge were statistically significant in influencing the utilization of human waste (p=0.024<0.05). As such, 73% of the respondents had negative attitude and 83% of the respondents associated human waste with dirt and unclean. Further, study found out that the type of sanitation technology used significantly influenced the use of human waste. Majority of the respondents were dependent on improved toilets (81%) and 21% relied on un-improved facilities. The willingness to upgrade the sanitation facility to increase utilization of treated human excreta was reported by 81% of the respondents. The practice of open defecation hindered utilization greatly, however, use of septic tanks, ventilated improved latrine promoted usage by 52%. The study established that sociocultural factors limited 88% of the respondent's utilization of human waste. The study also indicated that attitude (44%), perception (20%) and cultural stands (17%) influenced the utilization of human waste. Economic factors limited utilization with the cost of the product (45%), market availability (27%), income of famers (21%) and employment status (7%) being the main factors. Further, the acceptance of human excreta usage socially in agriculture is an essential step towards creation of the agricultural systems circular nutrient economy. Treated human excreta is an excellent soil conditioner; its efficacy is proved in many developing countries under different climatic settings. Therefore, educating the society and all stakeholder involvement in the promotion of treated human waste utilization; combined with institutional follow up would be part of the solution in agricultural production.
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    http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1464
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    • School of Engineering & Architecture [28]

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