Organic Resource Management in Kenya: Perspectives and Guidelines

FORMAT published a unique book (right) about organic resource use in Kenya.  Making better use of available, but under-utilized organic resources is a key to obtaining food security, better livelihoods and safer environments among Kenya’s poor in both rural and urban areas. FORMAT was established in 2000 to serve as a platform promoting innovation among those seeking to make better use of organic resources, particularly with regards to their value-added processing.  During a series of national meetings held in Nairobi, innovators were brought together to discuss opportunities, display products and compare appropriate technologies, and to call these developments to greater public attention. 

This book compiles the state-of-the-art in organic resource management identified by FORMAT in a manner that is intended to contribute to both practice and understanding by grassroots organizations, development specialists, students and researchers.  Chapters cover nutrient recycling through different land management and composting technologies, better integration of agriculture with livestock and aquaculture enterprises and the value-added processing of agricultural by-products, domestic wastes, aquatic weeds and trees.  The descriptions of these technologies are strengthened through case studies and step-by-step procedures.  This book is an important reference to readers seeking to empower the poor and improve our environment. 

Mr. Llanziva, the Principal Chavakali High School (left) receives copies of the FORMAT book from Dr. John Lekasi of FORMAT (right)

More than 1000 copies of the book were distributed free-of-charge to participants who attended FORMAT Countrywide Events. Public universities, research institutes, NGOs, CBOs, schools and other learning institutions represented within FORMAT Countrywide Events were also provided several copies of this book for their libraries. Interested members of the public have requested the book or its chapter reprints through emails, letters or come in person to collect them from FORMAT. In addition, the book was offered to participants at the African Crop Science Congress held in Nairobi in October 2003 and the Soil Science Society of East Africa Conference held in Eldoret the following month.  This book clearly demonstrates that FORMAT and its members “practice what we preach”