Summary

FORMAT seeks to popularize efficient and profitable utilization of several organic resources occurring in different locations using innovative and cost-effective approaches that deliver these technologies to various stakeholders. These efforts are intended to improve incomes, preserve the environment and offer alternatives for income generation among poor households. During 2004/2005, FORMAT conducted nine countrywide, district-level events that comprised presentations, technology demonstrations and exhibits of several technologies and products. The events accessed large numbers of stakeholders useful information and strengthened collaboration among various organizations. Several under-utilized organic resources were identified and processed into nutrient-rich soil amendments in seven locations in Kenya using the fortified composting technique. Crop response trials were established to examine the yield and soil fertility impact, and the economic returns from utilization of the various fortified composts. Field protocols have been developed and widely distributed during countrywide events and compost craft field days. Six innovations were identified and funds provided for their refinement and popularization. Seven television features have been broadcast on the innovations and countrywide events. A larger, international media and policy sensitization activity and more countrywide events will be conducted during 2005 to showcase various technologies and products, and enable practitioners to share information with media houses, leaders, researchers and policy makers. FORMAT will continue to seek innovative ways of promoting land management and crop improvement technologies, improve capacities of grassroots organizations to support innovation, and to popularize organic resource management as a legitimate, value-added activity in achieving food security and improving livelihoods in Kenya.  New topics of interest that are emerging include access to improved crop varieties, seed systems and value-addition through fortification of foods. These topics are of great interest to FORMAT and greater attention will be paid to them in future events.  Several organizations consider FORMAT an important forum for disseminating their technologies and products, and greater efforts will be made to enhance the effectiveness of the FORMAT events and field activities to make FORMAT relevant and responsive to similar emerging opportunities.