The 2nd African Organic Conference – Mainstreaming ... - ICROFS

2 nd AFRICAN ORGANIC CONFERENCE 2012
May 2-4, 2012 in Lusaka, Zambia
Five treatments comprising of EM technology EM-Bokashi, Bokashi and EM-A, EM-FPE and EM-5,
combination of Bokashi, EM-A, EMFPE and EM5, and absolute control were compared in a randomized
complete block design with three replications. Bokashi leaves (3.7%N) at 1851.9kg/ha, 200 mls of EMA
mixed with water to make a 2L solution, EMFPE and EM5 were mixed with water at 200mls to get a 2L
solution which was sprayed thrice a week scheduled for application. Three weeks were scheduled for
application of EM.
Application of EM-Bokashi produced an average yield of 3.06 tonha -1 , EM-Bokashi and EM-A produced
grain yield of 3.24 tonha -1 , EMFPE and EM-5 produced 3.11 tonha -1 and, application of all EM-Bokashi,
EM-A, EMFPE and EM-5 produced grain yield of 3.51 tonha -1 , while absolute control produced 2.12
tonha -1 . Application of EM improved maize crop yield from 2.1 to 3.5 tonha -1 , the increase is about 1.4
tonha -1 equivalent to 67 percent.
STIMULATING&DOMESTIC&ORGANIC&MARKET&DEVELOPMENT&THROUGH&ORGANIC&
FARMERS&MARKETS:&KENYAN&EXPERIENCE&
Organic farmers market is a market exclusively attended by organic farmers who bring vegetables, fruits
and processed products from their farms and sell direct to consumers while discussing with them how they
produce their products. The market may be formal with strict rules and regulations governing the operation
or non formal where the participating farmers meet regularly under a loose arrangement.
Organic farmers markets premiered in the western countries as a direct marketing tool to provide an avenue
where smallholder organic producers meet with their consumers to interact. It has spread all over the world
with the concept being taken up by developing countries. In Africa, Organic farmers Market have been
going on in South Africa and have shown good success. It has been a source of healthy food and
information on organic foods for consumers, and a market for producers.
KOAN started facilitating organic farmers markets in Kenya in 2006. The markets have emerged as a key
component of market access to farmers and an enjoyable shopping experience for consumers. Some of the
key organic farmers markets that have been held include Rosslyn Organic Farmers Market in The River
Garden Centre-2008, The Arboretum Organic famers Market-2007, The City Park Organic farmers Market-
2007, Talisman Restaurant Farmers Market-2009 and of recent the Rusty Nail Organic Farmers Market-
Karen, which is currently held every Saturday from 9.00 to 4.00 p.m- from 2010.
Since KOAN started to organize the markets, they have played a key role in creating awareness to
consumers who attend while providing them an opportunity to source healthy and tasty products. In the
rusty Nail market, close to 200 consumers shop every Saturday. Some of the key achievements for the
organic farmers markets have been; providing farmer’s opportunity to market their products, provide an
awareness of consumption of organic products and environmental conservation, creating trust with
consumers through direct contact with consumers and have provided an avenue for consumers to source
organic foods.
Key Words: Farmers markets, direct marketing, smallholder farmers, consumer awareness
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