Assessing the Farmers' Perceptions towards the use of Humanure in Tharaka Nithi and Kajiado Counties for Agricultural Sustainability

Background and Justification for the ResearchIn the wake of growing global concerns about environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the effective management of human waste sometimes termed humanure is crucial, especially in urban environments (Hallett et al., 2017).Poor sanitation poses a significant threat to the well-being and health of the populace in developing countries (Corvalán et al., 2003).Disease incidences, severe health problems, and even deaths are linked to a lack of safe sanitation facilities and unsafe hygiene practices.According to (Fotio&Nguea, 2022) 2.4 billion people, the majority of whom are in developing countries, lack access to safe sanitation facilities, exposing them to the risk of communicable diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid.In a bid to bridge the gap in the adoption of safe sanitation facilities, and to encourage safe hygiene practices, safe sanitation facilities have been designed and availed in the global market (Shah et al., 2013).Ecosan, a short form for Ecological Sanitationtoilets have emerged as a sanitation system that is less environmentally damaging than other toilet systems (Nienhuys, 2012).This study explores the factors affecting the uptake of the Urine Diversion Dry Toilet (UDDT), in this study termed Green Toilet Systems (GTS), comprehensively assessing the factors influencing adoption from deposition of faeces in the UDDT to the final humanure output.GTS has emerged as a significant facility for the safe disposal of human excreta.This technology separates urine and solid Abstract: In response to escalating global concerns about environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the effective management of human waste termed humanure is crucial, especially in urban environments.This study explores the factors affecting the uptake of the Urine Diversion Dry Toilet (UDDT), in this study termed Green Toilet Systems (GTS), comprehensively assessing the factors influencing adoption from deposition of faeces in the UDDT to the final humanure output.The research conducted in Kajiado and Tharaka Nithi counties seeks to assess the factors influencing the uptake of GTS technology in Kenya, with a focus on factors such as gender, design, attitude, awareness, and perceptions.Purposive sampling was used in this study to choose the target populationof 341 respondents through semi-structured qualitative interview guides.The study employed quantitative analysis including descriptive, regression, and correlational analysis methods.A substantial 75% of the 335 respondents were unaware of the GTS technology, with varied levels of exposure across the two counties and demographic groups.Correlation analysis between female respondents and GTS technology acceptance indicated statistical significance (p= 0.737) implying a weak correlation.Additionally, regression analysis on farmers' perceptions of human manure yielded a p-value of 0.172, surpassing the conventional.In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the awareness, uptake, usability, and perceptions surrounding GTS technology, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns and addressing cultural barriers for broader acceptance and sustainable implementation of GTS technology in Kenya.