Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

The paper discusses fertilizer use and demand while taking into account nutrient requirements, variation in application rates by districts and marginal returns to fertilizer use. The paper also addresses the problem of availability and cost of fertilizers and seeds in the rural districts of Kisiia nd Nyeri. It also examines the margins in the distribution of fertilizer and seeds. In addition, the parer discusses policy alternatives to promote fertilizer use and to ascertain adequate seed availability for the most important crops.