Animal manure is one of the most valuable resources a farmer can have, yet many overlook its full potential. When handled and applied correctly, manure can improve soil fertility, boost crop yields, and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
Kenneth Kabagambe, a mixed farmer in Nyabugorogoro village, Kyenjojo district, is a strong advocate for using animal manure wisely.
On his farm, he keeps cows, goats, and pigs, and he believes that managing manure properly is as important as caring for the animals themselves.
“Every animal you keep is a walking fertiliser factory,” he says.
“If you let the manure go to waste, you are throwing away money.”
Kabagambe collects animal droppings daily and composts them in a pit at the edge of his garden.
He explains that fresh manure can burn plants due to its high ammonia content, so it’s important to let it decompose.
“I mix the manure with crop residues and cover it to allow it to rot. After about 30 to 45 days, it’s ready to use,” he explains.
He uses the composted manure in his banana plantation, vegetable garden, and coffee trees.
“The crops grow faster, greener, and healthier. I’ve reduced my expenses on fertilisers and seen better yields,” he notes.
Imelda Kasi, another farmer who rears chickens and runs a small dairy farm, says that poultry droppings are, especially rich in nitrogen and very good for vegetables and fruit trees. However, she warns that they must be used with care.
“I mix chicken manure with cow dung and dry leaves before applying it to the soil. I never use it directly because it’s too strong,” she explains.
Imelda also makes liquid manure by soaking the animal waste in water for several days and using the mixture to water crops.
“It works like a natural boost. You can see the difference in just a few weeks,” she says.
Proper manure management also keeps the farm clean and reduces flies and disease.
“Manure should never be seen as waste,” Kabagambe advises.
“It’s a goldmine for any serious farmer.”
With proper handling, composting, and application, animal manure can transform your farm. Whether from cows, chickens, goats, or pigs, if you manage it well, it can be the key to greener gardens and fuller harvests.
