FARMERS in Kenya are increasingly turning to rabbit urine as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilisers.
They are finding it to be a healthier and more sustainable way to improve soil fertility and boost crop yields.
Benedicta Nkirote, a farmer from Marurui in Meru county, swears by rabbit urine as an effective foliar fertiliser.
Unlike conventional chemical fertilisers, rabbit urine contains no harmful chemicals, making it a safer option for both crops and consumers.
“I use it on my onions and vegetables, and they are healthier than those grown with synthetic fertilisers,” she says.
She applies rabbit urine to crops like sukuma wiki, onions and spinach, similar to foliar fertiliser.
Nkirote says she sources the rabbit urine from neighbouring farmers at a cost of Sh100 for a five-liter container, with some even providing it for free.
“I don’t keep rabbits, but I have connections with other farmers who supply me with rabbit urine either for a fee or for free,” she said.
She however said that freshly harvested rabbit urine cannot be used immediately. It must first ferment in a sealed container for one to two weeks.
“Fermentation makes it more effective and prevents it from burning the plants,” Nkirote advises.
Once ready, she dilutes one litre of urine with 20 litres of water and sprays it on her crops weekly.
The best part, she notes, is that the urine poses no health risks, unlike chemical fertilisers, which require a waiting period before crops can be harvested.
“You can harvest and eat your vegetables right away after spraying with rabbit urine,” she adds.
Nkirote’s switch to organic farming came after training from Participatory Ecological Land Use Management Kenya, an organisation that promotes sustainable farming practices.
“Before, I used synthetic fertilisers, but I often had stomach problems from consuming vegetables treated with chemicals. Now, I focus on organic farming for healthier, safer crops,” she says.
PELUM says rabbit urine can be used as a nutrient-rich liquid manure that can improve soil texture, water retention and plant health. It is also an effective insecticide, treating pests and plant diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spots.
“Rabbit urine is a concentrated liquid manure that is
rich in macronutrients for
plants and soil. It can be
used as a soil conditioner,
folia feed and to improve
the structure, texture and
water-holding capacity of
soil. Rabbit urine can also be
used as an insecticide to treat
vegetables and maize. It can
also be used to treat powdery
mildew and leaf spots,” says
the agroecology advocacy
group