Taita Taveta farmers make a fortune from drought-tolerant crops
AVCD / Countries / Crops / Food Systems / ICRISAT / Kenya / Value chains

Taita Taveta farmers make a fortune from drought-tolerant crops

Though groundnuts are a highly popular and nutritious snack in Taita Taveta County, the residents had always depended on imports from the neighboring Tanzania. Farmers had failed to take advantage of its popularity and high demand as they believed the prevailing prolonged drought conditions in the region were too harsh for the crop to thrive. … Continue reading

Nandi Potato Cooperative driving potato to an enterprising commercial crop in Nandi County
AVCD / CIP / Countries / Crops / Food Systems / Kenya / Partners / Value chains

Nandi Potato Cooperative driving potato to an enterprising commercial crop in Nandi County

Around 2015, Nandi County with its vast agricultural land and potential had only about 70 farmers growing potatoes on about 70 hectares (ha), according to Silas Too, potato value chain coordinator, Nandi County Government. This was mainly due to the fact that traditionally, potato was not a staple food but a snack among communities, and … Continue reading

AVCD / Countries / Crops / Food Systems / ICRISAT / ILRI / Kenya / Livelihoods / Value chains

New drought-tolerant varieties rekindle hopes of food security in drought-prone Makueni County

Hoping against hope of decent harvests, farmers in the semi-arid and arid regions of eastern Kenya have always planted their traditional and favourite food crops – pigeonpea, green gram, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, cowpea, and maize – at the onset of long or short rains. But it is a ritual that has been driven … Continue reading

Using the SourceTrace digital platform to support farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic
AVCD / Countries / COVID19 / Crops / Food Systems / ICRISAT / Kenya / Livelihoods / Value chains

Using the SourceTrace digital platform to support farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite minimal field visits during this period of the COVID-19-related restrictions, the AVCD program staff and management are working with extension officers and lead farmers to monitor the progress of the drought-tolerant crops component’s work. Continue reading