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
When the County Government of Taita Taveta identified potato as one of the high value crops for promotion in 2017, farmers’ access to affordable certified seed became a critical priority, and for good reasons. They did not have it and had to have it. For it is widely acknowledged that improved seed is the essential … Continue reading
The Feed the Future Kenya Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) program implemented by a consortium of CGIAR centers, sought to harness the technologies and innovations within the research system ‘to sustainably reduce poverty and hunger in Kenya with the objective of increasing inclusive agricultural growth and improving nutritional status of communities. In phase 1, the … Continue reading
As the three year Feed the Future Kenya Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) project winds up in September 2018, the potato value chain reports several achievements. First is the successful introduction and dissemination of new potato technologies—drought, pest and disease tolerant varieties; use of quality seed by farmers; adoption of apical rooted cuttings by seed … Continue reading
VPA Mary Kinya holding well sprouted seed potato (Konjo variety) harvested from rooted cuttings in October 2017. The potato had been sprouted in her Diffuse Light Store (pictured in the background) Credit: FIPS Mary Kinya is a Village Potato Advisor (VPA) for Buyene village in Meru, she says, “For so long I have lived a … Continue reading
Decentralized seed potato multipliers and county officers in Kenya’s North Rift —part of the Feed the Future Kenya Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) project—undertook an educational tour aimed at showcasing procedures and practises for producing certified seed. Continue reading
This March in Nkuene Ward, Meru County, potatoes were in flower, farmers were busy in their potato farms attending to their precious cash crop. Decentralized seed multipliers also known as Village Potato Advisors (VPAs) are busy too, doing a routine follow-up on farmers’ plots advising them on crop management of at this critical stage. Continue reading
Eight months after rolling out into the field, Farm Input Promotions Africa (FIPS-Africa) has established 73 decentralised seed multipliers (also known as Village-Potato Advisors (VPAs) in Meru County. The VPAs are supported through US government funded program Feed the Future Kenya Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) Program in partnership with the International Potato Centre (CIP) … Continue reading
Isaac Mugedi, a 43 year-old farmer from Bungoma County first heard of OFSP in 2013 through the International Potato Centre (CIP). Since the 2015 start of the Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) program, his role in as a OFSP farmer have evolved significantly. Today he multiplies vines, produces roots and provides extension services to OFSP buyers. … Continue reading
AVCD Kenya 