Nyandarua Dissemination Event: Empowering Farmers Through Innovation

On January 29, 2025, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), through the Africa-ai-Japan Project Phase 2, in collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Fujita Corporation, successfully held a dissemination event in Nyandarua County under the Potato Value Chain Project. The event, hosted at the residence and farm of Mr. Peter Nuthu Muchiri, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, government officials, farmers, and industry representatives, to discuss advancements in potato farming.

The event was attended by 53 participants, including researchers from JKUAT, led by Prof. Sila and Dr. Kinoshita. Also present were representatives from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), members of the MUKI Investment (a savings and loan cooperative in Nyandarua), farmers from the region, and government agriculture officials.

Key Presentations and Discussions

The dissemination event was structured into four main themes: production, postharvest storage and processing, pricing and marketing, and advisory systems. These themes guided discussions on improving the potato value chain in Nyandarua County.

1. Production: Enhancing Yield and Quality

Experts emphasized the importance of an efficient seed system, mechanization, and best crop management practices. The findings presented highlighted that:

• The use of clean and quality seed potatoes significantly boosts yields.
• Integrated pest and disease management approaches contribute to sustainable farming.
• Climate-smart technologies and soil fertility management are essential for long-term productivity.
• Data from research trials indicated that adopting improved agricultural practices could increase potato yields from the current 3,100 kg per acre to between 10,000 and 14,000 kg per acre.

2. Postharvest Storage and Processing: Reducing Losses

Farmers were introduced to improved storage facilities and value-added processing to minimize postharvest losses. Discussions centred on:

• Constructing modern storage facilities to extend potato shelf life.
• Processing potatoes into value-added products such as flour and crisps to increase market value.
• Reducing potato losses caused by poor handling, inefficient harvesting techniques, and inadequate storage facilities.

A study conducted in the county revealed that a significant amount of potatoes are lost postharvest due to bruising, rotting, and improper handling. Better storage techniques and market timing can help farmers maximize profits.

3. Pricing and Marketing: Ensuring Fair Market Prices

Market surveillance and value chain mapping were discussed as crucial tools in stabilizing potato prices. Researchers highlighted that:

• The Kenya Agricultural Market Information System (KAMIS) could help farmers make informed decisions by providing real-time market prices.
• Proper storage enables farmers to sell their produce at higher market prices, increasing their income.
• Strengthening market linkages with industry players would create more opportunities for farmers.

4. Advisory System: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

The project has established strong collaborations with key institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), MUKI, and the Nyandarua County Government. These partnerships focus on:

• Conducting soil tests and providing farmers with recommendations for optimal soil health management.
• Strengthening extension services to provide continuous farmer education.
• Enhancing industrial linkages to bridge the gap between research findings and practical application on farms.
• Use of technology to improve potato production

A drone was flown over Mr Peter Muchiri’s farm to illustrate how precision mapping can enhance productivity and resource management.

A Vision for the Future

The Nyandarua dissemination event underscored the importance of collaboration in improving the potato value chain. By integrating modern agricultural technologies, enhancing storage facilities, and implementing market-driven solutions, farmers in Nyandarua County can significantly improve their yields and income.

As the Africa-ai-Japan Project Phase 2 continues, stakeholders remain committed to empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to transition from subsistence to commercial farming. This initiative is set to create a ripple effect, benefiting not just Nyandarua County but also the broader agricultural landscape in Kenya.

(Article written by: John Ng’ang’a Mungai)