The demand for high-quality banana plants has risen drastically, driving agricultural research to explore more efficient and sustainable methods of cultivation. At the forefront of this enterprise, is Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), which has developed cutting-edge techniques in banana tissue culture.
This initiative has attracted a number of stakeholders in the banana food chain to explore the success stories of these techniques for possible implementation.
One such institution is Taita Taveta University (TTU) in collaboration with Taita Taveta County and the Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT), which jointly conducted an in-depth benchmarking study on the JKUAT’s tissue culture processes, aiming to assess their effectiveness and explore opportunities for scaling up production.
The visit was guided by the Danida Market Partnership Programme (DMDP), which operates under MESPT in collaboration with both TTU and Taita County. The program aims to generate jobs by strengthening the banana value chain and supporting local agricultural development.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Patrick Mbindyo, Registrar, Research, Production and Extension, noted that JKUAT’s banana tissue culture technology holds immense potential to transform the banana farming sector, offering innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
“JKUAT has made significant strides in advancing banana tissue culture technology, positioning itself as a leader in agricultural research. The university’s well-established facilities and expertise have become a vital resource for farmers seeking to increase banana yields and overall productivity,” said Dr. Mbindyo.
He also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between institutions like TTU, MESPT, and local governments to scale up the adoption of these technologies across the region.
TTU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Outreach, Prof. Christine Onyango, stated that the visit provided crucial information that will enable them to make an informed decision regarding their new banana tissue lab.
“JKUAT has established itself as a leading force in the banana tissue culture sector, driving innovation and advancements in agricultural research and practices. This visit has further strengthened its position, providing valuable insights that will enhance the development of cutting-edge solutions for banana production,” Prof. Onyango said.
Manager of MESPT, Mr. Philemon Moseti, said, the DMDP programme has been crucial in supporting over 2,000 farmers in Taita County, adding that there is a need to continue strengthening it in order to improve the lives of more people.
“Our visit has provided us with valuable ideas that we hope to utilize in creating more jobs in the banana sector. This could have multiple benefits, including increasing food security and improving the livelihoods of local farmers and communities,” Mr. Museti explained.
Taita Taveta County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, Mr. Dawson Mzenge, emphasized the importance of the DMDP in job creation, stating that it will play a crucial role in boosting the local economy.
Mr. Mzenge said the JKUAT visit was critical in providing information that will play a key role in enhancing their efforts to supply high-quality banana seedlings to farmers in Taita.
The team had an opportunity to tour the tissue culture labs and the banana nursery, gaining firsthand insight and interaction with the processes and innovations.
