More than 150,000 small-scale potato farmers in Kenya are set to benefit from a new KSh195 million climate-smart agriculture programme aimed at transforming potato farming through sustainable practices and modern technology. The initiative, known as the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI), is designed to promote climate resilience, improve yields, and enhance farmers’ incomes.
This three-year programme will empower potato growers by promoting the adoption of sustainable farming practices, improving access to certified seeds, and reducing post-harvest losses by 50%. In addition to directly training over 150,000 farmers, the programme will also support more than 300,000 others indirectly by enhancing the overall potato value chain across the country.
The KSPI targets four key potato-growing counties: Nyandarua, Meru, Laikipia, and Nandi. These regions have been identified due to their high potential for potato farming and the need for improved agricultural practices. The programme also has a strong focus on inclusivity, with 40% of the beneficiaries expected to be women and 10% youth.
Currently, Kenya’s potato farming sector faces numerous challenges, including limited use of certified seed potatoes, inadequate pest and disease management, and reliance on outdated farming techniques. As a result, the country’s average potato yield remains at just 7 tonnes per hectare far below its potential yield of up to 40 tonnes per hectare.
One of the key priorities of the initiative is to boost the production and distribution of certified potato seeds. Kenya currently faces a significant seed deficit, with demand standing at 30,000 tonnes per year against a supply of less than 10,000 tonnes. Scaling up seed production will be essential for improving productivity and meeting the growing demand for potatoes in both domestic and regional markets.
The programme will also promote the adoption of mechanised farming technologies and environmentally friendly practices, including the use of renewable energy in farming operations. By encouraging climate-smart agriculture, KSPI aims to help farmers adapt to the changing climate and reduce the environmental impact of potato production.
To ensure long-term success, agricultural extension officers will receive training and updated knowledge on best practices. These officers will then serve as vital links between researchers and farmers, offering hands-on support and guidance in implementing the new techniques.
Access to markets, financial services, and digital tools will also be strengthened as part of the programme. By connecting farmers to value chain actors, mobile platforms, and agribusiness opportunities, the initiative seeks to increase efficiency and profitability across the board.
Recognising the importance of capacity-building for future agricultural professionals, the initiative includes practical training opportunities for students and youth. These hands-on experiences will help young people acquire essential farming skills, prepare for careers in agriculture, and play a part in transforming the sector.
Potatoes are the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize, making them vital to both food security and the economy. Through the KSPI, farmers will be better equipped to harness the full potential of potato farming ensuring higher yields, better incomes, and a more resilient agricultural sector in the years ahead.
