scholarly journals Assessment of National Performance Trials of Potatoes in Mid-Altitude Regions of Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Muthoni ◽  
Hussein Shimelis ◽  
Mbiri D. G. ◽  
Schulte-Geldermann Elmar
Keyword(s):  
Potato Production ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Food Crop ◽  
Potato Varieties ◽  
National Performance ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
And Migration ◽  
High Yields

Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. It is a valuable cash and food crop mainly grown by small-scale farmers. Potato is cultivated mainly under rainfed production conditions at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 metre above sea level (masl). Consequently, National Performance Trials (NPTs) test sites are located in these highlands. Recently, potato production has spread to the mid-highlands (1200-1500masl) mostly due to high food demand occasioned by population increase, and migration of small scale farmers from the densely populated highlands to the more spacious midlands. Consequently, there is increased need to breed potato varieties that can grow profitably in the warmer mid-altitudes. This development called for identification of new conventional NPT test sites located in the mid-altitudes. Six mid-altitude sites were identified and client-managed conventional NPTs carried out. Twenty six potato genotypes were evaluated for two seasons. First season crop was planted in 2016 while the second season crop was planted in 2017. There was a significant (p≤ 0.001) effect of genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interaction in the first season. Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. All genotypes yielded between 10 and 25 ton/ha. In the second season, only environments showed significant (p≤ 0.001) effects. Again, Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. Across the two seasons, Trans-Nzoia gave an average yield of 26.96 ton/ha followed by Kabete at 18. 21ton/ha. All the other four sites yielded less than 10 ton/ha. The high yields at Trans-Nzoia and Kabete could be due to higher altitudes in these two sites compared to the others. In order to develop potato varieties that can produce profitably in the warm mid-altitudes, breeding and early generation selections activities should be based in these areas.

scholarly journals Adoption of Improved Sweet Potato Production Technologies among Small-scale Farmers in South East, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
M. N. Okeke ◽  
E. N. Mbah ◽  
M. C. Madukwe ◽  
H. U. Nwalieji
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Training Programmes

The study was carried out to determine adoption of improved sweet potato production technologies among small-scale farmers in South East, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents using questionnaire. Percentage, mean score and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results showed that majority (64.0%) of the respondents were male, married (85.0%) with a mean age of 55 years, having 81.0% of the respondents with a farming experience of 10-19 years. A greater percentage of the sweet potato producers sourced information on time of planting (55.0%), planting spacing (46.0%) and weeding (37.0%) from research institute while 36.0% sourced information on fertilizer application from fellow farmers. Adoption of improved sweet potato production technologies by producers in the study area included use of improved varieties (79%), planting spacing/distance used (81%), vine cutting (81%), fertilizer application (400 kg/ha, NPK 15:15:15) (91%), pest control (66%), harvesting (77%) and storage method (51%). The study recommended the need for awareness campaign by extension agents, public health agencies, nutritionists and non-governmental organizations on the availability of these sweet potato varieties that produce high yields for better returns. Efforts of government and non-governmental organizations are needed in encouraging sweet potato producers to adopt improved technologies through conduct of practical oriented training programmes, provision of suitable and necessary incentives and technologies in order to increase production and income.

scholarly journals Adaptation of Small-Scale Tea and Coffee Farmers in Kenya to Climate Change

2021 ◽  
pp. 29-47
Author(s):  
Alice Nyawira Karuri
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Food Crop ◽  
Coffee Farmers ◽  
Food Crop Production ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Two Sectors ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

AbstractThe adverse effect of climate change on agriculture is well-documented and is a cause of concern for governments globally. In addition to concerns over food crop production, the economies of numerous developing countries rely heavily on cash crops. The coffee and tea sectors are key in Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange, and the direct or indirect employment of millions. Farmers engaged in the production of coffee and tea are predominantly small-scale farmers, with the majority farming on less than five acres. Climate change poses a threat to the production of these two crops and by extension to the economy of Kenya and the livelihood of farmers and those employed in these sectors. This study identifies the challenges posed by climate change in the tea and coffee sectors, the adaptation and mitigation measures identified, and the scope of their implementation. The production, processing, and marketing of tea and coffee in Kenya differs widely in terms of the institutions and institutional arrangements in the two sectors. This study will therefore analyze the role played by institutions in both sectors and how this affects climate change adaptation and mitigation measures by small-scale farmers.

scholarly journals Socio-economic contributions of small-scale plantations in Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 84-92
Author(s):  
Yilebes Addisu Damtie ◽  
Mandefrot Amare
Keyword(s):  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
Rainfall Reduction ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Favourable Environment

In order to enhance the attention given by farmers, government and concerned bodies, the socio-economic contributions of small-scale plantations should be studied. This study identified the socio-economic benefits of small-scale plantations in the Godera Woreda of Gambella Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected through questioners and key informant interviews from 208 farmers and 8 key informants. Descriptive statistics and a regression model were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that of the average 1.72 ha of land possessed by small-scale farmers 0.81 ha was used for tree plantations. The main types of plantations were coffee, eucalyptus, banana and avocado. The mean annual production was 645 kg, 290 kg and 271 kg for coffee, banana and avocado, respectively. Small-scale farmers earned a mean of 4675.56 Birr from plantations which was 32.37 % of the total income. The Woreda government gained 365,022 Birr royalty payment during 2015/16.The regression results show income from plantations significantly affects the annual income of small-scale farmers (β = 0.436, p < 0.01). Access to basic services, land use change, expenditures, population growth, employment opportunities, and migration are social changes supported by small-scale plantations. The availability of a favourable environment, extension service, land, and peace are opportunities of plantations. In contrast, challenges of small-scale plantations are disease, low prices for product, lack of improved plantation varieties, shortage of land, lack of demand, climate change and rainfall reduction, lack of government support, and high transportation costs. It is recommended to strengthen the small-scale plantations for better positive socio-economic contributions of the sector through supporting the opportunities and management of identified challenges.

scholarly journals Effect of Site and Variety on Yield of Seed Potato in the North Rift Region of Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-300
Author(s):  
Simeon K. Komen ◽  
Julius O. Ochuodho ◽  
Elmada O. Auma
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Size Category ◽  
Potato Varieties ◽  
The North ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Alternative Sites

Abstract Potato is Kenya’s second staple food crop, grown by small scale farmers who recycle seed due to unavailability of certified one, resulting in diseases build-up that reduces yields. The subdivision of once seed farms and change of use in the 1980’s effectively limit availability of suitable land for seed production against high demand of quality seed. Hence search for alternative sites in the North Rift for seed production are being explored. However, current varieties in commercial production were not evaluated for their performance in this region. The objectives of the study were to identify suitable potato varieties for seed production and for which elevation in the region.Well sprouted seed tubers of six local varieties were planted at Kitale (1901 m), Kapcherop (2386 m) and Kibigos (2887 m) above sea level following recommended management practices. Plant emergence was slowest at Kibigos while fastest at Kitale. Stem density varied with varieties and attained maximum numbers at 56 days after planting. Most of the varieties had 80% of tubers in seed grade 70 days after planting at Kitale. Introduction of potato varieties should be preceded by evaluation for their performance as some varieties seem more suitable while others do well across the sites for seed production. In cooler areas like Kapcherop and Kibigos potato tubers remain younger, emerge slowly compared to warmer areas, but attain maximum emergence 30 days after planting. Some varieties like Dutch Ronjin, have high number of tubers in seed size category while some have more ware size potatoes grown in same elevation for the same growth period.

scholarly journals Aeroponics and Sand Hydroponics: Alternative Technologies for Pre-Basic Seed Potato Production in Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 444-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lemma Tessema ◽  
Zebenay Dagne
Keyword(s):  
Seed Potato ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Multiplication Rate ◽  
Potato Yields ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
High Quality Seed ◽  
Basic Seed

Abstract Potato is the third most important food crop worldwide after rice and wheat in terms of human consumption, and global production exceeds 374 million metric tons. Despite this immense importance, potato yields from small-scale farmers in most developing countries including Ethiopia fall far below their capacity, mainly because of insufficient access to high quality seed and limited knowledge on crop husbandry. Moreover, 98.7% of the seed being used come from the informal seed system which lacks appropriate phytosanitary schemes. Frequent seed degeneration nature and low multiplication rate of the crop also provoked less productivity of potato. Hence, technological improvements are necessary for increasing potato productivity and decreasing different bottlenecks of the crop. Aeroponics, sand hydroponics and tissue culture based seed multiplication techniques are currently accelerating the supply of disease free seed potato to the country. Thus, to take advantage of the yield capability of potato by improving the maximum production determinant elements like seed quality, these alternative pre-basic seed potato multiplication technologies could be duly verified and used as an option to boost the yield of potato.

scholarly journals An approach to measuring food losses in the potato chain in Ecuador and Peru

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-65
Author(s):  
C. Velasco; M. Ordinola; A. Devaux
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Prices ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
Food Losses ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Potato production and the related commercial and technological characteristics in the potato value chain, is one of the most important sources of income and food security of thousands of small-scale farmers in the Andes, who are increasingly challenged by trends of urbanization, volatility of agricultural prices, water and land scarcity, environmental stress, and weather shocks. Understanding food losses along the potato value chain and what role these losses play in food security has recently caught the interest of researchers and policy makers as reducing food losses can improve food availability without increasing agricultural inputs, use of land, or technological improvements on the production side. However, estimating food losses has proven to be a daunting task and efforts have yielded estimates that vary considerably. The methodology presented in this study distinguishes losses that are due to physical quantities from those due to quality and value. The results show that the most important losses occur in the production link and that the most important losses faced by small-scale potato producers occur due to crop management practices (before harvest), pests and diseases, frost and drought. Losses in production amount to an average of 95% of total losses in the value chain. This paper reports on the study conducted by the International Potato Center (CIP) through the CGIAR Program on Policy, Institution and Markets (PIM) lead by IFPRI, to evaluate the extent and sources of food losses taking as case study key potato value chains in Ecuador and Peru.

DECENTRALIZED ON-FARM SEED POTATO PRODUCTION FROM PRE-BASIC MINITUBERS: A CASE STUDY FROM NEPAL

1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. SCHULZ ◽  
G. J. WELLS ◽  
B. K. BANIYA ◽  
T. P. BARAKOTI ◽  
G. KHAREL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solanum Tuberosum ◽  
Seed Potato ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Seed Potato Production ◽  
Southern Plains ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Basic Seed

The on-farm performance of more than 150 000 pre-basic potato (Solanum tuberosum) minitubers of 1–10 g was monitored over two years in contrasting environments in Nepal. Average minituber productivity (grams of basic seed produced per minituber planted) was 171 g in the southern plains and 116 g in the hills. Although the performance of minitubers varied between environments, minituber sizes and potato varieties, the overall results clearly indicated that minitubers can be successfully multiplied by small-scale farmers. This technology therefore allows for the highly decentralized production of basic seed which, in turn, will reduce farmers' dependence on an unreliable and costly supply of bulky conventional seed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document