Can Kenyan farmers improve cassava production and quality?

It is possible for cassava farmers in Kenya to improve the quality and quantity of cassava in the region.

Improving cassava quality and production in Kenya involves implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of cultivation, processing, and marketing.

Here are some key recommendations:

1. Varietal Selection:Kenyan cassava farmers need to identify and promote high-yielding and disease-resistant cassava varieties suitable for Kenyan agroecological zones.Introduce improved varieties that have desirable traits such as drought tolerance and early maturity.
2. Soil Management:Kenyan cassava farmers in collaboration with parastatals like the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) , KALRO NON-RUMINANT RESEARCH INSTITUTE , Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT) and the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development must conduct soil tests to determine nutrient deficiencies and amend soils accordingly.Implement proper soil conservation practices to prevent erosion and maintain soil fertility.
3. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP):The Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development must promote and train farmers on modern farming techniques, including proper planting spacing, weed control, and pest management.Encourage the use of organic or integrated pest management methods to reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
4. Water Management:The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources must promote efficient water use through techniques such as mulching, drip irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.Develop and disseminate guidelines for water management in cassava cultivation.
5. Access to Quality Planting Material:The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) must establish and strengthen community-based seed systems to ensure farmers have access to high-quality planting material.Promote the use of certified planting material to reduce the spread of diseases.
6. Research and Extension Services:The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) , KALRO NON-RUMINANT RESEARCH INSTITUTE , International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) must invest in research to address specific challenges faced by cassava farmers in Kenya.Strengthen extension services to disseminate best practices, new technologies, and information to farmers.
7. Post-Harvest Management:Improve storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.Promote proper processing techniques to add value to cassava products, such as cassava flour, chips, and starch.
8. Market Access and Value Chain Development:The Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development should facilitate market linkages and establish market information systems to connect cassava farmers with buyers.Support the development of cassava-based industries to create additional value and employment opportunities.
9. Capacity Building:The Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development , Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT) , Self Help Africa , World Food Programme , UN Environment Programme , FAO should provide training programs to farmers on modern agricultural practices, processing techniques, and business skills.Strengthen the capacity of local agricultural extension officers to effectively support farmers.
10. Policy Support:The Government of Kenya and the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development should advocate for policies that promote cassava production and processing.Ensure that policies address issues related to land tenure, access to credit, and infrastructure development.
11. Climate-Smart Agriculture:The Government of Kenya and the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development should promote climate-smart agricultural practices to build resilience against climate change impacts.Encourage the adoption of climate-resilient cassava varieties.
12. Collaboration and Partnerships:Foster collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to pool resources and expertise. I am calling upon Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development , Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT) , Self Help Africa , FAO , World Food Programme Government of Kenya , National Youth Council Of Kenya Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International to support the upscaling of cassava farming in Kenya, not only to provide food security but also sustainable development through the value addition of cassava products.

Implementing a combination of these strategies with active involvement from various stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable improvement of cassava quality and production in Kenya.