Kenya: German aid organization launched potato training programme

The German aid organization, known as GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), reportedly started a training program to boost potato farming in areas where climatic conditions in Kenya favour the production of the crop, in particular in in Nyandarua and Bungoma Counties. Potato is an important crop in the country, but is currently beset by climatic and disease problems. The training programme kicked off with the training of ward agricultural officer popularly known as frontline extension workers. The inaugural 10 day training takes place at the Kenya Agricultural and livestock Research Organization’s (KALRO) potato research centre in Limuru. On the menu for the extension officers are refresher lessons on good agronomic practices on potato production. They will in turn train farmers in their areas, and also set up research plots that will serve as “schools” where they will offer training courses in future. The goal is to have farmers increase their potato production per unit area, and also enhance their their marketing and management skills. (Source: Standard Digital, Kenya)