Kenyan potato farmers are getting closer to supplying multi-national fast food companies operating in Kenya, according to a news report by Jacktone Lawi, published by The Star. Despite Kenya having the potential, supplies for potatoes have preciously been majorly from South Africa and Egypt.
However, a new consortium has been formed to help smallholder farmers increase yields and reduce post-harvest losses by 50% in the next two years, potentially benefiting up to 30,000 farmers and contributing to food security in the country.
Potatoes are a key crop in Kenya and the industry is estimated to contribute over Sh50 billion to the economy. However, productivity remains low and imports from Egypt and Tanzania have been cheaper than locally sourced potatoes.
The consortium aims to address key gaps in agronomy, commercial and digital knowledge, and access to finance and markets in order to increase yields and improve the profitability of potato farming in Kenya.
Source: The Star. Read the full story here
Photo: Kalulu village, Githabai, Kinangop, on Monday, August 3, 2020. Image credit Ndichu Wainaina via The Star
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