Results
Farmers and agricultural advisors trained by the project have already conducted 799 farming schools. In the process, 14,572 smallholders have been trained in good agricultural practices and profitable potato farming. Regular data collection has shown that application of the practices taught and improved seed have already achieved considerable yield increases, for example in Kenya from eight tonnes per hectare (in 2016) to 12.63 tonnes per hectare (in 2020).
In collaboration with the International Potato Centre (Centro Internacional de la Papa, CIP), the project has established demonstration plots with innovative farming practices, where advisors and farmers are trained. Here they learn about improved crop rotation, controlling potato diseases and crop protection as well as varietal options. Furthermore, the project assists smallholder seed producers with the implementation of modern seed propagation methods in collaboration with the CIP, thus improving the availability of high quality seed.
A large number of advisors have also received training in nutrition and health. The advisors have reached about 21,200 people in Kenya and Uganda through regular training sessions on the topics of cooking, food storage, establishing kitchen gardens, hygiene and nutrition. Current surveys have shown that the trained people are already applying the acquired knowledge and that a more divers diet has been achieved.
The project supports the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and the Uganda Potato Platform Limited (UPP Ltd) in developing and implementing national and regional potato sector strategies. An international working group also involving partners from Cameroon, India, Mali, Nigeria and Tunisia promotes the sharing of experiences and knowledge and the transfer of technology.
Last update: February 2021