The Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI) was established in collaboration between AGRA and the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), Egerton University, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and the County Government of Nyandarua. This project is funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and seeks to improve potato value chains through quality seed distribution, storage infrastructure, and market linkages. The main beneficiaries of these projects are smallholder potato farmers, cooperatives and traders.
Implementation Status
The KSPI project started in 2023 and is planned to end in 2027 and provide the potato farmers with certified seed for production and promote better post-harvest handling practices, benefiting over 50,000 smallholder farmers.
Key Findings
- Improved Seed Access: The KSIP project has enabled smallholder potato farmers to obtain high quality and certified seeds which are free from diseases thus improving productivity.
- Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: The KSIP initiative has trained the smallholder farmers on the best storage methods and handling techniques thus reducing post-harvest losses.
- Stronger Market Linkages: The KSIP has assisted over 50,000 smallholder potato farmers to access viable markets for the sale of their produce at the best prices.
The KSIP project reports high production costs and inadequate storage facilities remain key issues.