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Potato is an important food security crop in Kenya. High prevalence of potato viruses is one of the major causes of low potato yields. Implementation of effective virus management strategies requires information on farmers’ perceptions and practices on virus epidemiology and control. To better understand farmers’ knowledge and practices in virus control and set possible pathways for intervention, a household survey involving 147 respondents was conducted in two major potato-growing regions in Kenya. Lack of sufficient technical information on potato virus symptoms, vectors and modes of transmission was found to be the major hindrance to farmers’ efforts towards virus control. A spider diagram approach was therefore used to determine the aspect of virus control that required the highest prioritization for immediate intervention by policy makers. Use of virus-resistant cultivars was found to require the most urgent attention compared to other aspects of virus control and was expected to have greater impact in lowering virus prevalence. This study showed that enhancing farmer knowledge needs to be prioritised as this is a key determinant of the success of the virus control strategy to be selected for implementation.

The potato subsector in Kenya has an unexploited potential which, if properly harnessed, can make significant contributions to Kenya's development aspirations - particularly those related to food and nutrition security, and economic development - as articulated in the country's two main policy documents: Kenya Vision 2030 and the Agriculture Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) 2010-2020. Despite the investments made in the potato subsector in the last several years, its growth has been unsatisfactory. The subsector is currently characterized by: (i) low commercialization; (ii) low average yields; (iii) poor competitiveness; (iv) high wastage; and (v) low value addition with limited processing and limited agribusiness activities. There are very few contractual arrangements between producers and end users of potatoes (e.g. processors, fast food restaurants or supermarkets). In order to transform the potato subsector from subsistence to a vibrant, commercially oriented subsector, a new roadmap - one which leverages available resources to deliver economic growth and opportunity, improved food security and nutrition, and environmental sustainability is required. This chapter presents a roadmap that provides a guide on the core investment areas necessary to revitalize the potato subsector. The roadmap is anchored on three investment areas, namely: (i) the seed potato value chain; (ii) the ware potato value chain; and (iii) the processed potato value chain. The targets of the roadmap are to increase yields by at least 20% in the next 10 years to achieve three overarching objectives, namely: (i) a 15% increase in farm incomes; (ii) improved food security; and (iii) more business opportunities for at least 10% of potato-growing households. These growth targets will be achieved through implementation of several flagship projects in each of the priority value chains focusing on several areas including value chain financing, improvement of markets, formulation of favourable policies, adoption of improved farming technologies (e.g. irrigated potato farming) and promotion of value addition.

Management of biotic stresses in agriculture solely depends on the use of pesticides globally. Little is currently known on the health risks attributed to pesticides in potato farming in Kenya. The level of exposure and safety precautions adopted by operators to avoid hazards attributed to handling of chemicals and develop an easy to use model of exposure in potato farming was investigated. A total of 197 potato farmers from Nyandarua County in Kenya were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on pesticides handling parameters were collected. Results revealed that, most hazardous chemical (WHO class III) were highly (75%) used, whilst biologicals were unfamiliar to farmers. Majority of farmers were in agreement that, pesticides posed health risks (85%) and (90%) environmental impairment. Only 46% of the farmers were aware of pesticides safety, while 36% used personal protective equipments (PPEs) when handling pesticides. In addition, the percentage of farmers who could read and understand chemical label was 30%. Trained and educated farmers were more likely to follow pesticides safety precautions (88%). Poor disposal of chemical leftovers and empty containers was evident whereas most farmers (86%) had no standard storage facility for pesticides. Lack of training (70%) was pointed out as the major constrain. Merely, 10% experienced self-reported symptoms of acute poisoning. Estimation of exposure elucidated that, potato growers are at high risk to metalaxyl and mancozeb exposure. Therefore multi-institutional interventions would be crucial in providing sustainable solutions.

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