Kenya’s top deadliest

pests and diseases over

the last decade
The plant health scene has gone
through invasion after invasion
INFORMING AND INSPIRING FARMERS leaving farmers reeling from losses

INFORM I EDUCATE I INSPIRE WWW.SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM KSH 350/- ISSUE 53

Super Napier Grass

game changer for
livestock rearing
Farmers are witnessing rising
milk production due to this
plant that has the highest
crude protein of Napier grasses

From pineapple
leaves to trendy
shoes and bags
Discover the growing fashion
trend where leather and other
fabrics are made from plants
like mushrooms and wastes

Pest detection tech

creating waves for

Breadfruit
young innovator
Her solar-powered device can
predict and detect trouble on
a farm, then warns the farmer
about it by sending an SMS
Versatile and nutritious
With the rising costs of food and staples amid the hunger and
droughts, this is a plant waiting to be discovered and exploited.
It is a promising alternative to maize and wheat, is nutritious and
has a high potential for great economic returns
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 1
Smart Team Inside this edition..
PUBLISHER
Bernadette Chelagat Murgor

EDITOR
David Kipkorir

CONTRIBUTORS
Mwangi Mumero
Mazera Ndurya
Clifford Akumu
Jackson Okata
Zablon Oyugi

GUEST COLUMNISTS
Nderitu Nyagah
Emmanuel Atamba
Alex Gathii
Dennis Rapongo

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Peter Kiptoo Super Napier grass Castor, a plant of value
MARKETING It has the highest crude protein of all Napier with great potential
Smart Farmer Africa grasses, produces up to 200 tonnes per acre
It grows fast and wildly, without need for fertiliser
per year, providing enough biomass to feed up
but this plant, which is considered to be a
PHOTOGRAPHY to 15 dairy cows for a year…
weed, has several medicinal, industrial, and
Peter Kiptoo
pharmaceutical uses
PAGE 12-14 PAGE 20-22
OTHER PHOTOS
Flickr
Shutterstock
Courtesy | Google.com Startup making shoes
from pineapple waste
SOCIAL MEDIA
From turning food waste into fabrics to
Peter Kiptoo
developing leather alternatives from
mushroom, pineapple leaves, apple peels
We would love to hear from you.
among a host of others, the sustainable wear
Please drop a line to the editor at:
industry is transforming the way we think
editor@smartfarmerkenya.com
about fashion
Or write to
PAGE 15-18

The Editor,

Smart Farmer magazine Farmers turn to Demon F1

52103-00100 GPO Nairobi
chili to meet demand Battling the bugs: deadliest
Coastal farmers turn up the heat for one of the
pests over the decade
SmartfarmerAfrica world’s hottest pepper’s for its high yield and Kenya’s plant health scene has gone through
demand being driven by drought. a plethora of invasive pests and diseases that
@smartfarmerafri
has had farmers reeling in losses.
_smartfarmerafrica PAGE 50 PAGE 24-27

_Smart Farmer Africa Limited
www.smartfarmerkenya.com
Copyright © 2023, Smart Farmer Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic
or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright
law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at
the following address : Smart Farmer magazine, 52103-00100 GPO Nairobi. www.smartfarmerkenya.com

SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 3

 FROM THE EDITOR
Innovation key to
fighting pests and
diseases on the farm
By Bernadette Murgor
bmurgor@smartfarmerkenya.com
Pests and diseases
pose a huge challenge
to farmers in their ef-
forts to boost crop pro-
duction and enhance
food security.
For the past decade,
the country has been
battling with hordes of
its deadly pests and diseases.
In this edition, we highlight the experienc-
es of some farmers and how these problems
can be solved. A tomato farmer in Kirinyaga
County was full of expectations, as he hoped
to make a neat income from a bumper har-
vest. The price of a 60kg crate of tomatoes
was a high Ksh4,000. Then his worst night-
mare occurred.
Instead of the 30 crates of tomatoes he
had expected, he got only a miserly two. He
was one of the first victims of a vicious leaf
miner codenamed Tuta Absoluta that was
later nicknamed Tomato Al-Shabaab. The
pest, originally from South America, had
journeyed through Europe and Asia before
crossing into Kenya from Ethiopia.
KEPHIS says the pest can cause a crop
loss or damage of up to 100 per cent if not
controlled. But it is not the only one that
is causing panic in the agricultural sector.
Others include the Fall Armyworm (FAW),
which first arrived in the country in 2016,
and attacks maize, sorghum and millet, caus-
ing 100 per cent crop loss if not controlled.
Desert locusts have wreaked havoc, as the
False Codling Moth devours chili pepper
and is also an obstacle in the flower sector.
Another notorious pest is the Maize Lethal
Necrosis, which decimates maize. The fruit
fly is yet another menace hounding fruit and
vegetable farmers.
4 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
One of the grain farmers’ worst nightmares
if aflatoxin, which ravages maize on farms
and in stores.
The fight against pests and diseases has
been stepped up. This calls for research to
develop innovative control solutions.
Using cutting-edge technology, 26-year-
old agripreneur Esther Wanjiku Kimani is
making her contribution to the fight. Her
digital innovation predicts and detects pests
and diseases and warns farmers by SMS.
As the pests and diseases are tackled, there
is also what promises to be a solution to food
insecurity - the growing of a high-yielding
food plant known as breadfruit. The crop can
be an alternative to staples such as maize
and is also a nutritious fruit, but whose po-
tential remains largely untapped.
At the coast, the growing of breadfruit,
which can also provide timber, is picking
up, but it has been ignored in other regions.
However, across the border in Uganda, it is
thriving.
Read also the inspiring story of the great
potential of the castor plant at the coast,
Want Great
especially in Kilifi County.
And can you believe this? Waste is becom-
ing increasingly fashionable. A new start-up,
Quality Coffee?
Pine Kazi, is turning pineapple waste into
fashionable shoes for style-conscious youth
Get quality coffee with Yara fertilizers
and the young at heart.
There are more fascinating articles in this
Pre-Flush Visible Flowering Flower Opening Berry Berry Expansion Ripe Cherry Post Harvest
issue. The name Demon F1 Chili is the rave
at the coast but there is nothing demonic
about it. This happens to be one of the hot-
test chillies in the world.
We also bring you an update on the Su-
per Napier grass, a game changer for live-
stock rearing. Farmers are turning to the
high-yielding grass to feed their animals.
Now relax and enjoy the valuable read!
1L/acre 150gm/tree 250gm/tree 250gm/tree 1L/acre
Bernadette Murgor, Benefits of the YARA coffee program
Editor-in-Chief, Smart Farmer Magazine
Higher Production Higher Farmer Profitability Quality Coffee
Reach Us On:
0800 720 517 / 0110 896 320 saleskenya@yara.com
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 5
www.yara.co.ke
PICTORIAL PICTORIAL

Evonik business manager, Douglas Malala, flanked by visiting South Afri- Mrs Susan Warui, Essential Drugs Limited MD,
can-based Evonik expert Natasha Davison, during a training seminar held speaking during the Evonik seminar. Behind her Twiga Chemicals staff at the Agri-Africa Unga Farmcare products Exhibited at the A lady admires flowers at the 10th edition
for feed manufacturers recently is Mr Steven Warui, a director at the company. Expo and Conference the KICC. the Agri-Africa Expo and Conference. of IFTEX expo

Visitors at a stand during the 2023 Agri-Africa Ms Natasha Davison speaking during the Evonik seminar held for Feed Visitors at the Koppert Biological Sys-
Beautiful flower designs on display at the recent IFTEX expo
Expo and Conference in KICC. manufacturers at a local hotel recently. tem’s stand during the IFTEX expo

Clients at the ISM Agrifarms stand at the Rebecca from Drone Crops briefs clients Organic Fields’ stand at the KICC expo.
Agri-Africa Expo and Conference. during the Agri-Africa Expo and Confer- Attendees follow proceeding during the launch of African Livestock Productivity and Mr Drees Beekman of Zoetis speaking
ence. Health Advancement Plus (A.L.P.H.A Plus), by animal health company Zoetis in Nairobi. during the A.L.P.H.A Plus launch.

6 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 7

FLORICULTURE
Kenya’s flower
exports bloom
BY DAVID KIPKORIR
kipkorirmail@gmail.com
enya's flower exports are ex-
K
pected to hit about 247,500
tonnes in 2023, up by 10 per
cent compared with figures of
the previous year, an industry association
said recently.
"Our flower sector is experiencing
higher demand this year as the econo-
mies of our key export markets continue
to recover," said Clement Tulezi, CEO of
Kenya Flower Council (KFC), at the In-
ternational Floriculture Trade Exhibition
(IFTEX) 2023.
The three-day flower exhibition at-
tracted more than 165 exhibitors from
more than 30 countries across the world.
According to Kenya Flower Council, an
association of independent growers and
exporters of cut flowers, Kenya earned
about 106 billion shillings (about 763
million U.S. dollars) in 2022 from flow-
er exports, making the fresh produce
among the top foreign exchange sourc-
es alongside tea, diaspora remittances
and tourism.
At the end of 2022, the total area of
land under flower cultivation stood at
about 4,300 hectares (43 square km),
Tulezi said.
"We expect flower farmers to add an-
other 100 hectares this year due to rising
demand," he added.
Kenya's key export markets include
the European Union, Britain, the Unit-
ed Arab Emirates, Japan, China, and the
United States.
IFTEX witnessed an overwhelming re-
sponse this year as thousands of flower
enthusiasts, professionals, and industry
leaders thronged the prestigious event
held at the Oshwal Community Center
from June 6 to June 8.
The vibrant exhibition, renowned for
8 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
showcasing the mesmerizing world of
flowers, provided a platform for florists,
growers, exporters, and traders to con-
nect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the
beauty and significance of flowers.
IFTEX, in its 10th edition, proved to
be an exceptional event with a remark-
able assortment of vibrant blooms, cap-
tivating displays, and innovative floral
designs that left visitors awe inspired.
Spanning across vast exhibition halls,
the event boasted an expansive show-
case of floral varieties, ranging from the
classic roses, lilies, and tulips to exotic
orchids, chrysanthemums, and rare in-
digenous blossoms.
Good news as
first-ever direct
cargo flights from
Nairobi to Tel Aviv
launched
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
ith the launch of the first-ever
W
direct cargo service between
Nairobi and Tel Aviv by Astral
Aviation, a leading cargo air-
line based in Kenya recently, farmers will
now be able to export their perishable
products on a weekly basis from Nairobi
to Tel Aviv.
The inaugural flight, operated on a
Boeing 757 freighter, departed Nairobi on
June 6 and arrived in Tel Aviv on June 7.
It transported a total of 27 tonnes of
various goods, including fresh produce
like pineapples and Nile perch fillets.
This new service is expected to bolster
trade between Kenya and Israel while
also reducing the cost and transit time
for shipping goods between the two
countries.
With these flights, the fresh produce
will reach the vibrant markets of Tel Aviv
BY THE NUMBERS, 247,500 TONNES
Kenya’s flower exports
are expected to hit
about 247,500 tonnes
in 2023, up by 10 per
cent compared with
figures of the previous
year
UP BY 10 PERCENT
The exhibition floor was a bustling hub
of activity, abuzz with attendees explor-
ing the vivid displays, interacting with
exhibitors, and marvelling at the intricate
arrangements and creative installations.
Kenya is the world's leading export-
er of cut flowers, with Europe being its
biggest market.
in just five hours, significantly reducing
transit times compared to the previous
24-hour journey.
“I wish to take this opportunity to
thank the management of Astral Avia-
tion for taking this bold step in having
a direct cargo flight from Nairobi to Tel
Aviv,” said Cabinet Secretary for Agricul-
ture, Honourable Mithika Linturi, during
the official launch of the inaugural Astral
Aviation direct cargo flight in June.
The CEO of Astral Aviation, Sanjeev
Gadhia, emphasised the significant ben-
efits that this direct flight offers, particu-
larly for perishable goods from Kenya.
Previously, shipments between Kenya
and Israel had to go through intermedi-
ary hubs such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa,
or Dubai. However, the launch of this
direct cargo service eliminates the need
for such detours, making the shipping
process more efficient and cost-effective.
REGULATIONS
Avocado, beans and peas in pods get
GAP guides as horticulture overtakes
tea as foreign exchange
BY CLIFFORD AKUMU
akumu.clifford@gmail.com
Despite being a market leader in
avocado production in Africa, Kenya
only exports 15pc of its produce
n an interesting turn of events,
I
Kenya’s horticulture industry
surpassed the tea sector as the
country’s primary foreign ex-
change earner in 2022, raking
in KSh146 billion from exports. Flowers
contributed KSh103 billion, vegetables
KSh23 billion and fruits KSh20 billion.
With its growth and immense poten-
tial, horticulture has emerged as a key
driver of economic development, pro-
viding employment to about 6.5 million
people along the entire value chain.
However, this sub-sector has been
plagued by challenges of compliance
with sanitary and phytosanitary require-
ments, the presence of harmful organ-
isms, exceedance of maximum residue
limits (MRLs) for pesticides, handling,
use of quality planting materials and
adoption of good hygiene practices,
which affect its global competitiveness.
“The sub-sector has registered tremen-
dous growth driven by increased demand
for high-quality and safe produce for
both local and export markets. Howev-
er, sustaining this growth will require a
paradigm shift to ensure efficiency and
quality assurance,” said the Principal
Secretary for the State Department for
Crop Development, Harsama Kello, in a
speech read on his behalf by the Director
of Crop Management, Douglas Kangi.
Struggle of the Avocado
A case in point is the lucrative avocado.
Despite Kenya’s prominence as a leading
producer on the continent, the produce
has encountered huge obstacles. Shock-
ingly, only 15 per cent is exported, due
to immature harvesting practices that
have led to its rejection in niche markets.
“Farmers have been harvesting im-
mature avocadoes leading to flagging of
exports in niche markets,” said Mr Clem-
ent Tulezi, of the Kenya Flower Council.
New GAP Guides
To address these challenges, ensure
sustained success and global competi-
tiveness, the National Horticulture Task-
force, comprising experts from the pri-
vate and public sectors, collaborated to
develop GAP guidelines for the avocado,
beans, and peas in pods. These guides
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
offer strategic recommendations to over-
come the hurdles, ensuring compliance
with international standards.
“These guides could not have come
at a better time, as the country’s horti-
culture industry grapples with a host of
challenges,” said Mr Tulezi
Mr Tulezi’s and kello’s remarks were
made during the launch of the GAP
guidelines recently in Nairobi.
Industry leaders advocate for compliance
During the launch, key figures within
the industry stressed the importance of
adhering to the provided guidelines. Mr
Eric Kimunguyi, CEO of Croplife Kenya/
AAK, discussed the issue of MRLs. “There
are different policies that touch on the
MRL challenge. We, therefore, must ac-
knowledge them and comply with the
guidelines provided,” he said.
Dr Esther Kimani, CEO of the Pest
Control Products Board, and Mr Josiah
Sianda, representative of the Kenya Plant
Health Inspectorate Services, echoed Mr
Kimunguyi’s sentiments.
“Producers, consolidators and export-
ers should be conversant with their tar-
get markets’ demands to ensure com-
pliance with their standards,” said Dr
Kimani.
Mr Sianda highlighted the adverse
impact of non-compliance on Kenya’s
horticulture image in global markets,
urging for collective efforts to address the
issue of chemical residue exceedance.
COLEAD, through its NExT Kenya pro-
gramme funded by the European Union,
supported the implementation of the
guidelines. Jeremy Knops, the director
general of COLEAD, said that while the
initiative has supported the realisation of
the guides, the documents belong to the
horticulture industry players in Kenya.
He urged professionals from the sector
to disseminate and assist in their imple-
mentation, ensuring regular updates.
“Full implementation of the GAP
guides will ensure compliance, thereby
enhancing the competitiveness of Ken-
ya’s horticultural sector in the local, and
international markets,” added Dr Kedera
Chagema of NExT Kenya.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 9

Some Kenyan poultry farmers
misusing antibiotics, study reveals
BY MWANGI MUMEO
yuzablon@gmail.com
new study conducted by
A the International Live-
stock Research Institute
(ILRI) has uncovered
alarming practices among peri-ur-
ban poultry farmers in Kenya's Ka-
jiado and Machakos counties.
These farmers frequently purchase
antibiotics for their chickens with-
out prescriptions and do not follow
recommended withdrawal periods,
according to the research.
The study, published in Antibiotic
May 2023, analysed the distribution
and use of antibiotics in peri-urban
smallholder poultry systems in the
two counties and found that antibi-
otics constituted a significant por-
tion, accounting for 43 per cent, of
the drugs used on these farms. To
worsen the situation, most of the an-
tibiotics were administered by the
farmers themselves, without proper
guidance.
The study also showed that left-
over drugs were either stored for
future use or disposed of, often
through incineration.
Such practices contribute to the
escalating problem of antimicrobial
resistance, where bacteria develop
the ability to withstand the effects
10 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE >
FOOD MATTERS
Meat, eggs and
milk offer crucial
nutrients not
available in plants
BY MWANGI MUMERO
mwangimumero@gmail.com
eat, eggs, and milk offer crucial
M sources of much-needed nutrients,
which cannot easily be obtained
from plant-based foods, a new
report issued by the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) now says.
The study notes that stages such as preg-
of antibiotics.
nancy and lactation, childhood, adolescence,
Antimicrobial resistance is rec-
and older ages require these critical foods
ognised as a growing global public
for success.
health threat, with the World Health
Entitled ‘Contribution of terrestrial animal
Organization (WHO) attributing 1.27
million deaths to resistant bacterial
infections in 2019 alone. The WHO
source food to health diets for improved nu-
trition and health outcomes’, the report lays
bare the benefits and risks of consuming an-
predicts that by 2050, the annu-
imal source foods and is based on data and
al cost of antimicrobial resistance
evidence from more than 500 scientific papers
could exceed $100 trillion, resulting
and 250 policy documents.
in an estimated 10 million deaths
These foods contain a wide range of impor-
worldwide.
tant macronutrients such as proteins, fats and
The inappropriate use of antimi-
carbohydrates, and provide much-needed mi-
crobials in poultry production has
cronutrients that are difficult to obtain from
serious consequences for both poul-
plant-based foods in the required quality and
try health and productivity. Moreo-
quantity, the report adds.
ver, it poses risks to public health by
They are also rich in minerals like iron, cal-
introducing antimicrobial resistance
cium, zinc, selenium, Vitamin B12, choline
genes and resistant bacteria into the
and bioactive compounds that are important
food chain.
for health and development functions.
To address this issue, the ILRI
According to the report, as part of an appro-
study emphasises the urgent need
priate diet, animal source foods can help in re-
to provide smallholder poultry
ducing stunting and wasting among children
farmers with accurate information
under five years of age, curb low birthweights,
on the correct use of antimicrobials.
anaemia in women of reproductive age, obesi-
This includes educating them about
ty, and non-communicable diseases in adults.
the importance of adhering to rec-
ommended antibiotic withdrawal
periods and the associated risks to
public health.
The study also highlights the sig-
nificant role that agrovet shop retail-
ers play in the veterinary drug value
chain. They can contribute to farmer
education by providing essential in-
formation and guidance.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
PESTS CONTROL
Natural enemy
released to combat
devastating
papaya mealybug
in Kenya’s high-
risk counties
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
he fight against the devastating
T
papaya mealybug (Paracoccus
marginatus) in Kenya is being
stepped up with the release of
a natural enemy – Acerophagus papayae
– in four more counties that run the risk
of being blighted by the pest.
CABI, together with colleagues from
the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock
Research Organisation (KALRO), the
National Museums of Kenya and Ken-
ya Plant Health Inspectorate Services
(KEPHIS), are preparing to unleash A.
papayae against the papaya mealybug
in Machakos, Makueni, Tharaka Nthi
and Embu.
A. papayae is a small parasitic wasp
that only attacks the papaya mealybug
by laying eggs on the pest.
It is hoped that future releases will
also be able to be carried out in Meru,
Murang’a, Kitui, Homabay, Busia and
Baringo – thereby covering all 10 of the
major papaya growing counties in Kenya.
The work is being carried out by CA-
BI’s invasive species experts based at its
Regional Centre for Africa in Nairobi as
part of work under the CABI-led global
PlantwisePlus programme.
Papaya mealybug is a serious pest of
papaya fruit, which originated from Cen-
tral America before spreading to the Car-
ibbean and South America in the 1990s.
The pest was first detected in Africa in
Photo courtesy
2010 in Ghana and in Mombasa County,
Kenya, in 2016.
CABI researchers found that more than
half of Kenya has been invaded by papaya
mealybug and its impact has led some
papaya farmers abandoning farming
the fruit altogether. CABI, KALRO and
KEPHIS have seen crop losses ranging
from 53-100% and economic losses of
£2,224/ha annually.
However, A. papayae offers a classical
biological control remedy for the papaya
mealybug pest. This reduces the overre-
liance on more harmful to use and more
damaging for the environment pesticides
– as part of an Integrated Pest Manage-
ment (IPM) plan.
Before the release, the performance
of A. papayae had been evaluated under
laboratory conditions for its efficiency as
a potential agent for use.
Laboratory parasitism of 77.5%, 72.5%
and 47.5% in adult females, third and sec-
ond instars respectively was obtained.
Consequently, a dossier on the laboratory
performance of the parasitoid and formal
application for field release was present-
ed to the Kenya Standing Committee on
Imports and Exports for consideration
before approval was granted.
Dr Ivan Rwomushana, Senior Scientist,
Invasive Species Management at CABI,
said, “The papaya mealybug is a signif-
icant pest which can devastate a whole
crop if left unmanaged. This not only
has a severe impact on the livelihood of
a smallholder farmer but also the abili-
ty to contribute to local, national, and
global food security.
“It is hoped that following the releas-
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
es of A. papayae, Natural Enemies Field
Reservoir (NERF) technology, pioneered
by the late CABI scientist Riaz Mahmood
in Pakistan, will also prove fruitful in
mass-rearing the parasitoid against pa-
paya mealybug in Kenya.”
NEFRs used in Pakistan as part of a
separate USAID-funded Phytosanitary
Risk Management programme in Sindh,
Balochistan, Gilgit and Skardu where the
conservation of important biocontrol
agents of papaya mealy bug, apple pests,
fruit flies and the giant mealy bug are
being carried out.
Under the release programme for A.
papayae, CABI is working with KEPHIS
and KALRO to increase awareness about
the classical biocontrol of papaya mealy-
bug and build the capacity of farmers,
extension officers, researchers, input
suppliers and policymakers to manage
the pest.
Furthermore, CABI is training and
helping farmers to establish NEFRs in
farmers’ fields that would act as a natu-
ral home for the Acerophagus papayae
parasitoid at the farmers’ fields and help
in conservation of the parasitoids in com-
munities when the project ends.
Photo courtesy
Acerophagus papayae
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 11
LIVESTOCK FEED duction of our Galla dairy goats and
Dorper sheep after feeding them the
Super Napier grass grass for some time,” says Mr Kangethe,
who is also finance professional and
game changer for has worked with a local dairy processor
for over 15 years.
livestock rearing Lush field
Encouraged by the good outcome
Farmers are revolutionising feed and lab results, they started multiply-
with high-yielding grass ing the grass on their six-acre farm in
2021. The land, which is about 5km
from Juja Town, has since turned into a
BY ZABLON OYUGI lush field of over 10 varieties of fodder
yuzablon@gmail.com crops. They include mulberry, Guate-
mala grass, Brachiaria grass, sweet po- Qualities of Super
tato vines, leucaena tree, Juncao grass,
ivestock keepers have for a
Napier grass:
L long time been searching
for feeds that can enhance
the health and productivity Simon Thuo checking on grown Super Napi-
and desmodium.
The area is always dry and can only
support thorny shrubs, but as you ap- 1. It has the highest crude pro-
of their animals. Many of the existing er grass at a farm in Juja, Kiambu County. proach the field, you will be attracted tein of all Napier grasses of
feeds do not fully tackle the challenges photo-Zablon Oyugi to the unusual view of a towering grass between 16% and 18%. Lab
that threaten livestock production. with dark green leaves without the tests in 2021 and 2022 showed
pollen. short pricking itchy hairs common with
Ordinary Napier grass, which has 17.2% and 18.4% of crude pro-
Super Napier is harvested for the first traditional Napier varieties.
been popular with farmers, has been teins; hence, more milk pro-
time at 75 to 90 days after planting and “We use the Tumbukiza Method
found to produce limited protein and duction.
subsequently after every 30-45 days for (TM), a technique recommended by
the energy required by animals, result- 2. It produces up to 200 tonnes
seven to eight years. the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock
ing in a decline in meat and milk pro- per acre per year, providing
“Since 2018, when we imported the Research Organisation (Kalro) to multi-
duction. enough biomass to feed up to
grass from Thailand, we have conduct- ply the grass. With the addition of farm
Its protein content, that is of ordinary 15 dairy cows for a year.
ed a series of tests in public and private manure, this technique encourages
Napier grass, is about five to eight per 3. Highly suitable for silage with
labs and the results have indicated that cluster multiplication and vigorous
cent against a requirement of 14-22 per no need for additives during
it has up to 16-18 per cent crude pro- growth,” says Mr Thuo.
cent, depending on the stage of pro- the silage making process due
tein content, which is good for almost
duction of cattle and other livestock,” to its water-soluble carbohy-
Simon Thuo at his farm the plant in Kenya. all types of livestock,” says Mr Thuo.
says Mr Alex Wanjala, a general agricul- Partnership with dairy coops drate (WSC) 18 content.
This grass has the highest crude pro- Kangethe adds that the importation To ensure widespread adoption of
ture expert and the principal of Kaguru 4. The leaves are smooth and
Super Napier grass tein of all Napier grasses of between 16 of the grass was informed by online Super Napier grass, the brothers have
Agricultural Training Centre in Nkubu, hairless, and do not cause ir-
However, there is something new on and 18 per cent, which boosts milk pro- research, which they started in 2016 af- embarked on a mission to educate
Meru County. ritation or allergic reactions
the horizon that promises to transform duction. It yields up to 200 tonnes per ter some of the fodder crops, they had and train farmers. Collaborating with
Dry matter content is also low at due to pollen.
the livestock sub-sector. Super Napier acre per year, providing enough bio- grown to feed their dairy goats at a fam- dairy farmers’ cooperatives, they have
about 22 per cent, causing permanent 5. The grass is harvested after
grass (Pakchong 1), a remarkable fod- mass to feed up to 15 dairy cows. It is, ily farm in Juja, Kiambu County, failed reached out to thousands of farm-
animal poor body condition and even- every cut for 7-8 years.
der crop developed in Thailand by Dr therefore, highly suitable for silage with to produce good results. ers across several counties, imparting
tually poor reproduction, he adds. 6. It is harvested for the first time
Krailas Kiyothong, an animal nutrition- no need for additives and has smooth “We were impressed by how Super knowledge on proper feeding practices.
Interestingly, though, many farmers, after 75-90 days and subse-
ist and plant breeder, has been widely and hairless leaves that do not cause Napier increased dairy production in “This is an opportunity to offer
especially smallholders, are unaware of quent cuts after every 30-45
touted as a game changer in livestock irritation or allergic reactions due to Thailand and the Philippine and decid- knowledge to our struggling farmers
the nutritional content of some of the days.
rearing. ed to import some cuttings to try it here and sell them a results-oriented prod-
fodder crops they feed their animals 7. It is harvested 7 to 8 times a
The grass, which is a cross between in Kenya,” says Mr Kangethe. uct,” Mr Thuo, a Bachelor of Commerce
on. If the situation continues, even the year under good management
elephant grass (Pennisetum purpu- They then raised the cuttings in the graduate from Strathmore University,
hybrids they have may diminish in size and in soils rich with organic
reum) and pearl millet (Pennisetum We also started witnessing im- backyard before transferring them to points out.
with time. matter (Nitrogen).
glaucum) is set to improve livestock the field, where the crop showed vigor-
“Generally, prolonged nutritional provements in milk and body Their partnership with the New Ken-
feeding and production, says Mr Si- ious growth and multiplication of clus- ya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC)
stress means the animals are eventual- weight in our Galla dairy goats
mon Thuo and his brother, Mr Francis ters. has been fruitful, as farmers in regions
ly changed and become small breeds,” and Dorper sheep after feeding
Kangethe. The two are the promoters, “We also started witnessing improve- such as the North Rift have already re-
says Mr Wanjala.
pioneer multipliers and distributors of them on the grass for some time ments in the body weight and milk pro- ported an increase of seven to 12 litres

12 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 13

Clustering of Super Napier grass done by Tumbukiza method at Simon Thuo’s farm in
Juja. photo-Zablon Oyugi
in milk production after adding Super
Napier grass into their feeding regimen.
“Kangethe and his brother are pas-
sionate about fodder crops and live-
stock production. We work with them
to supplement our extension service
provision where they have been instru-
mental,” says, Mr Philip Pyeko, raw milk
procurement manager at New KCC.
According to him, the Super Napier
grass is going to change the dairy sector
as farmers in the North Rift, who plant-
ed the grass last year, have started get-
ting 7-12 litres of milk increase.
Game changer
The impact of Super Napier grass
goes beyond milk production. Kaguru
Agricultural Training Centre has estab-
lished a demo farm to train farmers on
the benefits of the Pakchong 1 grass.
Through feed-lotting experiments,
they have discovered that feeding Su-
per Napier grass to bulls increases their
weight by an impressive 800 grammes
to a kilogramme per day.
It is just the beginning, yet farmers have started producing up to five
litres more from their previous production. This is an indication that
this grass is a game changer in the dairy production industry. It has
a very high biomass with high protein content, double the amount of
protein found in ordinary Napier grass
14 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
For dairy cows, incorporating Super
Napier grass into the Total Mixed Ra-
tion (TMR) reduces the daily meal cost
significantly, as the animals require
only three meals instead of 10 while still
obtaining sufficient energy.
Ms Marie Kihanya, a dairy farmer
from Kinoo on Nairobi’s western out-
skirts in Kiambu County, has grown the
grass on an eighth of her land and her
dairy milk production has doubled.
“I got a few cuttings from Mr Thuo
last year and my daily milk production
has increased from 10 to 20 litres,” says
Ms Kihanya.
Through individual farmers, demo
farms and partnerships, the brothers
have trained more than 5,000 farmers
from parts of the country and are ex-
tending their programmes to Tanzania,
Uganda, Somaliland, and Somalia.
Planting
Super Napier grass is propagated
through cuttings and for fast establish-
ment of the grass, it is recommended to
use TM for higher yields.
Farmers are advised to dig holes mea-
suring 2ft long by 2ft wide and 2ft deep
before mixing thoroughly at least one
bucket of well-decomposed manure
and one bucket of soil in each hole and
plant two cuttings in each hole.
Holes are spaced 3ft between rows
and 3ft from one hole to the other. The
cuttings, which are at least two nodes
each, are planted with one node going
below the soil and one above, at a slant-
ing angle of 45 degrees to the ground.
Soil and altitude requirements
Super Napier vegetates very fast and
does well in all types of soil as it is a
drought-resistant grass even though
irrigation and manure can be used to
spur quick regrowth.
An altitude of up to 2,100 metres
above sea level is favourable. Drip ir-
rigation is recommended, as it is eco-
nomical but overhead irrigation can
also be used in cooler areas where wind
speed is controlled.
Weeding
This can be done once in the early
stages of the grass’s growth if mulching
is not done, but once established, its
leaves suppress weeds underneath and
there is no need for more weeding.
Irrigation
It’s best to use an irrigation method
that applies water directly to the roots
or soil surface like use of drip irrigation.
Furrow irrigation or the use to canals or
pits done at least twice a week will sus-
tain production.
Maturity and harvesting
Grass matures in 75 to 90 days after
planting and for subsequent cuts, it is
harvested at 45 to 60 days for feeding
to animals. Harvesting can be done
manually using a sharp panga or mech-
anised grass cutters.
From here it can be fed to cows, rab-
bits, sheep, goats, camels and other an-
imals raw. But after it has wilted under
the sun to drain water, it can be used in
silage making.
VALUE ADDITION
VALUE ADDITION
From Fruit to Footwear: Kenyan
startup making fibre and shoes from
pineapple waste
From turning food waste into fabrics to developing leather alternatives from
mushroom, pineapple leaves, apple peels among a host of others, the sus-
tainable wear industry is transforming the way we think about fashion, with
Kenya’s Pine Kazi leading the revolution in the country
BY ZABLON OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
hen we think of pineapples,
W
our minds often conjure im-
ages of the delicious, sweet,
and juicy fruit that tantalizes
our taste buds.
But have you ever considered what
happens to the waste parts of this trop-
ical delight, especially the tough and
waxy leaves? In most cases, they are
simply discarded as waste.
In Kenya alone, a staggering 80,000
tonnes of pineapple waste, including
the leaves, is produced every month.
Sadly, this waste is either burned or
left to decompose, releasing harmful
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,
and contributing to climate change.
However, amidst this environmen-
tal challenge, there is a new fashion
revolution. As consumers are increas-
ingly becoming conscious of the en-
vironmental impact of their choices,
the global fashion industry is embrac-
ing innovative ideas to repurpose food
waste and create valuable products
that are both stylish and eco-friendly to
alleviate the strain on our planet.
From turning food waste into fabrics
to developing leather alternatives from
mushroom, pineapple leaves, apple
peels among a host of others, the sus-
tainable wear industry is transforming
the way we think about fashion.
While animal leather production is
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
known for its heavy environmental
footprint and ethical concerns, sever-
al innovative companies are creating
leather-like materials using plant-
based or lab-grown sources.
For instance, international brands
like Piñatex and Desserto are produc-
ing leather-like textiles from pineapple
leaf fibres. By extracting the cellulose
fibres from pineapple waste, they cre-
ate a durable and versatile material
that can be used for bags, shoes, and
clothing.
Another emerging leather alterna-
tive is mushroom leather, also known
as “MuSkin.” Created from the fibrous
roots of mushrooms, this material of-
fers a soft and pliable texture like ani-
mal leather. It is biodegradable, renew-
able, and requires minimal water and
energy during production.
BY THE NUMBERS
80,000 tonnes
In Kenya alone, a stag-
gering 80,000 tonnes of
pineapple waste, including
the leaves, is produced
every month
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 15
 To push it even further, imagine
this: a worn-out or torn leather jack-
et or bag that could repair itself! No
need to imagine. Researchers have
already developed a self-healing or
repairing leather and your self-heal-
ing jacket could just become a re-
ality in not so distant a future, as
researchers reported on April 11 in
Advanced Functional Materials.
Though currently, leather made
from mycelium – threadlike struc-
tures found in mushrooms, is under
production, fungal growth is limited
by the way the leather is produced.
And in pursuit of reducing waste
and using resources efficiently, at-
tention has turned to food waste
as a source of unique fabrics. For
example, Orange Fiber, an Italian
company, has developed a silk-like
fabric from citrus waste. By extract-
ing cellulose from discarded orange
peels, they create a luxurious and
sustainable textile that can be used
in clothing and accessories. Others
are creating leather-like materials
from apple waste and grape skins.
Locally, we have not been left out.
Kenya, too, has joined this movement
towards sustainability with Pine Kazi
at the forefront of this movement,
revolutionising the country’s fashion
with eco-friendly shoes. It is a social
business venture that transforms
pineapple leaves and recycled rub-
ber into fashionable footwear.
The story of Pine Kazi began in
2019, when a group of young stu-
dents from African Nazarene Univer-
sity – Olivia Awuor, Angela Nzomo,
“It was not easy to come up
with the first prototype. We
worked tirelessly with our
hands for five months to bring
the idea to life. When we final-
ly made the first shoe, it was
tears of joy,” recalls Awuor,
now the CEO of Pine Kazi.
16 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
BACKGROUND
The story of Pine Kazi began in 2019, when a
group of young students from African Nazarene
University – Olivia Awuor, Angela Nzomo, Mike
Langat, and Gilbert Kiplangat, embarked on a
journey to find alternative materials for bags
after the government imposed a ban on plastic.
During their research, they discovered that pine-
apple leaf fibres could be woven into fabric, but
soon realised that the bag industry was highly
regulated.
Undeterred, they shifted their focus to shoes,
inspired by the government’s emphasis on local
shoe production to reduce footwear imports,
which constituted a significant portion of the
country’s textile imports.
Pine kazi Shoes
Mike Langat, and Gilbert Kiplangat, em-
barked on a journey to find alternative
materials for bags after the government
imposed a ban on plastic.
During their research, they discovered
that pineapple leaf fibres could be wo-
ven into fabric, but soon realised that
the bag industry was highly regulated.
Undeterred, they shifted their focus to
shoes, inspired by the government’s em-
phasis on local shoe production to re-
duce footwear imports, which constitut-
ed a significant portion of the country’s
textile imports.
“It was not easy to come up with the
first prototype. We worked tirelessly
with our hands for five months to bring
the idea to life. When we finally made
the first shoe, it was tears of joy,” recalls
Awuor, now the CEO of Pine Kazi.
Since that pivotal moment, the team
has dedicated itself to producing more
shoes, gaining attention for their excep-
tional design and vibrant colours, which
resonate with the fashion industry’s dis-
cerning consumers.
While Awuor and Nzomo bring their
passion for art and shoe design to the
table, Langat and Kiplangat contribute
their expertise in technology and finan-
cial operations, respectively.
Angela oversees general and market-
ing operations, while Olivia focuses on
the executive aspects of Pine Kazi, in-
cluding fundraising, investor relations,
and overall company coordination.
TOP: Pine Kazi team from the left Mike Langat, Angela Nzomo, Olivia Auwor and Gilbert
Kiplangat. Left: farmers collecting pinapple leaves for Pine Kazi Shoe Production. Right:
After the fibre from the pineapple leaves is decorticated and washed the farmers hang
it up to dry.
Embracing the rich Kenyan culture,
Pine Kazi has bestowed brand names
upon its shoes that reflect the coun-
try’s abundant heritage. Swara, Ndovu,
Tembo, Simba, Nyati, and Chui, which
translate to some of Kenya’s famous
wild animals in Kiswahili, represent a
deliberate decision by the founders to
celebrate their cultural roots.
“As we expand into other product
lines, we aim to adopt names that tell
our country’s history and culture,” adds
Awuor. This commitment to preserving
and showcasing Kenyan identity is also
evident in the company’s name: Pine
Kazi, where “Pine” refers to pineapples,
and “Kazi” is the Swahili word for work.
Currently, Pine Kazi’s production ca-
pacity stands at 10 pairs of shoes per
day, as the entire process, including
dyeing and weaving, is done by hand
by a team of around five skilled arti-
sans. However, the company aims to
expand its capacity to meet increasing
demand.
“We are actively seeking machines to
help speed up our work, with the goal
of producing up to 1,000 pairs of shoes
per day,” explains the determined
young CEO.
While Pine Kazi has primarily fo-
cused on local sales, customers can
place special orders through the com-
At least we can say that we have not been alone thanks to some
awards that have opened doors for financial support and meeting
some of the renowned fashion designers and influencers in the world
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
pany’s website, and the shoes are de-
livered accordingly. Notably, the com-
pany recently secured a special order
from Kenya Airways (KQ) to provide
custom-branded shoes for its staff,
keeping the team busy as they strive to
deliver the highest quality products for
the airline’s personnel.
To protect their brand from counter-
feit products, Pine Kazi restricts sales
to their online platform. Although
prices may initially seem high for low-
er and middle-income consumers, the
company plans to diversify its product
range to make their sustainable foot-
wear accessible to a wider audience.
Sourcing raw materials poses anoth-
er challenge for Pine Kazi. Since pine-
apple leaves are their main ingredient,
the company has established a steady
supply chain through a partnership
with Del Monte Kenya Limited. They
prefer this juice maker because their
pineapples are grown in the same soil
and cultivated using recommended
agricultural practices, ensuring the
quality of the fibres and the product.
In some cases, they turn to small-
scale farmers when their primary
supplier experiences seasonal limita-
tions. However, the logistics involved
and variations in production methods
sometimes impact the fibre quality, ul-
timately affecting the final product.
Pine Kazi has encountered obsta-
cles along its journey. One of the ini-
tial challenges was a scarcity of skilled
artisans in Kenya who possessed both
fashion knowledge and craftsman-
ship. Recognising the importance of
developing this skill set, Pine Kazi has
sought partnerships with Italian crafts-
men renowned for their expertise in
quality fashion design. These collab-
orations aim to train and enhance the
capabilities of Pine Kazi’s team.
“Unlike Rwanda and Nigeria or even
Ethiopia where the craft industry has
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 17
taken root, we have realised that Ken-
ya is still growing. This is why we are
working with partners to have some
skilled craftsmen from Italy which is
widely known for quality fashion de-
signs to come and train our team,” says
Awuor.
Limited funding has also posed dif-
ficulties for the company, hampering
production due to a lack of machinery
to expedite the manufacturing process.
However, Pine Kazi has been fortu-
nate enough to win several awards,
which not only provided financial sup-
port but also exposed them to promi-
nent fashion designers and influencers
worldwide.
“At least we can say that we have
not been alone thanks to some awards
that have opened doors for financial
support and meeting some of the re-
nowned fashion designers and influ-
encers in the world,” she says.
Notable accolades include winning
the 2019 Hult Prize Amman Regional
Competition, a prestigious award that
challenges young entrepreneurs to ad-
dress pressing global issues through
social entrepreneurship.
Pine Kazi also emerged as the winner
of the 2022 Fashionomics Africa com-
petition organised by the African De-
velopment Bank (AfDB) Group, which
introduced them to BESTSELLER
Foundation as a potential investor in
their visionary venture.
18 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Additionally, they have been featured
on ForbesWomen as a leading high-im-
pact company led by women in Africa,
solidifying their position as a rising star
in the industry.
Reflecting on their journey and
achievements, Awuor expresses grati-
tude for the recognition Pine Kazi has
received: “We are humbled to have won
some of the most prestigious awards
within and outside the continent. Be-
yond the financial support, these ex-
periences have been invaluable in
teaching us how to build successful
businesses and have opened doors to
connect with influential fashion icons
who can help us advance our prod-
ucts.”
Pine Kazi’s rise to prominence signi-
fies more than just the transformation
of pineapple waste into sustainable
footwear.
It embodies the emergence of a
new era in fashion, where environ-
mental consciousness and innovative
thinking intersect to create beautiful,
eco-friendly products that benefit both
consumers and the planet.
As Kenya’s Pine Kazi continues to
make strides in the sustainable wear
industry, they inspire hope and set a
precedent for others to follow in their
footsteps, or should we say, their sus-
tainable shoeprints.
Mushroom leather
BRIEFS
Waste and peels
creating fashion
Mushrooms, apple peels, grape
and pineapple waste being used
to create stylish and ecofriendly
leather and other materials
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
n recent years, the fash-
I
ion industry has under-
gone a transformative
shift towards sustain-
ability. Brands are revolutionising
fashion by embracing innovative
materials that are both stylish and
eco-friendly.
Leather alternatives, like pine-
apple leaf fibers and mushroom
leather, are paving the way for cru-
elty-free and sustainable fashion.
The industry is repurposing
food waste into unique fabrics.
Some companies are also trans-
forming citrus waste into luxuri-
ous textiles, while others create
leather-like materials from apple
and grape waste.
Upcycling is a concept that in-
volves turning discarded or un-
wanted materials into new and
valuable fashion items. Some
brands repurpose old or sec-
ond-hand fabrics to create unique
garments.
SMART FARMIMG
From vegetables to
high value crops,
School for deaf’s
inspiring initiative
From a pile of manure to a thriving
farm, a focus on high-value crops
and innovative farming techniques,
this school has been able to feed its
students and generate extra income
BY MAZERA NDURYA
tnmazera@gmail.com
hen Athman Mwakuyu as-
W
sumed the role of head teach-
er at Kidimu School for the
Deaf in 2019, he encountered
an unexpected pile of manure behind
one of the classrooms. Little did he
know that this accidental deposit would
become the catalyst for a remarkable
transformation.
Having been involved in serious
farming in the previous schools he
served, Mwakuyu felt that he had to
do something at his new school, and
within a short time, he had turned the
dumped manure into a food basket and
income for the school.
Fast forward to 2023, and Kidimu
School for the Deaf stands as a beacon
of hope, showcasing how climate-smart
agriculture can revolutionise even the
most arid and limited landscapes.
Located in the enchanting region
of Kwale County, where the scorching
sun tests the resilience of both farmers
and crops, this school defies the odds,
thanks to the headteacher and the gen-
erous support of others and has meta-
morphosed into a flourishing farm-
stead on its modest grounds.
“The people, mainly well-wishers
who have been supporting us, saw
the need to scale up agriculture from
It is not how big the land is to
produce more quality produce
but how smart a farmer is to turn
a small parcel of land into a pro-
ductive piece
teacher of the school, which has 62 pu-
pils with hearing impairment.
Mwakuyu adds that integrating
learning with farming has had very pos-
itive effects because, apart from eating
fresh food from the farm, the pupils
have been encouraging their parents to
do what they are doing in school.
Notably, the school's poultry enter-
prise boasts over 700 layers, guaran-
teeing the students a nourishing egg or
two each morning. This initiative not
only improves their diet but also gen-
erates income through egg sales. More-
over, outside the shade net's sanctuary,
the school cultivates maize and green
Kidumu School for the Deaf head teacher
grams across four acres of land.
Mr Athman Mwakuyu
Agricultural economist Masai
Mwawira, also the chairperson of the
the small kitchen garden at the school
school, captures the essence of this
and provided a shade net. They also
journey: "It is not how big the land is to
installed the drip irrigation infrastruc-
produce more quality produce but how
ture, which has revolutionised farming
smart a farmer is to turn a small parcel
in this area,” says the headteacher.
of land into a productive piece."
“We have a steady supply of water
Indeed, as visitors wander through
from a borehole, and this enables us
the school, the landscape appears un-
to grow a variety of crops mainly veg-
remarkable until they stumble upon
etables including capsicum, tomatoes,
the modest kitchen garden — half an
carrots, onions and eggplant,” said the
acre of land sheltered by a shade net
head teacher as he took Smart Farmer
and nurtured by drip irrigation.
Magazine on a tour of the school farm.
What inspires the head teacher is CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
seeing his pupils enjoy a meal made
from some of the produce harvested
fresh from the farm.
“They are always happy and enjoy
every meal because they too have been
part of the food production on the
farm. The school runs what used to be
commonly known as the 4K Clubs.
Some pupils just love farming and
spend part of their free time tending to
the farms in the company of a teacher.
Some have tried to practice what they
have learnt at home” says the head-
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 19
CLIMATE SMART PLANT
Castor, a plant of value with great
potential as crop and medicine
It grows fast and wildly, without need for fertiliser but this plant, which is
considered to be a weed, has several medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceu-
tical uses. It is commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin
care products, as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component
BY MAZERA NDURYA
tnmazera@gmail.com
astor, botanically known
C as Ricinus Communis, has
been growing wild in most
parts of the coastal region.
There was nothing special about this
plant, which was common on every
farm. In fact, most farmers cut them
down because they were prone to host-
ing caterpillar-like creatures that were
associated with severe itching and
swelling of the skin.
Normally, the plants grew on their
own and no one cared about weeding
or clearing the farms to allow them to
grow healthy. Interestingly, they were
resistant to any weather conditions or
diseases and would grow healthy un-
less cut off.
However, there were stories of castor
oil from a few local people who knew
how to make it from the seeds. But
there was nothing special about sell-
ing the castor oil because there was no
significant value attached to it. The oil
was regarded as inferior and those who
applied it would be chided as people
in the coastal region preferred coconut
oil. Castor oil is extracted from the cas-
tor bean or castor seeds.
The plants grew without anyone
caring about fertiliser or pesticides
to boost production. However, to the
residents of Mkongo in Matsangoni,
Kilifi County, castor farming is taking a
new meaning after they (residents) got
training and more insight on the value
of the plant from the National Agricul-
20 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
tural and Rural Inclusive Growth Proj-
ect (NARIGP).
NARIGP introduced castor farming
on commercial scale, following the ad-
verse effects of climate change coun-
trywide. The main aim was to pilot
farming of the plant to see if it could be
successful within the Coast region.
To the farmers’ amazement, the out-
come of the trials was impressive, as
they got a good harvest making cas-
tor growing an alternative crop for
semi-arid areas to earn a decent living.
Ms Doris Mwazia is one of the farm-
ers involved in the growing of the castor
oil plants.
“This project was introduced in our
area in April 2022 by NARIGP and al-
though it was a pilot, we are happy that
we didn’t experience any challenges.
Castor does not require fertiliser pro-
vided there is rain. It does very well in
this area.
“The reason for introducing the crop
here was to find an alternative source
of income to maize, cassava, and other
crops. We realized that this crop is not
costly to cultivate compared to other
crops,” she told the Smart Farmer.
Albert Chiro Deche is a youth from
Matsangoni ward and is among the
The reason for introducing the
crop was to find an alternative
source of income to maize, cassa-
va, and other crops. We realised
that castor is not costly to culti-
vate compared to other crops”
BACKGROUND
There was nothing special about this plant, which
was commonly found on every farm. In fact, most
farmers cut it down because it was prone to
hosting caterpillar-like creatures, whose bites
cause severe itching and swelling of the skin.
However, to the residents of Mkongo in Matsan-
goni, Kilifi County, castor farming is now taking
on a new meaning after they got training and
vital insights on the value of the plant from the
National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth
Project (NARIGP).
The project has introduced castor farming on
a commercial scale, in response to the adverse
effects of climate change. The main aim was to
pilot farming to see if it would be successful.
To the farmers’ amazement, the outcome of the
trials was impressive, as they got good harvests,
making castor growing an alternative cash crop
for the residents of the semi-arid areas to earn
a decent living.
castor oil crop farmers.
For him the reason for taking to cas-
tor oil crop farming was to beat the ef-
fects of climate change. “This plant is
not seasonal like other crops, it grows
all year round,” he said.
“One of the benefits of its oil is pro-
viding relief for back pains. It also helps
in reducing insomnia and bilharzia,”
added Deche.
And as for me (the writer), I only got
to know the value of castor oil and relat-
ed it to the plants that grow wild when
I looked at the price of a small plastic
bottle at a local chemist. It was being
sold at Ksh150!
According to the farmers’ castor has
a lot of benefits that are still not known
across the country. Castor oil is a multi-
purpose vegetable oil that people have
used for thousands of years. It is made
by extracting oil from the seeds of the
Ricinus communis plant.
According to research it has several
medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceu-
tical uses. It is commonly used as an
additive in foods, medications, and skin
care products, and as an industrial lu-
bricant and biodiesel fuel component.
It has several medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceutical uses. It is
commonly used as an additive in food, medication, and skin care prod-
ucts, and as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.
In cosmetics and skincare, it is used
due to its moisturising and anti-in-
flammatory properties. It has been
used for centuries as a natural laxative
and is still used today as a home reme-
dy for constipation.
“Castor oil is well known for its pur-
gative action and is still used as a lax-
ative today,” say experts in a study,
‘Ricinus communis L. - A review on its
ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, and
phytopharmacological aspects.’ by R.
M. Shrivastava et al. in Journal of Eth-
nopharmacology of 2012.
“Castor oil has shown significant
wound healing activity in both acute
and chronic wounds,” the study adds.
Other studies suggest that castor oil
may have anti-cancer properties and
could be used as a potential treatment
for certain types of cancer.
It has also been used in tradition-
al medicine to treat a variety of ail-
ments, such as arthritis, inflamma-
tion, and skin conditions.
In ancient Egypt, people burned
castor oil as fuel in lamps, used it as
a natural remedy to treat ailments like
eye irritation, and even took it to stim-
ulate labour in pregnancy.
Besides the health benefits, the cas-
tor is a fast-growing plant that can pro-
vide shade and windbreaks and serve
as a source of firewood and timber. It
is highly adaptable and can grow in a
variety of climates and soil types.
Castor plants are also often used in
agroforestry systems to improve soil
fertility and prevent erosion.
Beyond oil production, the castor
plant has several other industrial uses,
such as the production of biodegrad-
able plastics and lubricants.
However, there are a few challenges with
the castor plant:
• The seeds, which are known as
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
castor beans, contain a toxic en-
zyme called ricin. However, the
heating process that castor oil
undergoes during production
deactivates the ricin, allowing
the oil to be used safely.
• The plant can also become in-
vasive in some regions and may
crowd out native plant species.
• Some people are allergic to cas-
tor plants and may experience
allergic reactions such as rashes
and hives.
Disadvantages of Castor Oil:
• Castor oil can have a strong, un-
pleasant taste, and taking it oral-
ly can cause nausea and vomit-
ing in some people.
• In high doses, castor oil can be
toxic and may cause serious
side effects such as de-
hydration, electrolyte
imbalances, and even
death.
• Castor oil is some-
times used as a laxa-
tive for inducing labor in
pregnant women, but this can
be dangerous and is not recom-
mended by medical profession-
als.
The demand for castor oil has been
increasing in recent years due to its use
in a wide range of industries, including
cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofu-
els.
For example, the use of castor oil in
the production of bio-based polyure-
thane foams and coatings has been
increasing due to its renewable and
biodegradable properties. In addition,
there is growing interest in the use of
castor oil in the production of sustain-
able aviation fuels, which could further
increase demand.
The largest producers of castor oil
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 21

and seeds are India, China, and Brazil,
but there are also smaller producers in
other countries such as Thailand, Ethi-
opia, and Mexico.
In Kenya, castor oil has various indus-
trial applications such as in the manu-
facture of soaps, paints, and varnish-
es, and in the production of biodiesel.
There is also a small market for castor
oil in the cosmetics industry.
How to grow and process Castor oil
Sow the seeds 1-1½ inches deep.
Seedlings should start coming up in
1-3 weeks. The young plants grow quite
quickly and may need repotting into
larger containers before transplanting
outdoors.
Place the plants outdoors in full sun
and deep, rich soil about 4 feet apart.
The castor plant flowers are borne
in spikes of more than 12 inches long.
The yellowish ones at the bottom of
the spikes are male flowers. The female
flowers at the top are red in color.
Once the flowers appear from the
stem it grows many branches, each of
which ends in a flowering spike.
The castor fruits are round to oval
and are prickly, but they are very soft,
not harmful to touch. In a cluster you
can find around hundreds of these
shiny green fruits. They may take about
a month to mature and then start to dry
Besides oil production, the plant
has several other industrial uses.
They include the production of
biodegradable plastics and lubri-
cants.
22 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
out.
If you continuously monitor your
plant, you may notice that the fruits
in the spikes start to dry out. It is then
time to harvest the spikes from the
plant. If you do not harvest in time, the
seed pods will burst open and seeds
will shoot out in all directions around
the plant.
You can cut the entire spikes from the
plant. Remove the pods from the spikes
and dry them in sunlight. Each pod
contains four seeds. When completely
dried, some pods will burst open, and
the seeds will be ejected all around.
Collect these seeds from time to time.
Place the dried seed pods in a plastic
tray and crush lightly. The seeds from
the completely dried ones will get eject-
ed from the pods.
You can collect the seeds from the
tray and store separately. The remain-
ing shells can be used as fuel. When
buried in a pit they can be turned into
compost.
Jesica Chiru Mwasambu, one of
the members of the Castor farmers in
Mkongo village took us through the
process of extracting oil from the seeds
in a traditional way. She says a plant
takes three months to start producing
the seeds.
“Fortunately for us the project
brought us the seeds that are different
from the traditional ones. These seeds
are bigger compared to the other ones
but what we have realized is that the
traditional seeds are small but produce
more,” she said.
This is how they do it
Once the seeds are dry, they are col-
lected and put in a cooking pot. Accord-
ing to the farmers, it is advisable to use
the traditional clay pot because it pro-
duces the best results.
The seeds are boiled for about 20
minutes then pounded using a pestle
and mortar. T
he paste is then boiled for about 45
minutes and from here oil is clearly
separated from the water. After sieving
it, the oil is ready for use immediately
for applying on the skin or for massage
as well as an ointment.
Although it’s done crudely, they can
extract about 1 litre of oil from two kilo-
grammes of castor seeds.
“At the moment, we are selling locally,
that is why the prices are still very low.
We sell a litre of castor oil at Ksh400, but
we are hopeful that with the informa-
tion going out there we will soon start
getting buyers from other areas and
certainly the prices will be higher,” said
Jesica who has planted an acre in the
pilot phase.
Interestingly, the members who are
mostly women said the castor seeds
are also used for family planning. “One
dried seed when swallowed can prevent
a woman from conceiving for about one
year,” said Jesica.
ton of the produce.
“The school is one of the farms that
have been identified for the market of
bitter tomatoes and this is being done
using organic products such as com-
post manure, because the use of chemi-
cals destroys the soil over time,” he says.
“We don’t mind using chemicals but
developed countries are very conscious
The school’s kitchen garden that about their health. Using organic prod-
has a shadenet to protect the ucts will help us get into the interna-
plants from pests and heat. tional market,” he adds.
However, the schools’ agricultural
pursuits extend beyond bitter toma-
toes. They have also recognised the
CONTINUED FROM PG 21
conservation and efficient delivery to value of high-demand crops. During
the plants' roots. the dry season, IT grows crops like to-
Mwawira describes the multifaceted matoes, spinach, capsicum, and kales,
“But that’s not all. The net prevents
nature of this project, emphasising that which fetch substantial profits due to
insects and pests from entering to at-
it not only ensures sustenance for the the readily available local market.
tack the crops. The drip irrigation sys-
school community but also generates
tem uses water when it’s needed and,
substantial income. Although he re- Breadfruit
therefore, helps to conserve it.
frains from disclosing specific revenue The commitment to agriculture
“We have boreholes and use electric-
figures, the school's vegetable needs that the school has demonstrated has
ity to pump the water, but the plan now
are now wholly satisfied by its own har- earned them admiration and support.
is to buy solar panels that will enable us
vest, a remarkable accomplishment in One of the farming associations in the
to start solar floppy irrigation to fully
a drought-prone region where many Coast region donated one bread fruit
embrace the green energy,” he says.
communities rely on relief food. seedling, which ordinarily would cost
In solar floppy irrigation, according
“The drought situation in the area up to Ksh1,500 per tree.
to the expert, water drops on the leaves
means that if we don’t develop a new Mwawira says one bread fruit is
of the crops, which has a cooling effect
approach to agriculture, we will al- enough to feed a school with such a
on the plant compared to drip irriga-
ways be dependent on relief food as is population. Apart from being an alter-
tion, which only goes directly to the
the case at the moment in many parts native food from maize, bread fruit is
roots through the soil.
of Kwale County, following prolonged highly valuable.
drought. With water at the school, what Breadfruit, a staple crop grown in the
High Value Crops
we have done is to get the right seeds, Pacific Islands that has a permanent
In addition to their success with vege-
manure and leave the rest to nature. potential of being a solution to hunger
tables, Kidimu School is venturing into
“We started this project in 2019 and in tropical regions such as Kenya, was
other crops with great potential. After
the results have been overwhelming. introduced at the Jomo Kenyatta Uni-
many years of practicing subsistence
Apart from the vegetables that are do- versity of Agriculture and Technology in
farming, Mwawira said the farm in Ki-
ing very well, the school has introduced 2017, according to the JKUAT website.
dimu has now taken a new dimension
other farming activities including poul- The crop, a tree of economic value,
in agriculture by focusing on crops that
try and bee keeping in the mangrove grows better in hot and wet weather
have market locally and abroad.
forest not far from the school,” he says. and can produce about 900kg of fruits
One of the crops that the school is
The expert points out that the idea per tree.
taking seriously is the growing of bit-
to use the shade net for the vegetable
ter tomatoes and they have already
farm was part of the climate change Exploring the Potential of Vanilla
acquired seeds from Arusha, Tanzania
adaptation and mitigation. This solu- The school is also experimenting with
where it is grown commercially.
tion not only mitigates the severe heat vanilla cultivation. Vanilla, a crop with
“We already have a market for bitter
by reducing its intensity but also acts immense value, holds the potential to
tomatoes and have an order to supply
as a formidable barrier against invasive transform the school's fortunes further.
one tonne to Canada where they buy at
insects and pests. Complementing this
Ksh9,500 per kilo and from this we ex-
innovation, the drip irrigation system More on breadfruit on page 54-57
pect to earn about Ksh9.5 million for a
optimises water usage, ensuring its
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 23

PESTS AND DISEASES
Battling the Bugs: Kenya’s
10 deadliest pests and
diseases over the decade
For over a decade now, the Kenyan plant health scene
has gone through a plethora of invasive pests and
diseases that has had farmers reeling in losses and
organisations, including the government, scrambling
to contain the situation that has negatively impacted
the agriculture sector
BY BERNADETTE MURGOR
bmurgor@smartfarmerkenya.com
O
ne early morning in late De-
cember 2013, Mr Elijah Gitare
left his house in Kirinyaga
County to go to his tomato
farm. He was full of expectations as he
hoped to make a neat income from a
bumper harvest. After all, the price of
a 60kg crate of tomatoes was at a high
of Ksh4,000.
He had been growing tomatoes com-
mercially for over 10 years and had been
earning some good money that helped
to meet his and his family’s needs.
However, upon entering the farm that
morning, was his worst nightmare. In-
stead of a healthy and robust crop, there
were burnt stems and leaves, while the
tomato fruits that had only earlier been
fresh and nice to look at had ugly holes
burrowed into them.
Within a few days, despite spraying
the plants, the whole crop was infested
and instead of harvesting the 30 crates
he had expected, he only got two crates.
24 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Mr Gitare had become one of the first
victims of a vicious leaf miner code-
named Tuta Absoluta and nicked named
Tomato Alshabab, a devastating crop
pest that had just landed in Kenya, on
the latest leg of its journey of destruction
across the globe.
The pest, which crossed from Ethiopia
into Kenya, reaching Isiolo, had travelled
all the way from South America where
it originates to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
On its arrival, it sent chills down the
spines of farmers and sector stakehold-
ers, quickly spreading across the country
causing losses in its wake. Measuring
only 7mm, the pest has a short lifespan
and high reproductive potential, making
it difficult to contain.
It has a strong preference for tomatoes
According to the Kenya Plant
Health Inspectorate Service (KE-
PHIS), the pest can cause crop
loss or damage of up to 100 per
cent if not controlled.
on which it feeds aggressively but can
also attack eggplants, sweet peppers as
well as potatoes and various other culti-
vated plants. It is also difficult to control
and easily becomes resistant to conven-
tional chemical pesticides.
According to the Kenya Plant Health
Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the pest
can cause crop loss or damage of up to
100 per cent if not controlled.
However, Tuta Absoluta is only one
of the emergent pests that have left the
These pests and diseases have
led to significant losses, reduced
yields, and increased costs of pro-
duction, among other challenges
impacting the agriculture sector.
sector shuddering.
For over a decade now, the Kenyan
plant and livestock health scene has gone
through a plethora of invasive pests and
diseases that has had farmers reeling in
losses and organisations, including the
government, scrambling to contain the
situation.
These pests and diseases have led to
significant losses, reduced yields, and
increased costs of production, among
other challenges that have impacted the
agriculture sector.
In the crop sector especially, the se-
quence in occurrence has left farmers
agape in dismay.
One after the other, like pestilence
poured over the land, the diseases have
invaded; if it was not the fruit fly invasion
that came ravaging mangoes and avo-
cadoes, leaving destruction in its wake
and leading to export bans of the lucra-
tive fruits, it was the fall army worm that
invaded and wasted maize fields; while
locusts in their millions swooped down
and turned green, lash fields of vegeta-
tion into brown nothingness.
This situation has over the years put
actors in the pest and diseases control in-
dustry into an overdrive to tame or con-
TECHNICAL DETAILS
• Nicked named Tomato Alshabab
• It has a strong preference for tomatoes on
which it feeds aggressively but can also
attack eggplants, sweet peppers as well
as potatoes and various other cultivated
plants. It is also difficult to control and easily
becomes resistant to conventional chemical
pesticides.
CHECKED INTO THE COUNTRY IN: 2016
trol the invaders to stem the tide of losses
and negative impacts on the economy.
While some of the efforts have been
successful, the impacts of these pests
and diseases continue to be felt across
the country, and demand for action con-
tinues unabated.
Fall Armyworm
Coming hot on the heels of the notorious
Tuta Absoluta was the Fall Armyworm
(FAW), which checked into the country
in 2016.
This pest attacks various crops, includ-
ing maize, sorghum, and millet, and can
cause up to 100 per cent crop loss if not
controlled. It also originates in the Amer-
icas and was first reported in Africa in
Nigeria. It then appeared across West and
Central Africa.
FAW can lay up to 1,000 eggs during
its lifetime and produce multiple gener-
ations quickly. The larva is spread mainly
through wind dispersal on host plants
from the eggs laid.
The Kenyan government, in partner-
ship with various organizations such as
FAO, CABI, and KALRO, has implemented
various management interventions to
control the spread of the fall armyworm.
These interventions include the use
of biological control agents, such as
parasitoids and predators, and cultural
practices such as crop rotation.
Step-in the Desert Locusts
It is 2019. Step in, the desert locusts!
Said to be possibly the worst invasion
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
of desert locusts in 70 years, farmers
and communities watched in horror as
huge swathes of flying disasters land-
ed on their fields and crops and within
minutes left a bare landscape of brown
expanse.
Many paid special attention to their TV
sets, radios, WhatsApp chats …anxiously
waiting to learn where the next attack
might land.
Desert locusts are known to be highly
destructive pests that can cause signif-
icant damage to crops, leading to food
insecurity, economic losses, and environ-
mental degradation. The locusts feed on
a wide range of crops, including maize,
sorghum, millet, and vegetables, among
others.
The invasion, which run through to
2020, affected several countries in the
region, including Kenya and led to loss
and destruction.
The situation was worsened by the
weather patterns, including the heavy
rains experienced in late 2019 and early
2020. The rains created favourable breed-
Tuta Absoluta
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 25

In some areas, women would gather, sing, clap, and make loud nois-
es using drums and other instruments to scare the locusts away.
ing conditions for the locusts, leading
to an exponential increase in their pop-
ulation.
But despite the gloom and doom,
many came up with creative ways of
controlling them. In some areas, women
would gather, sing, clap, and make loud
noises using drums and other instru-
ments to scare the locusts away.
This would help as the pests would
be disoriented by the loud noise and fly
away. Others would use natural repel-
lents, such as chili pepper and neem oil,
to keep the pests away from their crops.
Yet others still, resorted to eating or trap-
ping them as feed for their chickens as
a way of controlling their population.
In response to the locust invasion, the
Kenyan government, in collaboration
with several partners, launched a massive
control campaign. The control campaign
involved aerial and ground spraying of
pesticides to kill the locusts and their
eggs. The government also worked with
the affected communities to sensitise
them on how to identify and control
measures.
Several organisations, including the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
of the United Nations, played a crucial
role in supporting the locust control
campaign in Kenya and the region.
FAO provided technical assistance,
equipment, and training and developed
an app that allowed farmers and locals to
report sightings and swarm movements
to the authorities for action.
The app was useful in monitoring and
tracking the pests' movements, enabling
government to plan and deploy control
measures effectively.
False codling moth
It was from a telephone call from KEPHIS
one afternoon that Mr Daniel Agawo, the
general manager of Jim’s Fresh Vegetables
in 2016 learnt that his firm’s produce had
been rejected. All the chili pepper they
had harvested and sent to the buyer was
26 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
to be discarded and they were staring
huge losses in the face. Nothing would
be salvaged from the farm from which
the company had expected to harvest
between 40 and 50 tonnes of bullet chilli
and earn Ksh100 at farm gate price for
every kilo. It was going to be a massive
blow.
He learnt that the crop had been re-
jected because it had been attacked by
the False Codling Moth (FCM) and did
not, therefore, meet EU standards.
FCM is considered a major threat to
Kenya's horticultural industry affecting
various crops including chili, citrus, av-
ocado, and capsicum.
There have been fears that this moth
could drive an entire value chain to its
deathbed. This nocturnal pest damages
crops by tunneling into fruit, feeding on
the pulp causing rot and spoilage and
fruit drop.
“It bites the fruit when it is still young,
making it difficult to detect during the
early stages,” said Mr Eric Ogumo, the
chairman, Society of Crop Agribusiness
Advisers of Kenya (SOCCA) at the time
of our interview with Mr Agawa in 2016.
The biggest challenge from the FCM is
visual observation to estimate the loss.
To manage and control this pest, various
interventions have been implemented,
including the use of pheromone traps
and the application of insecticides.
Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease
Another pest that has impacted Kenya's
agricultural sector is Maize Lethal Necro-
sis Disease (MLN). This disease, which
is caused by a combination of maize
chlorotic mottle virus and sugarcane
mosaic virus, attacks maize crops and
can cause up to 100 per cent crop loss if
not controlled. MLN was first reported
in Kenya in 2011 and has since spread
to other countries in East Africa.
To manage and control MLN, various
interventions have been implemented,
including the use of resistant maize vari-
eties and the distribution of disease-free
planting materials. However, the lack of
access to disease-free planting materials
and the high cost of resistant maize va-
rieties have hindered efforts to control
Female False Codling Moth
(MNL) Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease
MLN effectively.
The Fruit Fly menace
Despite their miniscule size, fruit flies are
a menace to fruit and vegetable farmers,
wreaking havoc on fruits, especially man-
goes, oranges, avocados, and bananas.
The female fruit fly lays eggs under
the skin of fruits and vegetables, which
hatch into larvae that feed on the de-
caying flesh of the crop. Infested fruits
and vegetables quickly rot and drop to
the ground. Besides the direct damage,
indirect losses are associated with im-
porting countries preventing entry and
the establishment of unwanted fruit fly
species.
The fruit fly has cost the country mil-
lions in exports, with a total ban on Ken-
yan exports to some countries. In 2014,
EU banned imports of Kenyan mangoes
due to concerns over fruit fly infestations.
The ban was lifted in 2016 after the coun-
try implemented measures to control
fruit fly populations and improve the
quality of exported mangoes.
Similarly, in 2019, South Africa banned
imports of Kenyan avocadoes due to the
Fruit Fly
presence of fruit fly larvae. The ban was
lifted in 2020 after Kenya implemented
measures to improve its pest control and
fruit quality assurance systems.
Enter Aflatoxin
One of grain farmers’ worst nightmares,
aflatoxin, is a highly carcinogenic toxin
produced by the fungus Aspergillus fla-
vus, which ravages maize in stores and
farms, causing untold losses to farmers’
incomes and grains. And it is not only the
grain farmers, who have been a worried
lot. Livestock farmers, too, and the public
have had their fair share of scares.
Aflatoxin not only infects maize and
other cereals, but also permeates live-
stock and poultry feeds, affecting milk,
meat, and eggs.
Consumption of aflatoxin-infested
food is known to cause liver cancer, sup-
press the body’s immune system and
cause stunted growth in children. High
levels of exposure can cause haemor-
rhaging, and even death.
There have been successes and chal-
lenges in managing aflatoxin contami-
nation. Some of the interventions have
included the promotion of good agri-
cultural practices, such as proper drying
and storage of maize and other crops,
use of biocontrol agents to compete with
aflatoxin-producing fungi, crop rotation,
and post-harvest handling practices to
reduce fungal growth and mycotoxin
production.
Among the interventions has been
the introduction of Aflasafe KE01TM a
product capable of reducing contamina-
tion by 70 to more than 90 per cent. The
technology first developed by the United
States Department of Agriculture–Agri-
culture Research Services.
Kalro and the International Institute
of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) partnered
with USDA-ARS and many other interna-
tional and national partners to adapt the
product to Kenya, using locally sourced
strains of the toxigenic fungus.
Banana Bacterial Wilt (BBW):
This disease affects banana plants,
causing yellowing of leaves, wilting, and
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
eventual death. It was first reported in
Kenya in 2011 and has since spread to
several banana-growing regions. Man-
agement strategies include strict quaran-
tine measures, use of resistant varieties,
and uprooting and destroying infected
plants.
Coffee Berry Disease (CBD):
This disease affects coffee plants, causing
significant yield losses. Kenya has been
battling CBD since the early 2000s, with
management strategies including the use
of resistant varieties, timely harvesting,
and good agricultural practices.
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD): This
disease affects cassava plants, causing
yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Management strategies include the use
of resistant varieties, uprooting and
burning infected plants, and promoting
crop diversification.
IN SUMMERY
To manage and control these pests
and diseases, various interventions
have been implemented, including
the use of resistant crop varieties,
the distribution of disease-free
planting materials, and the use of
biopesticides. However, the lack of
access to affordable and effective
control measures, as well as the
lack of awareness among farmers,
remain significant challenges that
need to be addressed.
The fight against these pests con-
tinues and requires a concerted
effort from various stakeholders.
While progress has been made in
managing and controlling pests
such as Tuta absoluta and false
codling moth, there is still a long
way to go in achieving sustainable
and effective pest management in
the country, highlighting the need
for continued research and develop-
ment of innovative and sustainable
pest control solutions.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 27
POWER OF COLLABORATION
How Kenya’s agricultural sector has been combating pests
and diseases by joining forces
The war against pests and diseases
cannot be fought by a single compa-
ny, organisation or even the govern-
ment alone. For any meaningful suc-
cess, there must be collaboration
between stakeholders
BY WENDY SABA
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
he last 10 to 15 years have seen
T
a flurry of activity by farmers
and organisations involved
in plant and animal health
protection and management in a race
against a host of devastating pest and
disease outbreaks.
These plagues including the Fall army
worm, Tuta absoluta, False codling moth
and desert locusts among others, have
caused massive losses of crops and live-
stock, threatening the agricultural sector
and spurring public and private organi-
sations to action.
The associated partnerships and in-
formal arrangements cover crop health
research, advisory services, phytosanitary
action, and pest management strategies,
among other areas.
Underscoring the importance of part-
nerships and collaborations to effectively
manage the risks, Prassana Boddupalli,
director of the global maize programme
of the International Maize, and the Wheat
Improvement Center (CIMMYT), said
that plant health management cannot be
undertaken successfully or sustainably
by a single organisation.
“We need the collective experience,
expertise, and wisdom of multiple insti-
tutions,” Boddupalli said, during a we-
binar on the International Day of Plant
Health, May 12, 2023.
Though much more needs to be done,
the scientist said that public and private
28 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
FAO’s eLocust3 app which can be connected to mobile phones to trace and track locusts
has helped contributing to emergency efforts. FAO/ Ismail Taxta/ Arete
during the webinar.
“When the going gets tough, farmers
look the public and private sector insti-
tutions for help and guidance on how
to deal with these new situations,” he
added.
He explained how partners, including
agencies like Kenya Plant Health Inspec-
torate (KEPHIS) county governments and
private sector players brought together
by the national and international insti-
tutions formed teams to contain pest
CIMMYT Global Maize Program director and CGIAR Plant Health Initiative Lead, BM Pras-
attacks.
anna with KALRO director Eluid Kireger, cutting a ribbon to mark the commissioning of
“Our experience has been good. The
five new seed drying machines at Kiboko in March 2023. Photo/Susan Otieno/CIMMYT.
Ministry of Agriculture has often con-
collaboration to date is already providing and diseases. vened such technical teams with sup-
farmers with access to innovative and port from national resources, the pri-
sustainable solutions to protect their Kenya national agencies take action vate sector, and development partners.
crops. These teams quickly swing into action to
Among critical players is the govern- KALRO provide technical direction on manage-
ment of Kenya, which has established The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock ment operations and develop materials
disease-free zones, set up quarantine Research Organisation (KALRO), a gov- for training and awareness creation,” he
stations, and put in place measures for ernment agency, conducts research on added.
the early detection of and rapid response the pests and diseases affecting crops
to pest and disease outbreaks. and livestock, develops strategies for their FAO
The government has also invested control, and disseminates information The Food Agriculture Organisation
heavily in research to develop new pest to farmers. It has played a key role in de- (FAO) of the United Nations has been
and disease management techniques and veloping pest and disease management instrumental in supporting the devel-
provide farmers with access to informa- technologies, including biological control opment of national policies and pro-
tion on how to identify and manage pests agents and integrated pest management grammes to control and prevent the
practices. spread of pests and diseases. Through
“Farmers have borne the brunt and its partnerships with various organisa-
they should be the people we think about tions, it has helped to improve the ca-
We need the collective experi- first and foremost,” said Zachary Kinyua,
pacity of farmers and extension workers
ence, expertise, and wisdom of a molecular plant pathologist and assis- to identify, manage, and control pests
tant director of plant health at KALRO,
multiple institutions and diseases.
FAO has provided crucial support in
containing outbreaks of desert locusts,
the fall armyworm and the African ar-
myworm.
The Organisation supported capacity
building efforts and procured pesticides
to combat the African Armyworm, a pest
that periodically disappears and reap-
pears and whose most recent outbreak
occurred in 2022, originating from Tan-
zania.
Collaboration among FAO, govern-
ment agencies and other organisations
has yielded significant successes in pest
management.
FAO Senior Desert Locust Forecaster
Keith Cressman and Cyril Ferrand, Man-
ager of FAO’s Desert Locust response in
East Africa, said during a discussion on
pests that locust control prevented the
loss of 4 million tonnes of cereals and
790 million litres of milk, ensuring the
food security of 34.2 million people and
LOCUST CONTROL
Locust control prevented the loss of 4 million
tonnes of cereals and 790 million litres of milk
production, ensuring the food security of 34.2
million people and avoiding $1.54 billion in cereal
and milk losses.
FAO’S DESERT LOCUST RESPONSE IN EA
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Different partners bring diverse
strategies to support govern-
ments, and these partnerships
have proven to be essential in
finding effective solutions to
combat pests
avoiding $1.54 billion in cereal and milk
losses.
CGIAR
Organisations such as the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
and CIMMYT, with belong to CGIAR, have
played significant roles in the global fight
against agricultural pests and diseases,
through various interventions in coun-
tries like Kenya.
IITA, in collaboration with national
partners and private sector, has been
developing Aflasafe several African
countries, including Kenya. Aflasafe has
been recognised as a key tool in reducing
aflatoxin contamination in maize and
groundnuts, which are staple crops in
Kenya.
The Center has also helped develop im-
proved crop varieties that are resistant to
various pests and diseases and are being
used by farmers.
CIMMYT is leading the OneCGIAR
Plant Health Initiative, in partnership
with several national and international
institutions and which works on cere-
als, legumes, roots, tubers, bananas, and
selected vegetable crops, in partnership
with over 100 research institutions world-
wide.
In 2011, CIMMYT took swift action
when maize lethal necrosis (MLN),
a deadly viral disease, broke out and
spread across Africa. With coordination
by Boddupalli, who is also OneCGIAR
Plant Health Initiative lead, the Center
partnered to develop, test, and deploy
solutions to contain the disease.
“A significant milestone in partnership
with KALRO was the establishment of
an MLN screening facility at Naivasha,
Kenya, to select maize breeding lines and
populations for MLN resistance and oth-
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 29
 there is still room to reach out to more
farmers and have them convinced that bi-
One significant milestone was ological products have more or less sim-
the establishment of a facility ilar efficacy compared to conventional
in partnership with KALRO to products, and assure safe produce, safety
to employees and to the environment.”
screen germ plasma for MLN re-
sistance and other attributes Real IPM
er attributes. Through this effort, over The company Real IPM develops and
15 MLN-resistant varieties have been promotes practices that integrate all pest
released for use by farmers,” says Dr Scouts, wearing protective gear, spray on control approaches, including biological
Boddupalli. crops to control the outbreak of desert lo- control measures, to help maintain pest
CIMMYT has provided training on to custs in Ethiopia. FAO/Michael Tewelde damage to crops below economically sig-
Many locusts died as a result of spraying.
national organisations, including KE- nificant thresholds. The company has
FAO/Petterik Wiggers. Private players are contributing crucial
PHIS, on MLN diagnostics and man- also introduced innovative solutions to
innovations
agement and raised awareness among monitor and and manage thrips, Tuta
on Integrated Pest Management so that local institutions.” Several private sector players have con-
seed companies, including Kenya Seed absoluta and fruit flies.
The OneCGIAR Plant Health Initiative technologies from different institutions CABI has collaborated with various tributed significantly to pest controls and
Company, regarding the importance of In line with its role in agricultural ca-
The Initiative is deploying advanced can be brought together and tested,” ex- partners, including the Ministry of Agri- related research.
producing and marketing disease-free pacity building, the company has es-
diagnostics for plant health threats and plained Boddupalli. “Besides scientists, culture and Livestock Development, Plant
seed. tablished farmer training centres across
collaborates with national plant health farmers and extension personnel also Protection and Food Safety Directorate Dudutech
The Center has also formed an interna- Kenya focusing on pest and disease man-
protection agencies, such as KEPHIS, in come to this platform to analyse what (PP & FSD), KALRO, KEPHIS, Pest Control The biological control company
tional consortium including experts from agement, crop production, and other ag-
surveillance of major pests and diseases. works and what does not.” Products Board (PCPB), farmer organi- Dudutech produces natural predators
various fields to combat fall armyworm, ricultural practices.
The network of institutions involved The most effective and affordable in- sations, cooperatives, and academic and of pests and diseases. The company has
which appeared in Africa in 2016 and “We are carrying out a lot of product
also conducts risk assessments to pre- tegrated pest management packages are research institutions. introduced innovative solutions such
quickly spread across region’s farmlands. development work in conjunction with
dict the likelihood of disease outbreaks identified and spread to farmers in Kenya It has also partnered with international as nematode-based products that com-
“There is no single solution to sustain- ICIPE on biopesticides for control of false
in Africa and the potential migration of and other countries. development entities such as FAO, CIM- bat soil-borne pests such as root knot
ably combat fall armyworm,” explained codling moth control, an insect that will
diseases to other regions, considering Similar platforms have been estab- MYT, and the Kenya-based International nematodes.
Boddupalli, which is why it is important be another big pest, especially with avo-
climate change and other factors. Risk lished in Africa — including Benin, Cam- Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology “At Dudutech, we have been working
to have integrated pest management. cados being grown almost everywhere in
assessment and preparedness for early eroon, Nigeria, and Uganda — as well as (ICIPE). on finding safe and effective biological
In 2023, KALRO released three fall ar- Kenya. Avocado is one of the host plants
responses are crucial components of the Colombia, Ecuador, Lebanon, and the “Collaborating with partners helps to solutions to manage these invasive pests,
myworm-tolerant hybrid maize varie- of FCM,” explained Emily Murungi, sales
Initiative. Philippines. harness collective knowledge, resources, for example the Tuta absoluta, fall army
ties derived from CIMMYT conventional manager of Real IPM/Biobest.
“In Kiboko, together with KALRO, we and expertise, leading to coordinated and worm, false codling moth, and Drosoph-
(non-transgenic) breeding research. The For Tuta Absoluta management, “We
have established a plant health innova- CAB International (CABI) comprehensive and sustainable strate- ila suzukii,” said Catherine Gacherine of
hybrids have since been released in Ma- worked closely with ICIPE, the County
tion platform to undertake experiments CABI, a nonprofit intergovernmental gies for pest management,” Rwomushana Dudutech.
lawi, South Sudan, and Zambia. Government of Kirinyaga, Safi Organics
development organisation that provides added. “We have also been at the forefront in
and Biovision on a project named ISPOT
information and expertise to solve prob- coming up with sustainable management
(Integrated Sustainable Production of To-
lems in agriculture and the environment ICIPE works to stay one step ahead of strategies aimed at preventing the inva-
matoes), which was a success and really
worldwide, has been providing technical pests sions through early detection, prevention
opened the eyes of many in that county
assistance and training to farmers and Through extensive research on invasive and containment.
to a more sustainable way of managing
extension workers to manage pests and pests, their biology, behaviour, and man- Though our products are widely known
diseases. agement strategies, ICIPE has strongly
“CABI has played a significant role in contributed to surveillance, monitoring
combatting invasions by various species the spread and impact of pests in collab-
into Kenya, including fall armyworm, de- oration with national and international
sert locusts, Tuta absoluta, false codling organisations.
moth and others,” said Ivan Rwomusha- The Centre also develops and promotes
na, a Senior Scientist for Invasive Species sustainable and environmentally friendly
Management in CABI. approaches to pest management, inte-
“The Organisation has focused on rais- grating cultural, biological, and chemical
ing awareness, providing technical ex- control methods.
pertise, conducting research, developing ICIPE has also engaged in capacity
Maize plants at the MLN screening facility in integrated pest management strategies, building and advocacy regarding pest
Naivasha, Kenya. (Photo: Jennifer Johnson/ and building the capacity of farmers and dangers and research.
CIMMYT) Pheromone traps

30 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 31

National Youth Service officers attend a
lesson during a training on desert locust
control in Gilgil. Photo/ FAO/Luis Tato
that pest,” she adds.
“Through partnership with ICIPE, the
company has developed two commer-
cial bioproducts. We are where we are
because of the partnerships we have had
along the way, with individual growers,
distributors, institutions, and funders,”
the manager explains.
Koppert
Koppert Biological Systems also pro-
duces biological control products for
pests and diseases, including biope-
sticides and beneficial insects, offering
direct technical support and training to
farmers on their use.
“We have provided sustainable and
accessible alternatives to synthetic pes-
ticides, which involves the use of living
organisms, such as insects or microor-
ganisms to control pest populations. T
hese techniques work by by reintro-
ducing species’ natural enemies or ben-
eficial microorganisms that help control
the invasive species,” said Gibson Langat
of Koppert.
Koppert products to address Tuta ab-
soluta, fall armyworm, and false codling
moth include pheromone traps, micro-
biological insecticides, and entomopath-
ogenic nematodes.
32 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
“We have partnered with input dis-
tributors, agro-dealerships and indus-
try players such as ICIPE, CABI, Latia
Agribusiness Solution, KALRO, and the
Avocado Society,” he added.
Challenges
With warming and increasingly erratic
weather and mounting global trade, farm
pests and pathogens are rapidly evolving
and spreading.
Only through continued funding for
research and partnerships, along with
supportive policies, can farmers keep
ahead of the destructive wave.
“Plant health management is a process
similar to addressing human diseases.
With a changing climate and increased
global trade, the need for continuous
management becomes even more evi-
dent,” said Boddupalli.
The globalised use of harmful pesti-
cides, he added, highlight the impor-
tance of collective efforts in creating
awareness and providing safer alterna-
tives.
“There is a need to make control tech-
nologies affordable for farmers, as the
development of technologies that are
beyond their financial reach serves no
purpose.
It is a collective responsibility involv-
ing governments, media, institutions,
and individuals to address plant health,”
Boddupalli emphasized.
“The devastating epidemics that have
been with us for the last 15 years have
given us some challenges that have
awakened us,” said Kinyua, during the
webinar. “We have had a fair level of suc-
cess and we hope that our efforts will
continue to bear fruit.”
To strengthen plant health in Kenya
and other African countries, Kinyua
pointed up the need to strengthen part-
nerships and working agreements so that
institutions that have complementary
mandates and capacities in plant health
research, phytosanitary measures, and
policy directions.
“I would like to see the ministries of
agriculture in the region taking the lead
in each country so that such institutions
can be strengthened,” he concluded.
Plant health management is a
process similar to addressing
human diseases. With a chang-
ing climate and increased glob-
al trade, the need for continu-
ous management becomes even
more evident
INNOVATION
Young agriprenuer
sets farmers ahead
of pests and diseases
with cutting-edge
technology
This solar-powered device is able to
predict and detect pests and diseases
on a farm, following which it warns the
farmer about them by sending an SMS
to their phone
BY ZABLON OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
he is only 26 years old, but Esther
S
Wanjiru Kimani, is not only mak-
ing waves locally but international-
ly too, due to her pest and disease
contraption.
The young computer science expert, who
hails from a farming family at Aberdares
area in Nyandarua County, has been win-
ning awards for her digital innovation that is
able to predict and detect pests and diseases
on a farm, following which it warns the farm-
er about the problem by sending an SMS to
their phone.
In the message, it also advises the farmer
on the management practice or pest control
method he or she can adopt to control the
menace.
Among the recognitions that her compa-
ny, Farmer Lifeline Technologies, a Kenyan
agritech startup that helps farmers get ahead
of pests and pathogens by enabling timely
detection of crop pests and crop diseases,
has received, featured in, and won include
BACKGROUND
Driven by the passion to transform
marginalized smallholder farmers lives
using technology, this trailblazer in
the ClimaTech AgriTech space, says
she was inspired by the need to find a
solution to the prevalent destruction
of crops by either pests, pathogens, or
delayed treatment of diseases preva-
lent in her birthplace.
“When I was growing up, I saw my
parents struggling to produce enough
food from the small farm we had as
a result of pests and diseases, which
would destroy up to 47 per cent of the
crops,” says Esther, adding that the sit-
uation is even worse for many farmers
today, due to climate change.ment’s
emphasis on local shoe production
to reduce footwear imports, which
constituted a significant portion of
the country’s textile imports.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Esther Wanjiru, founder Farmer
Lifeline poses for a photo on a
farm installed with the device.
a COMESA Award, African Agrihack, Total-
StartUpper, 2022 GoGettaz competition and
AWIEF African among others.
“We also scooped an award under Youth
Adapt at the UN Conference of Parties
(COP27) Egypt 2022 thanks to GCA, AFDB,
and CIF for support,” says the innovator.
“Our technology has also had recommen-
dations by governments, non-governmental
organisations and AGRA among others, and
we are encouraged by this,” she adds.
According to the young expert, this device
which leverages on artificial intelligence (AI),
data analytics and machine learning and has
multiple small camera modules interfaced
to a computer system, has gone through a
series of tests and proven effective by ma-
jority of smallholder farmers within Kenya
and outside the country.
Our technology has also had rec-
ommendations by governments,
non-governmental organisations
and AGRA among others, and we are
encouraged by this
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 33

Farmer showing the message he received
from the device in his farm that indicates
the detected problem. Photo/COUTESY
“I am happy that many women, who
account for over 60 per cent of farmers
and who have used the device, have been
able to reduce losses on their farms by
more than 40 per cent meaning that they
have improved their livelihoods and nar-
rowed economic inequality gap between
them and men.”
The company has also collaborat-
ed with a Canadian NGO to run a test
among 400 farmers in the country of
which 360 who used the technology re-
corded a 40 per cent production increase
and 30 per cent reduction in losses.
According to the young innovator,
the cutting-edge technology promotes
sustainable farming practices and helps
smallholder farmers adapt to climate
change by encouraging behavior change.
“By suggesting the use of farm chemi-
cals and fertilizers, the device empowers
farmers to take a more environmentally
friendly approach to agriculture,” she
says.
The gadget, Patent No:KE/
UM/2023/2015 comes with a camera
that is solar powered and can operate
even during rainy seasons. It has a power
retention capacity of 48 hours, making it
effectively detect crop diseases and pests
34 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
From this farmers are able to realise early detection of crop pests
and diseases in a bid to maximise their yields and prevent post-har-
vest losses
over a 730-metre radius.
“The camera system is programmed
to capture images of the crops in the
field periodically and processes the im-
ages using advanced computer vision
algorithms to determine the nature of
the infection or infestation, any pests
or pathogens,” she adds.
How Patent No:KE/UM/2023/2015 de-
vice works
Mounted at the centre of a farm the
device scans the area by rotating and
frequently taking pictures.
The camera has a long footing usually
put into the soil with the camera-ball
interface overlooking the plants or farm
to detect and predict crop diseases, path-
ogens, and pests’ infections.
In case a pest is recognised or disease
identified, the data is sent to an analytic
dashboard for analysis and results sent
to the farmer through an SMS for action.
“From this,” says Esther, “farmers are
able to realise early detection of crop
pests and diseases in a bid to maximise
A farmer receiving an SMS from the solar-powered crop pests and pathogens detection
device in her farm (in the background). Photo/COUTESY
their yields and prevent post-harvest
losses.”
The device also recommends lo-
cally sourced, carbon-negative, and
health-friendly fertilisers and farm
chemicals to address the identified crop
pests or diseases.
Among the problems that this tech-
nology seeks to address are delayed
identification of crop diseases and
pests’ infestation, use of wrong chem-
icals and pesticides due to inaccurate
identification of crop disease and pests
and application of wrong fertilizers due
to incorrect predictions of crop diseases.
To reduce cost implications on the
targeted small-scale farmers, Farmer
Lifeline Technologies partners with man-
ufacturers to make the devices usable
anywhere in the world at a low cost, say-
ing that “we want to see farmers improve
their earnings and livelihoods.”
The company leases the device to
farmers or farmer groups at $1 for a pe-
riod of one month with a guarantee to
give cash back for any farmer who buys
A young man harvests kales from his farm after getting a bumper harvest
through the use of the detection device. Photo/COUTESY
or leases the device and does not get
30-40 per cent farm harvest increase
within the first four months.
The company plans to commer-
cialise the data generated by the de-
vices to governments and non-gov-
ernmental organizations to support
in policy making. It will also sell or
lease the devices to farmers and
farmers groups.
So far, the innovator has acquired
patents for the technology and in-
tends to partner with the ministries
of agriculture in Kenya, Tanzania,
Uganda, Burundi, and Egypt by
2022.
But what inspired this young
technopreneur to come up with
such a revolutionary technology?
Driven by the passion to trans-
form marginalized smallholder
farmers lives using technology,
this trailblazer in the ClimaTech Ag-
riTech space, says she was inspired
by the need to find a solution to the
prevalent destruction of crops by
either pests, pathogens, or delayed
treatment of diseases prevalent in
her birthplace.
“When I was growing up, I saw
my parents struggling to produce
enough food from the small farm
we had as a result of pests and dis-
eases, which would destroy up to 47
per cent of the crops,” says Esther,
adding that the situation is even
worse for many farmers today, due
to climate change.
And she is not wrong, while many
tend to believe that if farmers can
grow, harvest and sell more pro-
duce, and earn more money, they
can make a better life, in principle,
it sounds straight-forward, but out
in the fields, far from a physical mar-
ketplace or reliable internet, it is not
the simplest process.
This is because, other than lack-
ing adequate knowledge about the
state of their farm soils and how to
improve them for bumper harvests,
pests and diseases invasion is an-
other pain point, and in the wake
of climate change challenges, the
enemies of farmers are increasing
and resurgent.
Have you ever got to your farm
one morning just to find the crops
you have really invested in being
eaten up by some strange disease
or pest and you are clueless about
the attackers, not to mention the
remedies?
Esther’s precision technology
comes as a breath of fresh air, in
the wake of climate change, where
there is emergence of new pests and
diseases, which many farmers, es-
pecially smallholders, might not be
aware of and, which are complicat-
ing farming activities for growers.
The United Nations’ Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) es-
timates that, annually, up to 40 per
cent of global crop production is lost
to the pests and that each year, plant
diseases cost the global economy
over $220 billion and invasive in-
sects at least $70 billion.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
BRIEFS
Nakuru County
launches campaign to
train farmers on good
agricultural practices
BY DAVID KIPKORIR
he County Government of Nakuru,
T in collaboration with the Centre for
Agriculture and Bioscience Interna-
tional (CABI), has launched a com-
prehensive campaign called ‘Ukulima True’ to
address the risks associated with pesticide use
in the food value chain.
By promoting environment-friendly bio-con-
trol and bio-practice products, the county aims
to ensure food safety, preserve biodiversity, and
encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
The initiative, scheduled until December
2023, emphasises the adoption of Good Agri-
cultural Practices (GAPs) by smallholder farm-
ers to minimise the contamination of produce
with harmful pathogens and agrochemicals.
Dr Monica Kansiime, Deputy Director of
CABI Africa, highlighted the negative effects
of excessive pesticide use on biodiversity, ben-
eficial insects, and food safety.
The ‘Ukulima True’ campaign aims to ed-
ucate farmers about the importance of GAPs
throughout the entire crop production process,
including field preparation, harvest, storage,
and marketing.
Dr Kansiime stressed the need to prioritise
food safety guidelines and regulations for both
domestic consumption and export standards.
Farmers can mitigate pesticide risks and
build resilient systems by adopting integrated
crop management and pest and disease control
practices.
The training session conducted by Dr
Kansiime for 30 farmer groups in Subukia
Sub-County was part of a broader effort to align
Kenya’s food production systems with interna-
tional sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
To support the campaign, CABI’s Bio Pro-
tection Portal provides farmers with access to
safer and environment-friendly biocontrol and
bio-pesticide products. The portal serves as a
comprehensive resource for integrated pest
management plans, empowering growers to
effectively combat crop pests.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 35
AAK Grow is championing
sustainable agriculture amidst rising
pest and disease threats
While pesticides better known as Pest Con-
trol Products (PCPs) have become indispen-
sable, aakGROW is promoting safety stand-
ards to protect farmers, consumers, traders,
and the environment from any harm arising
from their use.
BY ZABLON OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
ith pests and diseases
W environment.
wreaking havoc on food
crops and vegetation,
their impact is becoming
more pronounced due to climate
change and other factors.
Experts are warning of increas-
ing food insecurity and reduced in-
comes from the agricultural sector,
which contributes approximately
33% to the country’s GDP, should
farmers ignore counsel on proper
use of PCPs.
This is where the former Agro-
chemicals Association of Kenya
(AAK), now rebranded as aakGROW,
steps in with its crucial role in ad-
dressing these challenges.
“Being in the tropics, Kenya pro-
vides a conducive environment for
the growth and spread of most pest
species, as the conditions present a
warm and humid environment for
their growth,” says Eric Kimunguyi,
the Chief Executive Officer at aak-
GROW.
He cites the threat posed by in-
Experts are warning of increasing food
insecurity and reduced incomes from the
agricultural sector, which contributes
approximately 33% to the country’s GDP,
should farmers ignore counsel on proper
use of PCPs.
36 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
AAK Chief Executive Officer, Eric Ki-
munguyi
creased rainfall and rising temper-
atures, which have facilitated the
spread of pests to non-traditional
areas, jeopardising the production
of economically significant crops.
They include coffee, whose produc-
tion is threatened by an outbreak
of thrips, small insects that feed on
many commercial crops.
While most of these pests are
spread through interactions with the
outside world during travel for trade
and leisure, the other key factor that
has increased their numbers in the
recent past is the changing weather.
“It is very difficult to eradicate
pests once they have established
themselves in a new territory as
managing them is time consuming
and expensive,” says Kimunguyi.
He spoke during an interview with
Smart Farmer Magazine.
He also explains a pest resurgence
in areas where pesticide applica-
tion initially reduced infestation,
but soon after rebounded to higher
levels.
“Such scenarios occur as a result
of various resistance mechanisms
that different pests have or develop
towards an insecticide, something
that requires a proper follow-up overtime
and the introduction of new approaches
and pesticides targeting the resistance,”
he adds.
To combat pests, aakGROW highlights
the importance of Integrated Pest Man-
agement (IPM), which combines various
methods such as cultural, biological, me-
chanical, and the use of recommended
PCPs.
“Adopting a mixed approach is the
most effective option for the pests, dis-
ease, and nutrition challenges in crops,”
Kimunguyi explains.
The primary objective of IPM is to grow
crops sustainably while safeguarding the
health of consumers, workers, and the
Product stewardship
aakGROW is committed to minimis-
ing risks and maximising the benefits of
crop protection products. The organi-
sation examines the entire life cycle of
these products, from formulation to the
disposal of empty packaging containers,
with a focus on ensuring human health
and environmental protection.
In addition to public education on safe
pesticide use, the organisation also serves
as an intermediary between the govern-
ment and other stakeholders, protecting
the common trade interests of its mem-
bers. It promotes research to improve the
efficacy and responsible use of pesticides.
While pesticides boost farming, aak-
GROW is alive to the need to enforce safe-
ty standards to protect farmers, consum-
ers, traders, and the environment from
any harm arising from their use.
“Chemical control, which involves
the intelligent application of recom-
mended PCPs, plays a more supportive
role, assisting in effective and long-term
management of pest populations,” says
Benson Ngigi, the Stewardship Manager
at aakGROW who also spoke during the
interview.
However, there is a need for trained
personnel or experts to ensure the pes-
ticides are applied in the right dosage,
at the right time, for the right crop and
reason and proper handling of the con-
tainers after use.
“At every stage of handling these pes-
ticides, right from research, production
or repackaging to the end-user, we have
developed product stewardship whose
aim is to maximise the benefits and min-
imise the risks arising from PCPs at all
stages,” adds Ngigi.
Responsible use of PCPs, involvement
of spray service providers, communica-
tion and advocacy, and pesticide resist-
ance management are vital. Also required
is a Poison Information Center, obsolete
agro-inputs stock management, and safe
empty pesticide container disposal. All
which aakGROW has implemented in
the country.
Training of spray service providers
To ensure responsible pesticide appli-
cation, aakGROW roots for proper train-
ing of Spray Service Providers (SSPs) and
agrochemical dealers.
“Creating awareness on responsible
use of pesticides is key in protecting
smallholder farmers from harm and
the environment from contamination,”
says Ngigi.
The aakGROW, Ministry of Agriculture,
Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), and
county governments have been training
spray service providers and agrochem-
ical dealers to enable them to curb the
misuse of PCPs.
This has had several benefits, including
reduced operator exposure to the chem-
icals, observance of Pre- Harvest Interval
(PHI), reduced counterfeit products, ad-
herence to recommended dosage, pest
and disease resistance management and
proper container handling.
Empty pesticide container management
It has been noted that in the past,
many containers were carelessly dis-
posed of in the open, while farmers put
them to home use, which is risky to hu-
mans, animals, and the environment.
According to a 2007 survey by CropLife
Kenya, in collaboration with CropLife
International, there has been a consistent
increase in the use of pesticide contain-
ers in non-recommended ways every
year, with plastics accounting for 50 per
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
cent of the total volume.
Prompted by these findings, CropLife
Kenya is incorporating a sustainable col-
lection system across the country.
“We are collaborating with Environ-
mental & Combustion Consultants Ltd
(ECCL), a local waste management com-
pany in safeguarding obsolete PCPs and
collected containers through an estab-
lished and operationalised national Emp-
ty Pesticide Container management sys-
tem or Kenya Hazardous Waste Producer
Responsible Organization (KEHAPRO)
initiative,” Ngigi explains.
In this, farmers and SSPs are en-
couraged to aggregate and deposit
triple-rinsed, empty containers at the
nearest collection centres established by
aakGROW after which they are weighed
and transported for incineration or re-
cycling.
Triple-rinsing of empty pesticide
containers is a proven method, which
removes 99.99 per cent of pesticide res-
idues from the containers, as promoted
by CropLife worldwide.
Counterfeits
aakGROW is also tackling the issue of
counterfeit agrochemical products that
continue to infiltrate the market.
Ngigi says the illegal products, often
lacking proper labelling or imitating rep-
utable brands, contribute to health risks,
decreased productivity, and revenue loss.
Between 2017 and 2019, Ksh11.3 bil-
lion worth of counterfeit and illegal
products were reported in the country
with Ksh4.82 million worth of them in-
tercepted.
To prevent this, the association is ded-
icated to cleaning up the supply chain
The primary objective of IPM is
to grow crops sustainably while
safeguarding the health of con-
sumers, workers, and the envi-
ronment.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 37

PPE that was used to train farmers in Kirinyaga
county on responsible pest control solutions by
AAK Grow/ Croplife Kenya. Photo courtesy
through accreditation and training,
strengthening border control, and raising
awareness among farmers about the risks
associated with counterfeit products.
“For a complete eradication of the il-
legal pesticides in Kenya, there is a need
for a concerted effort from all stakehold-
ers,” says the stewardship officer, adding
that cases can be reported to the PCPB,
nearby police station or government ex-
tension officers.
Maximum Residue Levels
Ensuring food safety for trade and
consumption is another critical aspect
that aakGROW focuses on, particular-
ly regarding Maximum Residue Levels
(MRLs). Failing to comply with MRL reg-
ulations can result in the ban of Kenyan
agricultural products from the interna-
tional markets.
“The sampling of export products im-
posed by the EU market for testing MRLs
is at 20 per cent, up from five per cent
and 10 per cent. This means that should
this percentage increase, our products
are at risk of being banned in the inter-
national market,” Ngigi warns.
The rise in the sampling percentage,
whose high cost is shouldered by farm-
ers, has been blamed on the use of Di-
methoate, a pesticide that was banned
20 years ago, but whose traces are still
found in Kenyan products.
“As a result, mechanisms are being
put in place by the Kenya Plant Health
Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to help
trace affected products to the production
38 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
area and once this is done even our local
food markets will be safe,” says Ngigi.
Already, a sample MRL test on some
products such as kales, tomatoes and on-
ions has given 98.8, 95 and 100 per cent
safety levels respectively an indication
that most farmers are improving.
Responsible pesticide management
framework
As a way of ensuring the responsible
use of PCPs for better quality of food,
better health and environmental con-
servation, aakGROW is leading the in-
corporation of the Sustainable Pesticide
Management Framework (SPMF) frame-
work in Kenya.
According to Ngigi, SPMF is a program
driven by the industry to achieve a step-
change in responsible pesticide manage-
ment based on the International Code
of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
“SPMF program combines best prac-
tices in regulatory and stewardship to
create an enabling environment for
innovation and build an infrastructure
that supports sustainable pesticide man-
agement through advocacy for a robust
regulatory framework, poison incidence
reporting centres, container management
programs, and anti-counterfeit activi-
ties,” he said.
Kenya is the flagship of the nine coun-
tries to launch the project.
The framework milestones
Some of the key achievements of the
framework since its inception in 2021,
include the training of over 17,000 farm-
ers and Spray Service Providers on re-
Pest Control Product handlers being trained
on responsible use of pest control solutions
by AAK Grow/ Croplife Kenya. Photo courtesy
sponsible use of pest control products,
2 surveys on pesticide use trends and
residue analysis, technical review of pes-
ticide active ingredients and over 40 tons
of empty pesticide containers collect-
ed and properly disposed all under the
high-risk value chains with significant
pesticide use.
Despite the program running for just
two years, the foundational years in
Kenya have already exerted a positive
influence not just locally, but also for the
East African community in science-based
risk assessment and anti-counterfeit
best practices resulting in an optimistic
response on the further progress of the
program.
Ensuring responsible handling and use
of pest control products is the responsi-
bility of all stakeholders in the agriculture
industry, ranging from manufacturers
to farmers.
The CEO aakGROW, Mr. Eric Kimun-
guyi notes that, “It is necessary that the
implementation of SPMF is pursued in a
coordinated effort through collaboration
with local and global partners including
government bodies, farmer groups, and
the civil society to achieve more impact.
We therefore invite stakeholders to join
us in achieving a step change toward sus-
tainable pesticide management.”
SPMF is funded by CropLife Interna-
tional and supports low- and middle-in-
come countries to advance their local
capacity in line with the FAO-WHO Code
of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
In Africa, the project has been rolled out
in Kenya and Morocco and will soon be
launched in a third country.
A AK transforms
into aakGROW/
CropLife Kenya
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
he former Agrochemicals As-
T
sociation of Kenya (AAK) intro-
duced a new brand identity in
March of this year, aiming to
underscore the association's commit-
ment to human wellbeing. Rebranded
aakGROW/CropLife Kenya, this transfor-
mation strategy strives to deliver "Better
Farming, Better Food, Better Health" to
all stakeholders involved.
Mr Eric Kimunguyi, CEO at aakGROW,
stressed on the importance of adapting
to the changing global food and health
needs while meeting market expecta-
tions.
"To keep up with the pace, we are re-
inforcing our position in line with these
changes and market expectations, which
will strengthen our brand and demon-
strate our dedication to human wellbeing
through the sustainable use of ecosystem
services. This will establish us as the au-
thority on sustainable farming practices
in the market."
Central to the rebranding efforts is the
introduction of a new logo and identity,
which effectively communicates and re-
affirms its commitment to sustainable,
high-quality food production and the
associated health benefits.
To advance their shared objectives, the
new outlook will strengthen the associa-
tion's global connections with CropLife
International, CropLife Africa Middle
East, and other development partners.
Kimunguyi said that aakGROW, being
a leading entity in pest management, is
leveraging its position as a "reliable and
trusted source" of information and net-
working for all stakeholders.
"The association has evolved into a fa-
cilitator, collaborator, and advocate for
policies and strategic linkages aimed at
enhancing food production and making
positive social contributions. By broad-
ening our appeal, we can expand into
new territories," he added.
Beyond crop protection, the new brand
identity focuses on providing solutions
that enable members to grow and be-
come more relevant and valuable. In
pursuit of its objectives, the association
continues to collaborate with the gov-
ernment and all stakeholders involved to
ensure food security, safety, and nutrition
in a sustainable manner.
The association serves as the umbrella
organisation for manufacturers, formula-
tors, re-packers, importers, distributors,
farmers, and users of pest control prod-
ucts. Since it began in 1958, it has un-
dergone various iterations, including the
Pesticide Chemicals Association of Ken-
ya, before registering as CropLife Kenya
in 2005 as part of its global networking
affiliation with CropLife International.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
BRIEFS
Kenya to benefit
from South
Korea’s modern
rice farming
technology
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
enya and South Korea have
K
signed a memorandum of
understanding in a move
that will see the country
benefit from modern rice farming
technology from the East Asian nation.
According to Mithika Linturi, Agri-
culture and Livestock Development
CS, who signed the deal on behalf
of the Kenyan government in Seoul,
through the partnership, Kenya will
become more food secure despite the
challenges of climate change.
“South Korea is a role model in rice
production where they transitioned
from a food recipient country to a food
exporter. This collaboration will benefit
Kenya,” said Linturi.
In the deal, the South Korean gov-
ernment is set to build a Korean rice
belt in Africa, known as the ‘K-Rice-
belt Project’ an initative that will also
benefit other African countries such as
Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gam-
bia, Senegal, Cameroon, and Uganda.
The ‘K-Ricebelt Project’ initiative
calls for supplying high-yield rice
varieties and agricultural machines,
helping Africa build irrigation and
other necessary facilities, and sharing
experiences and technologies regard-
ing crop cultivation and distribution.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 39
 SAFETY WEAR

Red means danger and any chemical with a red

strip should be handled with utmost care. A chemi- Using PPEs to
cal with a green strip means safe and handling with
minimal precaution will not cause harm.
shield farmers
When you first receive a product, check the expiry date. If it
from harm
has expired, return it to the manufacturer. He or she will know
how to dispose of it. Alternatively, they can advice on how the
disposal should be done. BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
Do not come up with your own specifications of use. Follow
the recommendations. If it says two litres per acre, this should
strictly be adhered to. This will ensure the chemical is fully arming is a risky business that rectly. The overall should be buttoned amounts and times.

utilised and minimise wastage.
PESTICIDES An under-dose will create a resistant trait to the product
while an overdose will cause the crops to burn and affect the
How to use agrochemicals
health of the person handling it.
Timing is vital when applying chemicals and must be done
correctly
at specific times. Do not spray during daytime because it will
affect not only the plant, but also the person applying. Spray
very early in the morning or late evening when the air is still.
BY SMART FARMER WRITER This will ensure the chemicals land where they are needed.
info@smartfarmerkenya.com Chemicals should be applied to the target disease or pest,
do not spray a pesticide just for the sake of doing it.
Distributors stock products from different manufacturers.
dvertisements will always entice us and influence
F
involves many hazards. The
use of agrochemicals such as
pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilisers exposes them to harmful tox-
ic substances.
Whether on small or large-scale
farms, workers should use protective
gear such as personal protective equip-
ment (PPE), when applying agrochemi-
cals to avoid the grave risks.
When applying agrochemicals, it is
essential to have PPEs for safety. By
or zipped up, trousers should cover
the boots and not be tucked in. This
enables the chemical to drain down
in case of any spillage on the overall.
Gloves should be worn over the sleeves.
Eating, drinking, or smoking while
using agrochemicals is strictly forbid-
den. Chemicals can easily contaminate
food or drinks and cause poisoning,
while smoking can ignite the chemicals
or enhance the amount of toxic materi-
al inhaled.
However, PPEs are not a substitute for
safe working practices. Farmers should
always be cautious when handling ag-
rochemicals and use them only as di-
rected.
In case you experience any adverse
health effects after using agrochemi-
cals, such as skin rashes, headaches,
dizziness, or difficulty in breathing,
seek medical attention immediately.
Early diagnosis and treatment can pre-
vent serious health problems.

A
what we buy. The same applies to farm inputs.
However, experts advise that one must always
insist on knowing the active ingredient (AI) in the
product.
Agricultural chemicals are classified as herbicides, fungicides,
and insecticides. All are broken down into classes from one,
two, three and four, where the toxic level differs at each stage.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations,
any package of an agrochemical must have a colour code ap-
proved by the body based on the different classes, ranging
from red, blue, green and yellow.
Red means danger and any chemical with a red strip should
be handled with utmost care. A chemical with a green strip
means safe and handling with minimal precaution will not
cause harm.
Many farmers in Kenya have eliminated class one (red-
striped) chemicals because of the high toxic levels. Some are
said to be carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Before any agrochemical reaches a farmer, it must be regis-
tered by the PCPB (Pest Control Products Board). Those that do
not pass through this body are deemed counterfeits. PCPB will
put a label on the product stating the manufacturer, distributor,
what it is used for and the rate of usage. Farmers should make
sure the product they buy has a seal by the manufacturer and
is purchased from approved distributors, who are trained,
especially on safety.
It is, therefore, important that farmers get the manufacturer’s
address correctly because it is only them who can give correct
advice in case of intoxification. In case you ingest a chemical
by mistake, seek an antidote from the manufacturer.
IN SUMMERY
Little things that we take for granted end up affect-
ing us negatively. The same applies to agrochemi-
cal applications. When applying the chemicals, put
on the right protective gear, technically referred to
as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
They are normally designed based on the product
classes’ toxic level, where someone spraying a
class one chemical has a specific PPE and same
applies to the other classes. Protective gear should
be worn from head to toe.
Vital information on the products is found on its
labels. It is, therefore, crucial to read the label with
utmost care and avoid relying on advertisements
alone
HOW TO USE AGROCHEMICALS CORRECTLY
following the correct use and handling
procedures, farmers can protect them-
selves from the harmful effects of agro-
chemicals and reduce the risk of long-
term health problems.
PPEs protect against chemicals that
can harm the skin, eyes, lungs, and oth-
er organs. The most common PPEs used
in agriculture are face masks, overalls,
boots, and gloves.
Proper use is crucial for their effec-
tiveness. Lack of PPEs or improper use
can increase the chances of cancer in-
fection.
Correct use is also vital for safety and
farmers should choose those that are
appropriate for the chemicals they are
using, and the level of protection need-
ed. Farmers should use gloves made of
leather to protect their hands from tox-
ic chemicals that can burn their skin.
If not made of leather, they should be
those that prevent penetration or cor-
rosion by chemicals.
Farmers should read and keenly fol-
low the instructions on the PPE labels
and ensure that they wear them cor-
The persons using PPEs must be
comfortable and able to move freely to
avoid accidents or fatigue.
It is also important for farmers to
read the instructions on the agrochem-
ical labels, as different chemicals have
varying degrees of toxicity and require
different levels of protection.
They should also ensure that the PPE
is in good condition before use and re-
place it if it is damaged or worn-out.
Farmers should also take necessary
measures to avoid exposure to agro-
chemicals, such as using protective
barriers to prevent drift and runoff and
limiting their use to recommended
Farming is a risky business that
involves many hazards. The use
of agrochemicals such as pes-
ticides, herbicides, and fertil-
isers exposes farmers to toxic
substances that can harm their
health.

40 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 41
PEST CONTROL when necessary to minimise their impact cultural practices such as crop ro-

Integrated approach real

on the environment and human health. tation, planting pest-resistant vari-
Implementing an IPM pro- After harvest, sanitation and crop rota- eties, and maintaining healthy soil.

game changer in pest control gramme can help you reduce the
use of pesticides while maintain-
To control pests and diseases on the farm more effective- ing good control, leading to im-
ly and with reduced use of dangerous pesticides, early proved crop yields and reduced
planning is crucial and there are new trends in pest man- costs, while protecting the envi-
agement including IPM, biological control, gene editing, ronment and human health.
precision agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture
Koppert.
The IPM involves prevention and con-
BY SMART FARMER WRITER trol of pests and diseases using all the
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
existing crop protection techniques and
strategies. These techniques – cultural,
hen most farmers spot pests on their crops they im-
tion can be used to prevent the build-up
of pests that might affect the next crop.
Developing your IPM programme
There are several steps you can take to
plan your IPM:
1. Identify and monitor: Check for
pests on the farm and monitor
their populations. Also identify
the beneficial insects. This can be
done through regular scouting,
using traps, or monitoring weath-
This step can help prevent pests
from becoming established in the
first place;
4. Use of biological control: This
involves using natural enemies
such as predators, parasites, and
pathogens to control pests. This
can be done by introducing these
natural enemies into the environ-
ment or by using other methods to
encourage their natural population
growth;
5. Use chemical control: This involves

W
mediately rush to buy pesticides. But they hardly
think about pest management.
The knee-jerk reaction does not give them a
good opportunity to fight pests on the farm in a safe, envi-
ronment-friendly, and cost-effective way.
Widespread use of pesticides can lead to pest resistance,
affect non-target species, and result in accumulation of resi-
dues in the environment and food chain, and human health
consequences. There have been cases of people developing
cancer and other health problems due to chemical pesticides.
Some exports from Kenya have been rejected due to higher
pesticide residue levels than accepted.
“Conventional synthetic pesticides have limitations as a
means of pest control because the residues put human and
livestock populations at risk from contaminated food and
forage. Some synthetic pesticides may also lead to resistance
in pest populations, and have negative impacts on non-target
organisms, such as pollinators and natural enemies, and the
ecosystem services that biodiversity provides in the production
of food,” says Gideon Langat of Koppert Biological Systems.
“If the reduction of natural enemy populations is greater
than that of the pest, this may lead to the resurgence of pests,
following pesticide applications, which is a widely reported
problem associated with synthetic pesticides,” he adds.
To control pests and diseases more effectively and reduce the
dangers, you need to plan your pest and disease management
programme. There are some new trends in pest management.
They include integrated pest management (IPM), biological
control, gene editing, precision agriculture, and climate-smart
agriculture.
Before the emergence of these controls, pest and disease
management relied heavily on the use of chemical pesticides.
This was often expensive, harmful to the environment, and
unsustainable in the long term due to the development of
pesticide-resistance and the negative impact on non-target
organisms.
biological, and chemical - are integrat-
Sustainable biological control of pests, with Coccinella septem- ed to achieve results. The greatest end
punctata, ladybug goal here is to control pests and diseases,
while using the least amount of chemical
The IPM was developed in the 1960s, and is more sustainable
pesticides. The latter is mainly used as a
and involves the use of various strategies and interventions to
corrective measure.
minimise the impact of pests on crops. It relies on a combi-
Farmers need to understand the ele-
nation of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
ments and principles of IPM, including
However, the adoption and implementation of IPM has
the different crop protection techniques
been slow and varied across different regions and countries.
in order to apply them.
One of the major challenges is the lack of understanding
IPM is implemented throughout the
and awareness among farmers about IPM principles and prac-
entire growing season, from pre-plant-
tices. Some may lack the necessary training and resources to
ing to after-harvest. Before planting, you
implement it on their farms or think that it is more expensive
can use cultural practices such as tilling,
or less effective than chemical pesticides.
crop rotation, and cover crops to pre-
“Changing farmers attitudes and perceptions has been the
pare the soil and reduce the build-up of
biggest challenge. Most growers are not patient enough to let
pest populations. You could also choose
the biological products work. They want a ‘knockdown’ product,
pest-resistant crop varieties to prevent
they want to see instant death of pests and you know this is
infestations.
not how biopesticides work,” says Emily Murungi, Real IPM. During the growing season, IPM in-
“The adoption of biocontrol by smallholder farmers is still
volves regular scouting and monitoring
lagging may be owing to knowledge gaps relating to their avail-
crops to detect pests early and determine
ability (ease of access) and the factors that lead to their success
whether pest populations are reaching
or failure, particularly in comparison to synthetic pesticides.
the predetermined action thresholds.
Biocontrol techniques have been applied to numerous crops
This means the levels that you will need
and targeted a wide variety of pests in the region, yet there is
to control them. If pest populations ex-
a lack of understanding of how the effectiveness of biocontrol ceed that threshold, you could choose to
varies across different crop types and pests,” adds Gideon of use cultural practices, biological, and/or
chemical control.
Cultural practices include crop ro-
tation, planting pest-resistant crops,
and managing residues to minimise the
The IPM involves prevention and control of pests build-up of pest populations. Biologi-
and diseases using all the existing crop protection cal control involves the use of natural
techniques and strategies. These techniques – cul- enemies of pests, such as predators or
parasites. Chemical control involves the
tural, biological, and chemical - are integrated to use of pesticides judiciously and only
achieve results
er conditions favourable for pest using pesticides only when nec-
development. According to James essary to minimise their impact
Nderitu in his book, Success in Ag- on the environment and human
riculture Vol.6, identifying the pest health. The farmer should choose
and understanding its potential the least toxic pesticide and apply
at the appropriate rate and timing;
for damage is necessary when se-
6. Evaluate effectiveness: After im-
lecting appropriate control meth-
plementing pest control measures,
ods. “The first step in control is
you should evaluate their effec-
to identify the insect. Each pest
tiveness. You can do this by mon-
does not respond the same way to
itoring pest populations and crop
a given control method. Monitor
damage and assessing the cost and
the fields at least once a week,”
environmental impact of your con-
he advises. “Walk a V or W pattern
trol methods;
through the field and select plants
7. Modify the programme: Based on
from 10 random locations along
the evaluation, you can modify
the pattern. When plants are still
the IPM programme as necessary
small (up to 10 leaves) examine
to improve its effectiveness and
five adjacent plants per location
reduce its environmental impact.
for insect and disease pests…
using a hand lens helps detect
Implementing an IPM programme can
small pests like aphids and spider
help you reduce the use of pesticides
mites,” he adds.
while maintaining good control, lead-
2. Set action thresholds: These
ing to improved crop yields and reduced
are the pest population levels
costs, while protecting the environment
at which control measures are
and human health.
deemed necessary. For example,
if you are growing tomatoes, you
know that once you have more
than 10 aphids per leaf on your
plants, it's time to act. This would
be your predetermined action
threshold for aphids. Once action
thresholds are established, the
farmer can determine if control
measures are needed;
3. Implement preventive measures: Traps for control of fly-
Preventive measures can include ing insect pests.

42 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 43
 to five eggs inside. And when the
eggs hatch inside the fly’s pupae,
the resultant larval offspring starts
feeding on the host, from within in
a process called endoparasitism.
Instead of the fly pupae developing
into a fly, a new, well-fed predator
emerges to target the flies.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL 3. Pathogens: This involves intro-
ducing pathogens such as viruses, diseases, improve soil health, and Parasitoid wasp ovipositing in Rosy apple
From Ladybirds to bacteria, or fungi that are specific
to the pest insect, causing disease
promote plant growth. These or-
ganisms work by colonising the
aphid

Using biological control techniques
is a sustainable and eco-friendly
way to control pests and diseases in
crops and can help reduce the use of
harmful pesticides
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
iological methods involve the
Trichoderma: The beneficial
organisms helping farmers
grow healthy crops
Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), been used to control whiteflies in
and the Kenya Plant Health Inspector- tomato farms. The International
ate Service (KEPHIS), Koppert Biolog- Centre of Insect Physiology and
ical Systems, Real IPM and Dudutech Ecology (ICIPE) has been carrying
among others. These organisations are out research on the use of predato-
collaborating with farmers to introduce ry insects for pest control.
and promote the use of these sustainable 2. Parasitic insects: Parasitic insects
techniques in crop production. such as wasps and flies lay their
“We have provided sustainable and eggs in or on pests, and the de-
accessible alternatives to synthetic pes- veloping larvae feed on the pest,
ticides. These solutions involve the use of eventually killing it. An example
and eventually killing it. An exam-
ple is the use of Beauveria bassi-
ana, a fungus that infects and kills
the coffee berry borer. The Kenya
Coffee Research Institute (KCRI)
has been carrying out research on
the use of pathogens for pest con-
trol.
4. Biopesticides: These are natural
pesticides derived from plants,
bacteria or fungi that are toxic to
pests. Biopesticides are made from
naturally occurring substances like
plant extracts, fungi, and bacte-
ria that have insecticidal proper-
ties. Their major advantage is that
they are inherently less toxic than
conventional pesticides. They also
generally affect only the target pest
plant roots and soil, competing pheromones that are specific to certain
insect species. Chemical pheromones
with harmful microorganisms for
resources, and producing natu- are synthetic versions of the pheromones
that insects use to communicate with
ral compounds that can suppress
plant diseases. It involves adding one another, while non-chemical phero-
mones are made up of visual or physical
beneficial soil organisms and the
food they need to the soil to in- cues that can also attract insects.
Chemical pheromone traps work by
crease their numbers and type.
These organisms help to stabilise emitting a scent that is attractive to the
target insect, leading them to the trap
the soil’s biological system and
where they become trapped or killed.
suppress diseases through com-
These traps are often designed with a
petition, antagonism, and direct
sticky surface, or a container filled with
feeding on pathogenic fungi, bac-
a liquid or powder pesticide that will kill
teria, and nematodes. Among the
the insects when they land on it.
beneficial organisms available are
Non-chemical pheromone traps work
trichoderma, mycorrhiza, flavo-
in a similar way, but instead of using a
bacterium, streptomycetes, glio-
synthetic scent, they rely on visual or
cladium spp., bacillus spp., pseu-
physical cues to attract the target insect.
domonas spp.
For example, some non-chemical pher-

B
use of non-harmful pests and
insects to eliminate harmful
ones.
They are a sustainable and eco-friend-
ly way to control pests and diseases in
crops and this can help reduce the use of
harmful pesticides. Using natural preda-
tors, parasites, pathogens, biopesticides,
biofertilizers, genetic modification, and
pheromone traps can help farmers main-
tain a healthy and productive crop while
protecting the environment.
Living organisms that farmers can use
to control pests and diseases include
ladybird beetles, hover flies, parasitoid
wasps, predatory mites, ants, and an-
tagonistic micro-organisms.
In Kenya, these techniques are being
introduced and used by various organ-
isations such as the Kenya Agricultural
and Livestock Research Organization
(KALRO), the International Centre of
living organisms, such as insects (preda-
tors) or microorganism, to control pest
populations. The techniques work by lev-
elling the playing field by reintroducing
some of the specialist natural enemies or
beneficial microorganisms that help con-
trol the invasive species,” says Mr Gibson
Langat, team manager-Agri, Koppert.
Here are some techniques used in biolog-
ical control:
1. Predatory insects: This technique
involves introducing predator in-
sects that feed on the pest insects.
For example, ladybirds feed on
aphids, while lacewings prey on
mites. In Kenya, this technique has
Biological methods involve the
use of non-harmful pests and in-
sects to eliminate harmful ones.
is the use of Trichogramma wasps
to control the maize stem borer in
Kenya. This technique has been
introduced by the Kenya Agricul-
tural and Livestock Research Or-
ganization (KALRO). During the
fruitfly menance, there were many
interventions among them use of
the wasp by organisations such as
ICIPE, Kalro and the Ministry of
agriculture. A wasp that feeds on
the larvae of the fruit fly was intro-
duced.In Denmark, for example,
farmers are investing millions in
housefly predators− little wasp-like
parasitic flies that attack and kill
houseflies and stable flies at the
pupa stage, effectively disrupting
and destroying their life cycle, and
ultimately, getting rid of them alto-
gether. The parasitic flies hunt for
the houseflies’ pupae and lay up
and closely related organisms, un-
like conventional pesticides that
may affect birds, insects, and mam-
mals. In Kenya, neem oil has been
used as a biopesticide to control
pests such as aphids, thrips, and
whiteflies. The Kenya Plant Health
Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has
been involved in the regulation
and promotion of biopesticides.
5. Biocontrol agents or biofertilizers:
These are commonly used in bi-
ological control to manage plant
Living organisms that farmers
can use to control pests and dis-
eases include ladybird beetles,
hover flies, parasitoid wasps,
predatory mites, ants, and antag-
onistic micro-organisms.
6. Genetic control: This involves in-
omone traps use coloured surfaces or
troducing genetically modified
specific shapes to lure the insects.
crops or insects that have been en-
One example of the use of pheromone
gineered to resist or control pests.
technology is in the control of Fall army-
In Kenya, genetic control has been
worms in maize fields. The technology
used in the development of Bt cot-
uses a biopesticide that mimics the scent
ton, which is resistant to the African
of female armyworms to attract males
bollworm. The African Agricultural
for mating.
Technology Foundation (AATF) has
been involved in the development The pheromone sachets are placed
at a specified spacing, releasing a cloud
and promotion of genetically mod-
that confuses male armyworms, and pre-
ified crops.
venting them from locating females and
7. Pheromone traps: This is a sustain-
fertilising eggs.
able technology that is gaining
Another example is the use of boll-
popularity in the control of various
worm traps in the control of African
insect pests. “It is a trap and kill
bollworms, which attack various crops
method targeting the adult/moth
such as cotton, beans, maize, tobacco,
stage, which helps to lower the
populations by reducing the repro- tomatoes, flowers, and pulses. The traps
use artificial pheromones to lure male
duction,” says Gibson.
moths, which then get stuck on a sticky
These traps take advantage of the nat-
ural mating behaviour of insects. They paper and die.
contain either chemical or non-chemical

44 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 45

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Cultural method
of pest control
Cultural pest control methods are
often low-cost and environmentally
friendly and can be used in combi-
nation with other pest management
BY SMART FARMER WRITER
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
Pest-resistant or tolerant varieties: The
type of crop you choose to plant is very
important since it can determine wheth-
er insects or diseases become serious
problems or not. Some varieties have a
national resistance to pest attacks with
some producing chemicals toxic to the
pests.
Improving soil: When plants are healthy,
they grow strongly and can protect them-
selves better from pests and diseases,
but to be healthy they require soft soil in
which their roots can grow, get plenty of
nutrients, water, and adequate amounts
of sunlight. Poor soils can be improved by
adding organic matter through manure
from animals or plant materials buried in
the soil. In our last edition (Issue 52), we
also focused heavily on how to improve
your soil.
Avoiding insect pests and diseases (tim-
ing): At certain times of the year, the
weather favours pests such as spider
mites (hot and dry) or diseases such as
late blight (prolonged cooler, wet con-
ditions).
You could change your planting date
to reduce or avoid problems by growing
crops when conditions are favourable for
them and poor for the pests and diseas-
es. For example, you can grow tomatoes
in the dry season if you have water for
irrigation, hence avoiding serious late
blight attacks.
Crop rotation: Pest problems in the soil
46 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Top, an intercropped vegetable farm. Insets, soils improved using organic matter and
manure. PHOTOS/COURTESY & PETER KIPTOO
can build up during the life of a suscep-
tible crop and if the same crop or simi-
lar type is planted in the same field soon
afterwards, it will suffer from the accu-
mulated pests from the previous crops.
This can be avoided by leaving the soil
uncropped for a while or planting a dif-
ferent crop that is tolerant or resistant
to the pest or disease. This will help to
decline soil problems. The original crop
can be grown successfully after this.
For instance, tomatoes can be affected
by root knot nematodes, microscopic
worms that feed on the root system.
When an infested plant is pulled up, the
roots have small lumpy galls (root-knots)
caused by the nematodes. You can grow
a healthy crop in the same soil after the
number of nematodes has been reduced.
Planting onions after tomatoes would
have a good chance of success since, they
are relatively unaffected and would also
reduce the number of nematodes in the
field.
Inter-cropping: Planting two or more
crops in the same field at the same time
can help deter pests and diseases. This
is because pests and diseases often prefer specific crops, so
planting a diverse range of crops can help reduce their impact.
Destroying source of infection or infestation (sanitation): Some
pests and diseases have alternate host plants, which they can
survive on between vegetable cropping seasons. Some survive
on weeds or plants left over from the previous planting. If the
problem source is known and it is feasible to destroy, there will
be a less carryover of the pest or disease between seasons. An
example is spider mites surviving on weeds related to tomatoes
growing around the edges and rapidly infesting any new tomato
crop in the area. Removing the weeds is a way of delaying or
preventing spider mites from entering a new tomato crop.
When pests and disease outbreaks occur, care should be
taken with crop residues such as stems, rejected fruits or leaves
after harvest, as they may produce a source of infection or in-
festation on newly planted crops. Residues can be composted if
the process generates enough heat to kill the harmful organisms
or can be fed to livestock or buried underground.
They can also be burnt but this is a waste of valuable or-
ganic matter, which could have been used to improve the soil.
Burning should only be used for the most persistent diseases,
experts say.
You also need to clean and disinfect tools after use.
Hot water treatment: Some vegetable crop diseases such as
bacterial canker of tomatoes and black rot of brassica crops can
be transmitted in seeds, as well as on infected seedlings and
crop residues. Some seed companies treat seeds with sodium
hypochlorite, which sterilises the seed surface. They may also
address the seed with pesticides.
However, chemicals may not reach the pathogens inside
the seed. Research has shown that hot water treatment can
penetrate the seed sufficiently to eradicate some infections
inside it. Hot water treatment must be done carefully to avoid
reducing the germination rate if the water gets too hot.
However, because other pathogens that attack the seed dur-
ing germination are killed, germination may increase. If done
properly, hot water treatment is easier, cheaper, and more
effective than trying to combat disease pathogens in the seed
and later in the field with chemicals. It is important that the
water be maintained at uniform temperatures of 50-52 centi-
grade throughout the treatment, so a thermometer is essential.
Other cultural control methods include water management,
mulching, mechanical control, mixed cropping, and trap or
catch crops.
Other cultural control methods include water man-
agement, mulching, mechanical control, mixed
cropping, and trap or catch crops.
BRIEFS
African Development Bank
to fund Kenyan women,
youth in agribusiness
BY ZABLON OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
he African Development Bank (AfDB) has ap-
T
proved a Sh184.3 million investment to support
youth and women entrepreneurs engaged in
agricultural value chains in Kenya.
The funding, approved recently, was provided
by the European Union (EU) under its partnership with the
African Development Bank Group.
The AfDB Board of Directors made a further Sh2.8 billion
equity investment in the Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF).
Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, the Bank Group’s Director General
for East Africa, noted the approval as “another milestone in
the implementation of the partnership with the EU, which
also signals the importance given to the role of women and
youth in the agricultural sector in Kenya.”
The demand for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) financing remains unmet in Kenya and has been
aggravated by the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates
an SME finance gap of US$19.38 billion, representing 30
per cent of the country’s GDP.
The World Bank’s Covid-19 Business Pulse Survey (BPS)
shows that many potentially viable firms are still struggling.
The agriculture sector employs the largest share of the
population, especially in rural areas, and accounts for 60
per cent of Kenya’s export.
According to data by the Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strat-
egy 2017-2022, 64 per cent of the unemployed Kenyans are
youth (18 to 35 years old), with the majority moving away
from agriculture to fast-growing non-agricultural sectors
in urban areas.
Women face many constraints hampering their access to
finance and the growth of their businesses. These include
lack of business management skills, legal, social, and policy
barriers, poor access to networks and information, and in-
adequate financing options catering for their specific needs.
Banks often perceive women-led businesses as risky due
to the low quality or number of assets for collateral and the
generally smaller business sizes.
Therefore, supporting women entrepreneurs and catalyz-
ing private investment in this segment are crucial measures
to foster inclusive economic growth in Kenya.
According to the 2017 Economic Survey by the Kenya
National Bureau of Statistics, commercial bank lending to
the sector in 2016 stood at a mere three per cent, as the risk
level of this customer segment is deemed high.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 47
PLANT PROTECTION
Gene editing:
A new weapon
against pests and
diseases in crops
It is faster
BY MAZERA NDURYA
tnmazera@gmail.com
magine a world where crops
I can resist pests and diseases
without the need for pesti-
cides, where farmers can grow
more food with less water and fertiliser,
and where consumers can enjoy a variety
of healthy and nutritious foods.
This may sound like a utopian dream,
but it could become a reality with the
help of gene editing, a technology that
allows scientists to make precise changes
in the DNA of living organisms.
Gene editing is a technique that uses
special tools, such as enzymes or mole-
cules, to cut and paste DNA at specific
locations in the genome. By doing this,
scientists can add, remove, or alter genes
in a targeted way. Gene editing can be
used to improve the traits of crops, such
as their yield, quality, or resilience to biot-
ic and abiotic stresses. It can also be used
to control pests and diseases by directly
targeting their genomes and reducing
their fitness or virulence.
In Kenya, there are several gene editing
projects that aim to improve the resist-
ance of some of the country’s key food
crops, such as sorghum, maize, cassava,
and banana, to various pests and diseas-
Gene editing is a technique that
uses special tools, such as en-
zymes or molecules, to cut and
paste DNA at specific locations
in the genome
48 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
es. These projects use CRISPR/Cas9, a
gene editing tool that can precisely target
and modify specific genes in the crop
genome.
By doing this, scientists can either
knock out susceptibility genes that make
the crop vulnerable to the pest or disease
or introduce resistance genes that can
help the crop fight off the pest or disease.
For example, scientists have used gene
editing to create crops that are resistant
to common pests and diseases, such as
wheat that is resistant to powdery mil-
dew and potatoes that are resistant to
late blight.
They are using CRISPR/Cas9 to knock
out susceptibility genes in sorghum to
make it resistant to the parasitic striga
weed, which causes huge losses to cereal
crops. They are also using CRISPR/Cas9
to introduce resistance against maize
lethal necrosis (MLN), a disease that
causes severe losses to maize in Kenya
and neighboring countries.
Researchers at the Kenya Agricultural
and Livestock Research Organisation
(Kalro) are also using the technique to
develop cassava varieties that are re-
sistant to cassava brown streak disease
(CBSD), which causes severe root rot
and yield losses and have successfully
enhanced the plant's resistance to CBSD.
Researchers at Kalro have also used
gene editing to develop banana varieties
that are resistant to banana bacterial wilt
(BBW ) and banana streak virus (BSV ),
which threaten the livelihoods of millions
of smallholder farmers.
These projects are expected to benefit
farmers and consumers by reducing the
use of insecticides, increasing crop yields,
and enhancing food security. Gene edit-
ing can also help crops adapt to changing
climate conditions, such as drought or
flooding, by modifying genes involved
in stress responses.
However, gene editing is not only use-
ful for improving crops, but also for con-
trolling pests and diseases. Researchers
have developed a new way to control and
suppress populations of insects, such as
mosquitoes and fruit flies, by using CRIS-
PR/Cas9 to alter key genes that control
sex determination and fertility.
This technology creates a ‘preci-
sion-guided sterile insect technique’ that
can reduce their populations and prevent
the transmission of deadly diseases, such
as malaria and dengue fever, or protect
agricultural crops from insect damage.
Though gene editing is a promising
technology that has advantages over
conventional methods such as precision,
speed, diversity, and accessibility and can
offer new solutions for pest and disease
management in agriculture and public
health, it also has its challenges and risks
that need to be addressed.
It is still a relatively new technology,
and there are concerns about its potential
risks and ethical implications that need
to be addressed.
For example, some people are con-
cerned that gene editing could be used
to create "designer babies" or other ge-
netically modified organisms that could
have unintended consequences. There
are also concerns about the potential
impact of gene-edited organisms on the
environment and biodiversity.
There is, therefore, need for more re-
search, development, and regulation to
ensure its safety and effectiveness.
TECHNOLOGY was observed for several months and
then later challenged with the virus to
Scientists use gene-editing technology determine if she could become infect-
ed. She was housed for a week with a
to produce first calf resistant to major BVDV-infected dairy calf that was born
shedding virus. Ginger's cells displayed
viral disease significantly reduced susceptibility to
BVDV, which resulted in no observable
Aspen Workman, lead author and adverse health effects.
researcher at ARS' US Meat Animal The scientists will continue to closely
info@smartfarmerkenya.com
Research Center (USMARC) in Clay observe Ginger's health and ability to
Center, Nebraska, said, "Our objective produce and raise her own calves.
was to use gene-editing technology to This proof-of-concept study demon-
S
cientists have collaborated to
produce the first gene-edited slightly alter CD46 so it wouldn't bind strates the possibility of reducing the
calf with resistance to bovine the virus yet would retain all its normal burden of BVDV-associated diseases
viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a bovine functions." in cattle by gene editing. The edited
virus that costs the cattle sector in the The scientists first tested this idea calf also represents another poten-
US billions of dollars annually.
The recent study published in PNAS
in cell culture. After seeing promising
outcomes in the laboratory, Acceligen
edited cattle skin cells to develop em-
tial opportunity to lessen the need for
antibiotics in agriculture since BVDV
Nexus results from a collaboration infection also puts calves at risk for
between the USDA's Agricultural Re- bryos carrying the altered gene. These secondary bacterial diseases. This
search Service (ARS), the University of embryos were transplanted into surro- promising trait is still in the research
Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), the Universi- gate cows to test whether this approach phase and no associated beef is enter-
ty of Kentucky, and industry partners, might also reduce virus infection in live ing the U.S. food supply at this time.
Acceligen and Recombinetics, Inc. animals. The Agricultural Research Service is
BVDV is one of the most signifi- It worked, and the first CD46 the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
cant viruses affecting the health and gene-edited calf, named Ginger, was chief scientific in-house research agen-
well-being of cattle worldwide, and re- born healthy on July 19, 2021. The calf cy.
searchers have been studying it since
the 1940s when it was first recognized.
This virus does not affect humans but
is highly contagious among cattle and
can cause severe respiratory and intes-
tinal diseases.
BVDV can be disastrous to pregnant
cows because it can infect developing
calves, causing spontaneous abor-
tions and low birth rates. Some infect-
ed calves survive to birth and remain
infected for life, shedding massive
amounts of virus to other cattle. De-
spite more than 50 years of vaccine
availability, controlling BVDV disease
remains a problem since vaccines are
not always effective in stopping trans-
mission.
However, over the past 20 years, the
scientific community discovered the
main cellular receptor (CD46) and the
area where the virus binds to that re-
ceptor, causing infection in cows. Sci-
entists modified the virus binding site
in this recent study to block infection.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 49
SMAR FARMING
Farmers turn to
Demon F1 chili
one of the world’s
hottest peppers
Coastal farmers turn up the heat
with Demon F1 chili’s high yield and
demand
BY MAZERA NDRUYA
tnmazera@gmail.com
orget about the name Demon
F
F1 Chili. Nothing demonic
about it but rather one of the
hottest chilies that is ruling
cuisines in many parts of the world.
As the drought continues to ravage
several parts of the country and mostly
some parts of the Coast region, the quest
for a new approach to agriculture has
now taken centre stage.
Many farmers who would otherwise
be busy using every opportunity to grow
maize and cassava have now taken to
chili farming, a crop that is gaining pop-
ularity among farmers who are using ir-
rigation.
Although the market for chili may not
be stable now, farmers have not given up
and are putting some of their land under
chili as they explore market opportuni-
ties in other parts of the world.
A tour of Aisha Kiringo’s 10-acre farm
on the outskirts of Malindi, Kilifi County,
attests to the seriousness she attaches to
Chili farming, specifically the hot Demon
F1 type.
Aisha and most of the farmers in Kilifi
County have opted to plant the Demon
F1 variety because of its suitability for
them.
“We got the seeds from Asia, and it
does very well in the coastal weather
conditions. It also doesn’t require a lot
of water.
“This variety also has high demand
in the international market, especially
50 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Ms Aisha Kiringi admiring mature chilis
in Asian countries and has a very high
yield,” she says during the interview with
Smart Farmer Magazine.
On a well-managed farm, a farmer can
harvest up to 1,200 to 1,500 kilogrammes
(about 1.5 tonnes) per acre weekly under
irrigation. The beauty about Demon F1
Chili, according to Aisha, is that it can
be harvested for three years with similar
yields.
The farmer says that she is pursuing a
market for the variety in Malaysia where
the prices are good but they require at
least one 40 foot container per month.
In Kenya, the price per kilo of dried chili
shillings is about 2,500.
Several farmers who are using the Sa-
baki River for irrigation have also taken
up chili farming with great success.
Dickson Kenga is one of the farmers
from Kakuyuni ward who have em-
braced irrigation agriculture from the
Sabaki River. For many years he has been
growing capsicum on a half-acre piece of
land, where he harvests between 70 and
80 kilos after every two months.
“I harvest between four to five times a
year if the water level in the river is not
affected by drought,” he says.
Kenga is one of the farmers who have
been impressed by the Demon F1 Chi-
li and is already preparing a one-acre
piece of land to try his luck with the new
variety.
“I have been assured of the seedlings
and I can’t wait to join the other farmers
CASE STUDIES
1200 - 1500 Kg
On a well-managed farm, a farmer
can harvest up to 1,200 to 1,500
kilogrammes (about 1.5 tonnes) per
acre weekly under irrigation
(about 1.5 tonnes) per acre weekly
This variety also has high de-
mand in the international mar-
ket, especially in Asian countries
and has a very high yield
Facts about different types of chili
Demon F1 Chili
Characteristics:
• High pungency fruits
One of the workers at Aisha Kiringi’s farm disappeared, leaving many farmers de-
• Plants are tall with a concentrated up-
with the newly planted Demon F1 Chili. pressed,” she says.
right bearing fruit set
“However, I have not abandoned chili
who are planting Demon F1 Chili. The • Excellent and uniform fruit quality
farming and even investing more in it
more the farmers the easier it will be to • Maturity: 70 - 75 days from transplant-
because the returns are very good, es-
satisfy the market, which pays very well,’ ing
pecially from the international market,”
he says during the interview at his farm • Fruit length: 7 - 9 cm
she adds.
in Marama area. • Diameter: 0.9 cm
Aisha points out that some farmers in
On her part, Aisha has employed sev- • Yield potential: 6 - 7 tonnes per acre
Kilifi are doing very well because they
eral farmhands who are working daily • Harvest period: 2 - 3 months
have a ready market either in the Middle
on the farm that is dedicated to growing • Fruits mature from medium green col-
East especially Dubai or in Europe.
chili for export under irrigation. our to bright red
The problem, she says, is that most
“The rains are erratic, and I didn’t Advantages / Tolerances:
of them are selfish and are not willing
want to mess up because this crop re- • Good tolerance to common field dis-
to help other farmers get access to the
quires a lot of water. eases
market, forcing some of them to aban-
I spent so much money to sink bore- Demon F1 is a very vigorous variety
don growing the crop.
holes and set up an irrigation system with reliable performance in a range of
Aisha stands out because she has de-
for generating the seedlings in the green different growing circumstances. Plants
cided to help other farmers, especially
house and the chili,” she says during a are tall with a concentrated set of fruits
with seedlings, which she grows at her
tour of her farm. and are upright bearing. The attraction
farm’s green house. She gives them out
Aisha has also planted several other of Demon F1 is its fruit quality, firm, very
for free.
crops including lemons, oranges, ba- nice bright red colour, and uniform fruits
She believes that with more farmers
nanas, mangoes. She also has three big in size and shape.
it will be easier to get a steady market
fishponds.
because most of the buyers from abroad
“There are teething problems with
demand a steady supply of chili as one CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
the market at the moment because the
of the conditions.
people who came and told us that they
would secure a steady market have since
SIDEBAR
How to grow Demon F1 Chili
The farmer is supposed seeds take about 10 days two and a half months for
to make furrows on the to germinate and up to one the Chili to mature and
farm where water for irri- month to get the seedlings ready for harvest.
gation can easily flow and ready for planting. For export to the Asian
percolate. Plant the Chili with a market they have to be
Apply farmyard manure spacing of about one me- dried under 15 degree
preferably and wait for four tre apart. centigrade heat.
days before planting. You can intercrop the Demon F1 Chili doesn’t
To generate the seed- Chili with other crops such require pesticides.
lings, once planted the as maize. It takes about
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 51
FOOD SECURITY
Unlocking the
potential of
breadfruit, a
sustainable
superfood
Amidst persistent droughts, food in-
security, and the soaring prices of
the staples, especially maize, mil-
lions of Kenyans continue to suffer
from hunger year in, year out. How-
ever, breadfruit, a promising solu-
tion that is a versatile and nutritious
alternative to the traditional crops
with great economic potential, re-
mains largely untapped
BY ZABLO OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
readfruit is one of the high-
B
est-yielding food plants and
the only fruit that can be an al-
ternative to wheat and maize,
hence its name.
Touted as the potential solution to
hunger in the tropical regions includ-
ing Kenya, breadfruit is rich in carbo-
hydrates, and is also a good source of
dietary fibre, Vitamin C, potassium, mag-
nesium, and iron. It also contains some
protein, calcium, phosphorus, thiamine,
riboflavin, and niacin.
Its scientific name is Artocarpus Alti-
lis and it can produce up to 200 or more
fruits per season with two to three fruit-
ing seasons in a year. Breadfruit yields
It is rich in carbohydrates, is a
good source of dietary fibre, vi-
tamin C, potassium, magnesium,
and iron and contains some pro-
tein, calcium, phosphorus, thia-
mine, riboflavin, and niacin.
52 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
up to 900kg per tree and requires limited
care.
Both the ripe and unripe fruits can be
used as food. According to Mr Josh Sch-
neider, of the Global Breadfruit in the
United States, it is gluten-free and can be
consumed at all stages of development.
It is ripe as a fruit or harvested mature
as a vegetable.
Unripe breadfruit is cooked before con-
sumption. The fruits are roasted, baked,
fried, or boiled. They can be processed
into various products, including chips,
flour, starch, candy, jam, wine, vinegar, or
beer. They can also be dried and ground
into flour, which can be stored for later
use.
A single fruit can produce half-a-kilo
of dried fruit or flour. Individuals and
groups can earn money as tree growers,
flour processors, bakers, and chefs. They
can grow it for domestic consumption
or market their products commercially.
Besides food, this plant can also pro-
vide the farmer with timber, glue, and
more. The light, sturdy timber of bread-
fruit has been used for outriggers, and to
build ships, and houses. The wood is also
suitable for furniture, carvings, musical
instruments, and crafts.
The bark yields a strong fibre that can
be used to make ropes, mats, baskets,
clothing, and paper. The latex or milky
sap can be used as glue or caulking ma-
terial for boats. The leaves can be used as
animal fodder or as mulch for crops. The
flowers are a source of nectar for honey
production.
Breadfruit, a staple crop grown in the
Pacific Islands, is a species of a flowering
tree in the mulberry and jackfruit family
that is also said to be native to Southeast
Asia. It was introduced to other tropical
regions during the colonial era. Today,
it is grown in 90 countries throughout
South and Southeast Asia, the Pacif-
ic Ocean, the Caribbean, and Central
America.
Six years ago, when news of its poten-
tial reached the ears of Kenyan farmers,
early adopters embraced breadfruit farm-
ing with much hope. Farmers in Busia,
Bomet, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitengela, Thika,
Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisii, and Kitale ob-
tained seedlings in 2017 as imports and
donations from foreign organisations.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricul-
ture and Technology (Jkuat) was the entry
point into the East and Central Africa re-
gion, from where other African countries
can obtain tissue culture clones. The uni-
versity pledged to support its propaga-
tion and research on its value addition.
At its introduction, Dr Sylvester Anami,
an expert in plant molecular biology and
biotechnology at Jkuat, took the initia-
tive in those early stages to work with
the Kenya Livestock and Agricultural
Research Organisation (Kalro) to pro-
mote breadfruit farming at conferences,
seminars and on digital platforms.
Farmers eagerly joined the movement,
requesting for seedlings on a dedicated
Facebook platform.
“Most farmers who planted around
5,000 seedlings then, made their requests
on a Facebook platform,” says Dr Anami.
Some researchers from the University
of Nairobi’s Wangari Maathai Institute
imported 500 breadfruit seedlings from
Germany to distribute to farmers.
In April 2018, The Trees That Feed
Foundation (TTFF) donated more than
1,500 saplings to a faith-based founda-
tion in Kwale, kickstarting breadfruit
cultivation in the coastal region. There
were very few breadfruit trees in Kenya
to propagate from.
“So far, our foundation has donated a
few thousand breadfruit trees to Kenya
from Tissue Grown Corp, a nursery in
California, which has been given to farm-
ers along the coast,” says chairperson
Mary McLaughlin.
Highest amount of B1 compared to other
fruits
Two years later, research revealed that
at 0.12mg, breadfruit contains the high-
est amount of Vitamin B1 compared to
mangoes, bananas, pawpaws, and cus-
tard apple. Kalro hoped this discovery
would encourage Kenyan farmers and
extend breadfruit production across
Africa.
However, a horticulture and food secu-
rity expert at Jkuat, Dr Paul Kinoti, says
that despite the studies, initiatives, and
support from international organisa-
tions, there is rampant scepticism among
The fruits are roasted, baked,
fried, or boiled. They can be pro-
cessed into various products
such as chips, flour, starch,
candy, jam, wine, vinegar, or
beer. They can also be dried and
ground into flour, which can be
stored for later use.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
• Breadfruit is typically ready for harvest
100 to 120 days after flowering
• Breadfruit trees prefer well-draining, deep
soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8
• Its scientific name is Artocarpus Altilis and
it can produce up to 200 or more fruits per
season with two to three fruiting seasons
in a year
• The trees are monoecious, with male and
female flowers growing on the same tree
• The compound, false fruit develops from
the swollen perianth, and originates from
1, 500 to 2, 000 flowers visible on the skin
of the fruit as hexagon-like disk
• Breadfruit yields up to 900kg per tree and
requires limited care.
ENTRY POINT IN EAST AFRICA: JKUAT
farmers.
Dr Kinoti laments that due to the
lack of progress, tree nurseries that had
started propagating breadfruit seedlings
stopped. Farmers around Mt Kenya said
they did not understand the fruit’s eco-
nomic value, particularly citing its long
maturation period.
“I know of some established nurser-
ies that were propagating seedlings but
topped, saying that the farmers they were
targeting had shown no interest.”
Dr Anami adds: “I met farmers who
said they could not plant a tree that takes
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
years to produce its first fruits. Breadfruit
can take up to four years to start bearing
fruits.”
But once the tree yields its first fruits,
farmers can harvest twice a year for
decades.
However, there are some success sto-
ries, especially at the coast.
Mr Peter Mukundi, a farmer and
breadfruit promoter in Kwale County,
says some organisations gave out seed-
lings to farmers who lost their crops due
to poor care. He is one of the few who
have succeeded in coastal region.
“I have 27 plants that are doing well.
Very soon, I expect to start harvesting
my first fruits,” he says.
The plant needs proper care, especially
in its initial stages.
There are households and institutions
at the coast that have made harvests and
are happy. They eat it steamed, boiled,
or roasted while some sun dry and mill
the fruit into flour used to make porridge
and pancakes. Others use its chopped
and dried pieces to make chips and
crisps for sale.
Fruit crop beginning to take root at the
coast
Since mid-2018, GRACE Initiative, a
community driven non-profit organ-
isation in Kwale has been involved in
the promotion of breadfruit farming to
combat hunger and starvation.
With support from US-based organisa-
tions, GRACE Project and TTFF imported
breadfruit tissue culture plantlets from
Germany to try them out in Kwale and
Kisii. Others were donated to farmers’
groups in Uganda and Tanzania.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 53
 “In Kwale, we started getting fruits in
2020 after about two-and-a-half years.
In 2021, we had a bountiful harvest,
and it has been that way since. This has
helped to improve feeding programmes
in schools and children’s homes,” says
Ms Mary Kibai, the Executive Director,
GRACE Initiative.
Many farmers are now developing an
interest in growing breadfruit.
“So far, over 560 breadfruit seedlings
have been distributed to various ben-
eficiaries, including public secondary
schools, orphanages and children’s
homes in Kwale and Kilifi counties, as
well as individuals, farmers’ groups and
Kalro for more multiplication,” says Ms
Kibai.
“Our aim is to address food insecurity
and malnutrition by introducing the fruit
as an alternative to food crops such as
maize, whose yields have been affected
by prolonged dry seasons due to climate
change.”
GRACE Initiative is propagating
breadfruit seedlings to ensure that they
become more affordable for farmers.
Seedlings cost Ksh1,500, down from
Ksh2,500 per seedling when they were
first imported.
Ms McLaughlin of TTFF says: “I think,
climatic conditions required for the fruit
to thrive, is another aspect some farmers
did not take seriously. There are cases
of farmers from the Kisii highlands and
around Mt Kenya region whose plants
died due to the cold weather in those
areas, which is not favourable for bread-
fruit.”
Lessons from Uganda
While challenges persist in Kenya,
Ghana and Uganda are reporting great
success.
In Uganda, breadfruit is gaining pop-
ularity due to its many benefits.
Mr Kamya Musigire, who runs a com-
mercial tree nursery in Wakiso and Mu-
kono districts, first learnt about bread-
fruit in 2016 from a client who had
imported some plantlets from Jamaica.
Since then, he has been propagating its
seedlings for farmers who have devel-
54 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Grace Initiative team at their breadfuit farm
Our aim is to address food insecu-
rity and malnutrition by introduc-
ing the fruit as an alternative to
food crops such as maize, whose
yields have been affected by pro-
longed dry seasons due to cli-
mate change
oped an interest in planting the crop due
to its unmatched benefits.
“There are many farmers here who
have started harvesting the fruit for
household consumption and sale,” says
Mr Musigire.
Already, he adds, there is a breadfruit
value addition facility at Jinja, which is
creating a ready market for growers and
processes flour and other products from
dried breadfruits.
“I think the best way to hack bread-
fruit farming is to start through backyard
farms then grow it bit by bit. There are
people who will always learn from oth-
ers,” he says.
Ms McLaughlin says farmers should
not be forced to plant the crop but should
make decision after seeing the potential
benefits.
“Breadfruit should be grown in areas
with favourable conditions to realise a
good harvest,” she says.
Mr Mukundi urges Kenyan farmers, es-
pecially in the western region bordering
Uganda, to consider breadfruit farming
as the warm weather around Lake Victo-
ria favours the crop.
“In Kenya, we have many low-lying ar-
A young breadfruit tree
eas where the crop can do well. Farmers
need to know that seedlings are available.
The fruit is easy to grow and maintain,
especially if it is established and the mar-
ket is big.”
Kenyans, he explains, are faced with
high cost of maize and wheat flour. “How-
ever, if early adopters of breadfruit farm-
ing had taken the venture seriously, we
could be like Uganda or even better.”
With support from government insti-
tutions, research organisations, NGOs,
and the active participation of farmers,
CONTINUED FROM PG 53
The African Bird’s Eye
Also sometimes known as
Piri Piri or Pili Pili, the Afri-
can Bird’s Eye is a small chili,
growing to only about 1 inch,
but they pack a lot of punch.
They mature to red or purple,
and have a tapered shape,
with a blunt point. Historical-
ly found in the African wild,
it has recently been grown
commercially in some parts
of Africa, often to be used as
pepper extract or as organic
pest control.
The African Bird’s Eye is
commonly used in soups,
stews, hot sauces and chick-
Kamya Musigire (centre), a breadfruit farmer in Uganda en dishes, but the flavor is less
with colleagues at his farm in Wakiso District. interesting than other popu-
lar peppers. It is a close rel-
ative of the Tabasco pepper.
breadfruit farming can become a sustainable solu-
tion to food security, nutrition, and economic em-
Fact Sheet
powerment challenges. It has been scientifically
proven that spices prevent
Breadfruit varieties in Kenya our food from spoilage and
According to Ms McLaughlin of TTFF, the bread- thus, north Indian foods tend
fruit varieties exported to Kenya include Ulu fiti from to be so spicy. Bacteria and
Germany and Hawaii, while Ma‘afala comes from foodborne pathogens cannot
Samoa and Tonga. survive in a hot environment,
Ulu fiti is a fast-growing tree like the Hawaiian ‘Ulu which is provided by spices.
and Tahitian varieties. Micro-propagated trees can Countries with a hotter cli-
begin bearing fruit in 2-1/2 to three years. mate have comparatively
Ma‘afala is a fast-growing tree that tends to be spicy cuisine.
shorter, with a more compact shape than most In hot countries, eating chi-
breadfruit varieties. Trees can begin bearing fruit
in 2-1/2 to three years.
A farmer displaying ripe chili ready for harvest at Marama farm,
grown using irrigation from Sabaki River. Photo/MAZERA NDURYA
Breadfruit pests and diseases
Some of the common pests and diseases of bread-
fruit are mealybugs, scales, thrips, ants, borers, ter-
mites, rats, bats, birds, monkeys, pigs, fungi, bacteria,
viruses, and nematodes.
These can be controlled by a solution of Neem
(locally known as Mwarubaini) tree leaves, bark and
roots.
“In case of attacks, I always advise my farmhands
to boil neem leaves, barks and roots, cool the solution
and spray it on the affected parts and soil beneath
and it has been perfect,” concludes Mr Mukundi.
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
li pepper helps to cut thirst,
and helps to keep water in the
body. That's why Indians eat a
lot of chili. The hot sensation
comes from the main mole-
cule of the pepper, capsaicin,
when it irritates the mouth.
Chili peppers are rich in
various vitamins and miner-
als but usually eaten in small
amounts — so they don’t con-
tribute significantly to your
daily micronutrient intake.
Chili peppers are asso-
ciated with several health
benefits. They may promote
weight loss when combined
with other healthy lifestyle
strategies and may help re-
lieve pain caused by acid
reflux.
There are also several ap-
plications for chilli extracts in
the food and pharmaceutical
industries. Oleoresin (chilli
oil) is used when fortifying
food or supplementing prod-
ucts with additional minerals
and vitamins. Capsaicin is an
ingredient in treatments for
pain relief, skin ailments and
nervous system disorders.
Chilli powder is also gaining
popularity as a stable natural
colorant in skin products.
> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 55
ADVERTORIAL
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O
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56 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE > SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
available for a very short period of time characterized by the synthesis de-novo creatine utilizes
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SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM > SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 57

FINANCE
Mastercard
partners with
Kenyan bank to
launch online
marketplace for
farmers
BY ZABLON OYUGI
yuzablon@gmail.com
M
astercard has partnered with
Kenya’s Co-operative Bank to
launch an online platform that
will see local farmers, first, access farm
inputs right on time at the onset of plat-
ing season and then get their produce to
the market upon harvesting.
The online platform, which is referred
to by the country’s bank name, Co-op
Bank Soko is also expected to help farm-
ers access credit using their transaction
history to build a credit profile.
It connects various agriculture value
chains through which small-holder farm-
ers can directly place their harvests for
sale. They can also purchase farm inputs
and access Co-op Bank’s financial ser-
vices at ease.
So far 760,490 farmers, 582 farmer
co-operative societies, eight farm input
suppliers and three major farm produce
buyers have been enrolled on the Co-op
Bank Soko platform.
“Perhaps the single biggest frustration
to small-holder agriculture in Kenya is
that farmers start the production pro-
cess with none of the key market signals
in place. No assured market or a price
estimate, no demand projection for
their produce nor inputs quality or cost
in mind,” said Esther Kariuki, the Head
of Agriculture Business at Co-operative
Bank.
58 I SMART FARMER MAGAZINE >
SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
Farmers belonging to Farming Systems Kenya involved in the production of sweet potatoes.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed
lender has strong connections in the ag-
ricultural sector, which has many savings
and credit co-operative societies cater-
ing to farmers producing tea, coffee, and
milk, among other commodities.
The Co-op Bank Soko platform was
originally formed in a partnership with
MasterCard and Rabobank –a Dutch
multinational banking and financial
services provider.
Risks versus returns
According to Esther, the Co-op Bank
Soko platform, therefore, seeks to link
the farmers directly to buyers and input
providers alike, thereby making market
signals more visible further enabling
participants to do reliable estimates of
risks versus returns of their investment.
“This platform is being rolled out us-
ing Mastercard’s Community Pass digital
infrastructure, an interoperable platform
that connects individuals and businesses
to essential services regardless of con-
nectivity as a challenge.”
By the single act of sponsoring Co-op
Bank Soko, Mastercard has fostered a
bold new world of opportunity for Ken-
yan farmers.
Financial inclusion
Daniel Huba, the lead for MasterCard’s
Community Pass Business in sub-Saha-
ran Africa said the product would fur-
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> SMART FARMER MAGAZINE I 59
+254 721 980 818 SMARTFARMERKENYA.COM
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