An article from IFDC explaining how The Potato Value Chain Capacity Building (PCB) project has boosted agricultural productivity in Nyandarua County. For many years, Nyandarua County was known as Kenya’s food basket. Farms were productive, and rains were adequate, resulting in high surplus production. Sufficient land was also available for farmers to plant their crops. However, many different elements have …
Alliance for Science – New potato variety could be a game-changed for farmers in East Africa
An article from Alliance for Science with details on the new 3R Victoria potato variety. Imagine being a potato farmer in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda or Nigeria. On a small piece of land, which you depend on for food and income, you have spent months planting, weeding and watering. Up to twice a week, you manually spray your field, sometimes with …
Understanding farmer needs and unlocking local genetic resources for potato improvement: a case study in Ethiopia
A research paper and case study looking at important potato varieties in Ethiopia. Understanding farmers’ needs and local genetic resources are crucial steps to improve and conserve the potato crop. A study was conducted to understand what potato traits Ethiopian farmers consider most important, and to characterize the diversity and distribution of local varieties. Growers from six districts were surveyed …
Boosting potato production in Eritrea
An articles from the Eritrean Ministry of Agriculture Newsletter outlining potato cultivating initiatives across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is working hard to increase potato production using improved and globally standardized potato varieties. In Eritrea, two local varieties of potato, known as karneshm and shashemene, have been cultivated for many years. Over time, productivity of these varieties has …
United Purpose case studies
A selection of 10 case studies from United Purpose‘s work with smallholder farmers. Lidia Mabica, member of the association of Macassine, 57 years mother of 4, I work in the association since I was 45 years old, today I am harvesting potatoes in my plot where I could harvest about 190 kg of potatoes, of which 40 i saved for …
Introduction to the potato and potato storage
A presentation outlining the basic benefits of potato farming with a case study examining Kishima Farm and the construction of their potato store. View/Download the powerpoint presentation (6.2mb)
Presentation on Eritrea Seed Potato Project (2015-2021)
A presentation from Eritrea-Ireland Development Partnership office in Eritrea (EIDP) looking at the progress and plans for the current Seed Potato Project. View/Download The Presentation (5.6mb)
The Kenyan company supplying fries to international fast-food chains
An article on howwemadeitinafrica.com detailing Sereni Fries success supplying big brands with Kenyan grown potatoes. Despite a presence in over 100 markets, the global fast-food chain McDonald’s has operations in just four African countries: Morocco, Egypt, South Africa and Mauritius. According to industry insiders, rather than a lack of demand or local market spending power, a common problem is connecting …
United Purpose – How the humble potato is helping farmers in Mozambique
A post on the United Purpose website, detailing how their project is training farmers to upscale the value of the potatoes and other vegetables they produce by processing them in different ways. We are empowering smallholder farmers in Mozambique to improve their food security, nutrition, income and livelihoods. As part of this, we are working with a regional initiative that …