From plant to plate: Kenya-Netherlands cooperation in the potato sector
Kenya and the Netherlands have enjoyed a decade-long partnership aimed at advancing the potato sector in Kenya. This collaboration has seen significant investment from both Kenyan and Dutch companies, not just in seed potatoes, but across the entire potato value chain. This includes storage solutions, mechanization, processing, and capacity building.
Beginnings and evolution
The cooperation began in 2012, focusing initially on improving the seed potato subsector when certified seed potatoes were scarce in Kenya. Today, investments and opportunities have expanded to seed supply, distribution, storage solutions, production, processing, and overall sector development. The Netherlands, as the world’s largest seed potato exporter, brought its expertise to develop a vibrant seed potato sector in Kenya. The project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented through Wageningen University, involved Dutch companies and numerous Kenyan stakeholders.
Impact on potato varieties
A significant achievement was the increase in registered potato varieties in Kenya from 13 in 2013 to 64 in 2023, with 34 varieties from the Netherlands. These include varieties suited for chipping, crisping, table use, and multi-purpose functions. Notably, the availability of high-quality processing varieties like Markies, Destiny, Taurus, and Jelly has bolstered the processing industry in Kenya.
Investments and capacity building
The project financed machinery, technologies, and capacity at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) for seed testing and certification. Numerous training programs were designed and implemented for KEPHIS field inspectors, laboratory staff, and seed growers. Additionally, the project contributed to seed potato production guidelines, potato handbooks, field demonstrations, workshops, and conferences. The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) published four editions of the National Potato Variety Catalogue with support from the project.
Agronomic practices and farmer support
Recognizing that good agronomic practices are crucial for optimal production, the project financed the "Potato Signals" books. These illustrated, step-by-step guidebooks, launched in 2019, assist farmers in optimizing production and are available in both English and Swahili. The guidebooks result from the collaboration between Kenyan and Dutch potato experts.
Documenting success: Plant to Plate
The "Plant to Plate" booklet captures the achievements of the Kenya-Netherlands cooperation. It documents changes over the years in every component of the potato value chain and showcases the contributions of various stakeholders, including private and public sectors, research institutes, and civil society. This collaborative effort aims to enhance Kenya’s food security by developing a productive, inclusive, and sustainable potato industry.
Ongoing engagement
The collaboration did not stop in 2022 after the end of the project. The Netherlands continues to work with relevant stakeholders to increase sustainable production in the potato sector. In October 2023 there was collaborative training for seed growers and seed potato inspectors aimed at boosting potato production in Kenya. Certified seeds and good agricultural practices are crucial for high quality production systems.
Addressing challenges requires a collaborative approach involving government, non-governmental institutions, and the private sector. The Kenyan Government, through the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) and the Dutch General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seeds and Seed Potatoes (NAK), facilitated a training on seed potato production and management. Dutch expert Jaap Moesker highlighted the Netherlands' strict certification standards, where 99% of potato varieties are certified.
KEPHIS Deputy Director Geoffrey Malemba emphasized the importance of capacity building for inspectors to bridge gaps in Kenya’s potato subsector. Inspectors and seed growers received technical training on potato seed production, pest and disease management, and seed grading.
Practical training at Fresh Crop Limited in Mau Narok enhanced KEPHIS inspectors’ skills. Kenya has also licensed private seed inspectors to address capacity gaps due to diverse and expansive potato-growing regions.
During the International Day of Potato event and other future events we hope that all the players in the value chain can interact with each other. This is with a goal to continually improve the sector with innovations and technology from production, mechanization, husbandry, processing and not forgetting storage.
Contact
For more information about this sector or any other agricultural questions feel free to contact us via nai-lnv@minbuza.nl. For the latest updates on activities, new articles and more follow us on X (Twitter) on @NLAgiKenya and subscribe to our newsletter by sending us an email. In case of any non-agriculture questions for the Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi, see this website for contact information