From plant to plate – ten years of cooperation between Kenya and the Netherlands in supporting the potato sector in Kenya
Kenya and the Netherlands have a long history of collaboration towards sustainable trade and investment in agriculture, and the partnership in the potato sector is no exception. Right from the onset in 2012, the role of the private sector became pivotal in strengthening the potato industry. Not only have the Dutch and Kenyan companies invested in the seed potato subsector but also in potato storage solutions, mechanisation, the processing industry and capacity building.
While the Kenya-Netherlands cooperation started by jointly improving the seed potato subsector at a time that certified seed potatoes were hardly available, we now see investments and growth opportunities across the entire potato value chain: seed supply, seed distribution, storage solutions, potato production, processing, and sector development.
The Netherlands is the largest seed potato exporter in the world and has expertise to offer on how to develop a vibrant and commercially attractive seed potato sector. The project was financed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nairobi and was implemented through Wageningen University in the Netherlands. This was in partnership with Dutch seed companies and numerous Kenyan stakeholders.
First and foremost, the project was instrumental in increasing the number of registered potato varieties in Kenya from 13 in 2013 to 63 in 2021 out of which 35 are of Dutch origin. Included are chipping, crisping, table and multi-purpose varieties. Especially the processing industry has made progress in Kenya because of the availability of quality Dutch processing varieties such as Markies, Destiny, Taurus and Jelly.
The Project financed investments in machinery, technologies and capacity at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) to test seed samples for import and certification; it designed and implemented numerous training programmes for KEPHIS field inspectors, KEPHIS laboratory staff, and existing or aspiring seed growers; it contributed to seed potato production guidelines and potato handbooks; it funded potato field demonstrations, workshops and potato conferences; and contributed to the publication of four editions of the National Potato Variety Catalogue published by National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK ).
We know that seeds is a key component for increased production but it is not the only factor to consider when producing potato. Also good agronomic practices are critical for optimum production. To this end the project financed the potato signals books.
This is an illustrated step by step guidebook to assist farmers to optimize production. This was as a result of the collaboration between Kenya and Dutch potato experts. The guidebook which is available both in English and Swahili was launched in 2019 Launch of the Potato Signals practical guide to successful potato cultivation
Another result of the project was the Plant to Plate booklet highlighting achievements made in the cooperation between Kenya and the Netherlands in the potato sector. The booklet is structured in sections that document the changes over the years in every component of that value chain. In doing so one meets many more partners than only the two Governments. Throughout the chapters, one can read about stakeholders from the private and public sector, research institutes, and civil society joining together - albeit sometimes with differing approaches - to work for the same cause: contributing to Kenya’s food security by developing a productive, inclusive, and sustainable potato industry.
These ten years of partnership have been compiled in a booklet by the team of the Kenya-Netherlands Seed Potato Support Programme: Ms. Emily Osena, Mr. Nico Rozemeijer and Dr. Siert Wiersema. We appreciate the role the 3 played in support of the Kenyan seed potato sector.
The digital version is available here: From plant to plate - booklet.
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 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.