Resilience and Sweet Potato Value Addition

A Strategic Start to the Year

The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment in our operations as we implemented a revamped strategy informed by lessons learned from our teaching and demonstration farm. By studying counties in western Kenya with high poverty levels, we identified sweet potato as a high-potential crop for enhancing food security and creating economic opportunities through sweet potato value addition.

Why Sweet Potato? A Strategic Crop Choice

Sweet potato emerged as the crop of focus after consultations with farmers from Vihiga and Busia Counties. Factors influencing this decision included its nutritional value, market potential, and versatility. Rich in carbohydrates, vitamin A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, sweet potatoes play a crucial role in addressing food security and malnutrition in rural communities.

The growing demand for sweet potato value addition—such as flour production—further reinforced our choice. As a gluten-free alternative for baking and food fortification, sweet potato flour presents immense opportunities for creating innovative, value-added products.

Seedling Distribution and Farmer Training

In February 2020, we procured high-yield sweet potato seedlings and distributed them to farmers in three locations:

• Bunyore (Vihiga County)
• Rosterman (Kakamega County)
• Port Victoria (Busia County)

Farmers received hands-on training covering:

• Establishing temporary nurseries for seedlings
• Pre-planting land preparation techniques
• Recommended plant density for optimal yields
• Effective pest control strategies
• Best practices for maintaining field hygiene

This approach empowered farmers to manage their plots effectively while adhering to best agricultural practices.

Planting and Early Establishment

By March 10, 2020, land preparation and planting were completed. The timing aligned with the onset of seasonal rains, creating favorable conditions for early crop establishment. Farmers took ownership of the planting process, demonstrating their commitment to the project’s success.

Overcoming Extreme Weather Challenges

Despite a promising start, the project encountered a major setback due to record-breaking rainfall—the highest in over 40 years—which caused widespread flooding. The farm site in Port Victoria was submerged as lake levels reached their highest in five decades, leading to the site’s abandonment.

Fortunately, the Bunyore and Rosterman sites, located on well-drained land, remained unaffected and became the focal points for ongoing project activities.

Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In April 2020, the Kenyan government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. This restricted movement and made on-site visits impossible. To adapt, we implemented remote communication strategies, including phone consultations and image transfers, ensuring continued farmer support despite the challenges.

Site Consolidation and Farmer Withdrawal

In July 2020, prolonged difficulties led to the withdrawal of a farmer at the Rosterman site. With Bunyore as the largest and most successful site, it became the primary focus for harvesting and sweet potato value addition activities.

Harvesting and Sweet Potato Value Addition

Harvesting began in September 2020, marking a significant milestone. To maximize returns, we introduced sweet potato value addition techniques, including:

• Constructing a makeshift drying unit using wood and clear plastic
• Procuring a vegetable slicer for efficient processing
• Drying sliced tubers to prolong shelf life

This processing step was crucial for:

• Extending the shelf life of sweet potatoes
• Enabling the production of value-added products
• Creating new employment opportunities
• Generating higher revenue compared to traditional crops like maize and beans

Economic and Social Impact

The introduction of sweet potato value addition significantly improved the crop’s marketability while driving local economic growth. Farmers who adopted value addition techniques diversified their income streams, building resilience against economic shocks.

Key Achievements in 2020

Despite the challenges, the project recorded several successes:

1. Higher-than-Average Yields: The Bunyore site produced exceptional yields, validating the effectiveness of training and best practices.
2. Success in Sweet Potato Value Addition: Drying and processing sweet potatoes opened up new market opportunities.
3. Job Creation: Processing activities generated employment, benefiting the local community.
4. Demonstrated Resilience: The project showcased the ability of both farmers and the organization to adapt to challenges.

Major Challenges Encountered

1. Extreme Weather Conditions: Heavy rains and flooding led to the loss of the Port Victoria site.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic: Lockdowns disrupted traditional project management and monitoring activities.
3. Farmer Withdrawal: The Rosterman site closure reduced operational scale.
4. Market Disruptions: Pandemic-related restrictions affected the sale of value-added products.

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

The experiences of 2020 provided invaluable lessons for future initiatives:

• Diversified Risk Management: Establishing plots in varied geographical locations can mitigate weather-related losses.
• Remote Monitoring Strategies: Digital tools proved effective and will continue to be used in project management.
• Scaling Up Sweet Potato Value Addition: The success of value-added products highlights the need for expanded processing capabilities.

As we look ahead, the foundation laid in 2020 positions us for continued growth and innovation. Our commitment to empowering farmers, enhancing food security, and leveraging sweet potato value addition for economic transformation remains unwavering. Together, we will build a more resilient and prosperous future.

Read More

• All You Need to Know About Sweet Potato Farming in Kenya
• A Sweet (Potato) Solution to Malnutrition
• Sweetpotato Production, Processing, and Nutritional Quality

Support Our Mission

Together, we are transforming agriculture and improving rural livelihoods in Kenya. Mwandani International is committed to sustainable agriculture and value addition, equipping farmers with climate-smart solutions and market-driven opportunities. With your support, we can expand our reach, empower more farmers, and drive long-term change. Donate now to help build a resilient and profitable future for smallholder farmers.