KAPAP AIVs VALUE CHAIN PROJECT MAY, 2014 REPORT OF INCEPTION/PLANNING WORKSHOP Enhancing Production, Value Addition and Marketing of Indigenous Vegetables (Cowpea, Spider plant, Nightshades, Amaranth and Pumpkin), French Beans and Mushrooms among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya: Deepening and Upscaling in Butere and Mumias Sub-counties MAY 15, 2014 – MAY 16, 2014 ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL GUEST HOUSE, MUMIAS
42
Embed
KAPAP AIVs VALUE CHAIN PROJECT MAY, 2014 · PDF file... [email protected] 2 ... [email protected] ... Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology University, Egerton
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
KAPAP AIVs VALUE CHAIN PROJECT MAY, 2014
REPORT OF INCEPTION/PLANNING WORKSHOP
Enhancing Production, Value Addition and Marketing of Indigenous
Vegetables (Cowpea, Spider plant, Nightshades, Amaranth and
Pumpkin), French Beans and Mushrooms among Smallholder Farmers
in Kenya: Deepening and Upscaling in Butere and Mumias Sub-counties
MAY 15, 2014 – MAY 16, 2014
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL GUEST HOUSE, MUMIAS
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Compiled by:
1. Prof. John H. Nderitu,
Mount Kenya University (MKU)
Lead Scientist
Collaborators:
2. Prof. Dorcas K. Isutsa,
Chuka University (CU)
3. Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson,
University of Nairobi (UoN)
4. Dr. Darius Andika,
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Focal Site Coordinator
5. Dr. Esther Kioko and Dr. Patrick N. Muthoka,
National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
6. Prof. Richard M. S. Mulwa and Dr. Joseph W. Matofari,
Egerton University (EU)
7. Dr. Fredrick Musieba,
Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI)
8. Mr. Joseph Wanyeki,
East Africa Nutraceuticals (EAN)
2
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
THE KAPAP VEGETABLE PROJECT COLLABORATORS AND PARTNERS
LEAD ORGANIZATION Mount Kenya University, Thika
COLLABORATORS A N D PARTNERS ORGANIZATIONS
CONTACT INFORMATION
1 Prof. Dorcas K. Isutsa Chuka University Tel: 0721-252 293
Annex II: List of participants ............................................................................................. 39
Annex III. Invitation Letter ............................................................................................... 41
5
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
INTRODUCTION
In response to a call for competitive grant research proposals by the Kenya Agricultural Productivity
and Agribusiness Project (KAPAP) in 2010, Mount Kenya University (MKU), University of Nairobi,
Chuka University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology University, Egerton
University, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and National Museums of
Kenya (NMK) prepared a joint research project proposal which was successfully reviewed and
approved for financial support.
The title of the project was “Enhancing production, value addition and marketing of indigenous
vegetables (Cowpeas, spider plant, nightshades, amaranth, pumpkins), French beans and
mushrooms among small holder farmers in Kenya”. The project locations were in Siaya County,
Homa Bay County, Kilifi County, Nyeri County, Meru County, Kakamega County and Embu County.
The main project activities included crop improvement, agronomic practices, value addition, marketing
and dissemination of research results.
Despite the achievements of the first phase, several challenges were still experienced. This necessitated
KAPAP to invite proposals on deepening and upscaling on some of the problems identified in the
Vegetable Value Chain in the phase I. Deepening and upscaling phase will focus on improvement of
seed supply systems and ensuring availability of clean planting materials, identifying and applying post-
harvest technologies that minimize losses, diversifying products from AIV and linking farmers to
markets. Information sharing, good agricultural practices and market access for decision making by
farmers will also be enhanced. Focusing on these areas will ensure increased productivity and incomes
for improved livelihood of the target areas.
In the first phase, the project activities were spread out in seven counties in the country making it difficult to realize impact to the target communities. In the deepening and upscaling phase, the
collaborators will focus their activities on seed systems, agronomic aspects of growing AIVs, post-
harvest handling, transportation and marketing in the Butere and Mumias sub counties in Kakamega
County, which is considered to be the AIVs hub in the country, to build synergisms and create impact.
On 15 – 16th May, 2014, the planning workshop for the AIVs value chain was held at St. Mary`s
Hospital Guest House, Mumias, Kakamega County. This report provides a summary of the major
activities and results of the workshop.
6
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
DAY 1
WELCOME REMARKS
Dr. Darius Andika, Focal Site Coordinator of JOOUST, opened the workshop by welcoming the
participants to the Mumias and Butere Sub Counties being the focal site of the project. He highlighted
the objectives and the expected outcomes of the workshop.
Objectives of the workshop
Collaborators to interact with stakeholders
Collaborators to familiarize with focal area (Mumias and Butere Sub-counties)
Learn and share on value of AIVs and how they can turn households in to economic and food
security strongholds.
Plan on implementation of the project with stakeholders
Expected outcomes
Field visits by collaborators on selected farms/sites
Meeting with farmers to discuss key challenges on AIVs
Action plan by collaborators on how to move forward
Benefits on farmers and other stakeholders
OPENING REMARKS
The workshop was opened by Prof. John Nderitu of MKU, who highlighted the background and
objectives of the first phase of Vegetable Value Chain (VVC) research project and the link between
the first phase and the Deepening and Upscaling phase. The project brings together eight institutions,
which are expected to undertake the implementation of the deepening and upscaling phase to achieve
greater and sustainable impact in the lives of AIVs smallholder farmers at the focal site.
7
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
He highlighted the background of the first phase, outlining different aspects of the proposal as indicated below:
Constraints to AIVs Value Chain
1. Indigenous vegetables
Quality planting materials and agronomic packages.
Limited value addition & post-harvest handling technologies.
Poor marketing and distribution channels.
Negative perception and low acceptability.
2. Mushrooms
Lack of adequate supply of quality spawn.
Limited production technologies.
Limited value addition and postharvest handling technologies.
3. French beans
Overuse and misuse of pesticides for management of pests.
Lack of awareness on local utilization.
Limited postharvest practices and value addition.
Objectives of the project Overall objective
To increase production, value addition, marketing and utilization of indigenous vegetables,
French beans and mushroom products among smallholder farmers in Kenya.
Specific Objectives
1. To enhance safe production of indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushroom products through IPM practices.
2. To improve postharvest handling, value addition and utilization of indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushroom products.
3. To enhance marketing opportunities for indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushrooms
8
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
among smallholder farmers.
4. To enhance mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing along the indigenous vegetable, French beans and mushroom value chain.
5. To undertake initial project screening with a view to identifying environmental, social and gender concerns that must be addressed together with the pests in the proposed research
project.
Expected outcomes of the project
Availability of high quality and affordable seed and spawn for IVs, French beans, and
mushrooms, respectively.
Reduced vegetable postharvest loses along the value chain and increased volumes of high quality vegetables in markets.
Increased range of vegetable products and per capita consumption.
Increased smallholder and community awareness and consumption of IVs, French beans and mushrooms; and overall improved incomes from vegetable enterprises disaggregated by
gender.
Improved food safety and acceptability of the indigenous vegetables along the Value Chain within an expanded market catchment.
Drawing strength in their numbers to achieve major milestones that will impact the lives of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders positively in the near future.
Research Plan/Methodology
Project Sites Homa Bay, Kakamega, Tharaka, Nyeri, Kilifi, Embu and Siaya Counties.
Outputs and Activities
1.0 Crop improvement
1.1. Germplasm collection, evaluation, and selection of IV varieties and mushroom spawn for
production.
1.2. Farmer participatory seed bulking and distribution of selected pure lines for IVs.
2.0 Agronomic Practices
2.1. On-farm evaluation of cropping systems for IVs, French beans and mushrooms.
2.2. On-farm trials on integrated soil, water and nutrient management for French beans and
pumpkins. 2.3. On-farm trials on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options for French beans.
3. Improvement of Postharvest Handling Technologies
3.1. On-farm evaluation of low cost produce handling sheds.
3.2. Evaluate shed covering materials.
3.3. Evaluate existing bulk packaging materials and promote the best bets.
3.4. Develop, evaluate and promote new bulk packaging technologies.
4. Improvement of value addition
4.1. Improve utility packaging technologies.
4.2. Evaluate utility packaging materials and methods.
4.3. Conduct consumer preference on packaging materials and methods.
9
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Interventions: Mainstream use of hygienic produce crates & packaging bags
16
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Issue - Clean seed production
Harvested seed at Egerton University
Seed work results
Institutional produce seed better quality than what farmers produced even after training (1000
seed weight, germination, seed/seedling vigour)
Reason – strict management practices difficult for farmers to adhere to unless there is
specialization.
Varied seed quality from farmers’ fields because of wide soil variations.
Issue - Variety development
Farmer trainings
Production technologies for traditional vegetables.
Seed production for traditional vegetables.
Post-harvest handling, preservation and safety of traditional/ indigenous vegetables.
Farm records for agri-business.
Video documentation
Challenges
Logistics – Project area is far from the project team base – several logistical challenges.
Project syndrome developing among some farmer groups Financial – lately University subsistence rates have changed; difficult to get drivers to commit to
field activities on the old rates budgeted in the project.
Next phase - Post harvest handling and value Addition
Evaluate modern bulk handling & utility packaging practices at the market place – consumer
perceptions
MSc. Student (Food Science): Vegetable processing technologies to evaluate:
Blanching and drying; Drying – solar, sun drying; Milling and mixes
Farmer trainings on post-harvest handling and value addition techniques
Tangible benefits to farmers
Dairy goat cross
Dr. Fredrick Musieba, Stella Wanjiku, Knight Moraa, Bitutu Nyambane (Mushrooms)
KIRDI
Dr. Musieba gave outline of his presentation and progressed to highlight key issues of their research as
outlined below;
Introduction
Although mushrooms are appreciated in Kenya for their nutritional properties and economic
potential; their production, marketing, and widespread utilization face a number of challenges.
Key challenges include:
Poor quality spawn.
Undiversified species and product range.
Low yields and quality of produce.
17
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Overall objective
To increase production, value addition, marketing and utilization of indigenous mushroom
products among smallholder farmers in Kakamega County.
Specific objectives
1. To improve safe production of indigenous mushroom products through IPM practices
2. To improve postharvest handling, value addition and utilization of indigenous mushroom products.
3. To develop marketing opportunities for indigenous mushrooms among smallholder farmers.
4. To develop mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing along the
indigenous mushroom value chain.
5. To undertake initial project screening with a view to identifying environmental, social and gender
concerns that must be addressed by the proposed research project. Subsequently, develop
collaboratively an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) that must be shared and implemented amongst the various collaborators as well as shared and imparted to the other stakeholders who
will be involved in this research
Expected outputs
Production of indigenous mushrooms products improved through IPM approaches.
Postharvest handling, value addition and utilization of indigenous mushroom products improved.
Marketing opportunities for indigenous mushroom products developed.
Mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing on mushrooms along the
vegetable value chain developed.
Environmental, social, gender and food safety concerns identified and sustainable strategies to
address them undertaken.
Summary of activities undertaken
Project Inception workshop – September 2011.
Household, consumer and trader survey in January and February 2012.
Germplasm collection and characterization-April– May 2012.
18
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Germplasm evaluation-1st trial-June-July 2012 and 2nd trial-August- December 2012.
Survey of insect pests and implementation of IPM strategy- November, 2012 to December, 2013.
Bulking and distribution of mushroom spawn at Butere-September 2013 and April 2014.
Transformation of mushrooms into diverse products- June-December, 2013.
Ethno-mycological studies on wild edible mushrooms in Kakamega County
All the respondents had knowledge that mushrooms grew seasonally in the wild and their role
was just to harvest.
Mushrooms collection and utilization governed by beliefs.
Wild edible mushrooms are gradually disappearing from their natural habitat because of
agricultural activities.
Nine eight percent (98%) of the respondents expressed interest in learning how to cultivate
mushrooms.
Germplasm collection, evaluation and selection
Mushroom germplasm were collected from 7 sites in Kakamega County from 30/4/12 to 2/5/12.
Protocol outlined by Mueller et al. (2004) was followed.
Germplasm were characterized according to protocols outlined by Lorge et al. (2004).
Evaluation and selection trials were done at KIRDI South B Campus, Nairobi.
Pest management
Identification of insect pests of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Western Kenya and
development of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.
Phorids were the major oyster mushroom pests in Butere Sub County.
Incubation phase of oyster mushroom was the most susceptible stage to pest infestation.
IPM as a pest control strategy enhanced the control of the phorids and sciarids.
Product transformation technologies
The following products have been developed from mushrooms
Dried whole mushrooms- oyster and button
Mushroom flakes
Plate 1: Sciaridae dark coloured, a-wing venation with v-shaped veins at the center, b- side view of the
sciaridae of long legs, short broad segment antennae with eyes at the base of the antennae
a b
19
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Mushroom powder
Dried Mushroom vegetable mixes
Composite flours
Mushroom seasoning
Composite bread
Nutritional and quality evaluation of wheat bread supplemented with oyster mushroom Findings on composite bread
Moisture content decreased with increase in mushroom portion in the wheat-mushroom
blends.
Total ash content increased with increased amount of mushroom in the composite bread.
Product quality and utilization
Easy to prepare recipes were formulated using locally available ingredients.
The recipes incorporated baked products, red meat, white meat, stir fries, vegetables, starches
such as rice, wheat and maize meal.
The prepared dishes were presented to KIRDI staff for evaluation and the successful ones
compiled into a book.
Institutions
Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Project (KAPAP)
Collaborators in the Vegetables value chain
P. N. Muthoka, E. N. Kioko (Amaranth)
National Museums of Kenya
Dr. Muthoka outlined progress of their research on amaranth as indicated below;
Project Objectives
To improve safe production of amaranth through IPM practices
20
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
To undertake amaranth germplasm collection, identification and evaluation
To strengthen farmer driven participatory seed selection and bulking
Distribution of some Amaranthus species in Kenya
Enhancing amaranth Production and IPM
Ruiri and Nchoroiboro farmers engaged in amaranth farming using seed from Incas and local
supplies.
Third site identified in Kithoka and farmers trained in amaranth growing and preparation of the
vegetable and initial planting done with A. dubius seeds from Simlaw Seed Company.
Three meetings held with the new group on 10/10/2013, 21/11/2013 and 5th
December 2013 -
the core activities were farmers training on post-harvest handling, agronomic practices and
marketing. On 5th
December 2013, Baseline survey on the adoption and marketing of the leafy
Amaranth was conducted by administering 30 questionnaires to the group members.
On 10/10/2013, 37 tins each of 50 grams of A. dubius seeds supplied to the Kithoka group
members for planting. Repeated for the current season.
Data on insect pests of amaranth finalised.
Identification of amaranth insect pests done using the NMK reference collection and bar coding
techniques.
Demonstration plots at Meru National Museums maintained to date
Approach in Knowledge Production in amaranth Enhanced
MSc - the adoption of improved amaranth among small scale farmers in Buuri district, Meru
county, submitted at Egerton University in September 2013
MSc - effect of fertilizer application and spacing on the yield of vegetable Amaranth in Imenti
North (Kenya Methodist University, 2013)
MSc. IPM approach of amaranth insect pests in Meru County Kenya, JKUAT-2012
Proposed – preliminary breeding / seed quality on farm
Collection of Amaranthus insect pests and natural enemies
Partnerships
3 community groups- Nchoroiboro, Ruiri, Kithoka
Meru University College – IPM study
Farm Concern International
Kenya Methodist University
Egerton University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
21
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Proposed - Maseno university
Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson & Kirakou Stanley (Cow Pea)
University of Nairobi
Introduction Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, is the second most important pulse crop in tropical Africa
after common beans.
Like other AIVS, cowpea possess superior nutritional and health benefits (Rangel et al., 2003)
Can be grown as a dual-purpose or single
Phase 1 Achievements
Out of 32 local cowpea accessions in Kilifi and Mombasa counties, 4 of them were selected for
a) Superior yields and popularity with the local farmers and consumers
b) Improved agronomic trials conducted by the MSc student – Mr. Francis Muniu and
data is now being analyzed
c) Marketing channels have been identified
d) Seed bulking by farmers is to start later this month
Phase 2: Contract areas -
1. Provision of cow pea seeds for bulking-challenge
2. Cowpea information packaging
3. Contribute to training chain actors in agronomic practices, post-harvest handling and value
addition at the proposed project focal area.
Effect of cultural practices on seed quality
Quality seed production is the basis of proper seed germination, plant population and yield.
We are concerned with identifying the cultural practises that influence seed quality. We will
be involved in monitoring and assessing the following factors in conjunction with the farmers
i. Weeding on purity of seeds
ii. Crop protection during and after harvest determines seed quality and germination
(cowpea bruchid-Callosobruchus spp. and weevils)
iii. The stage at harvest influences the viability of seeds
22
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
iv. Moisture content, physical injury, pathological breakdown and time of seed storage
dictates seed viability
We will organize farmers to carry out timely and planned cultural practises to enhance quality of
seeds
Seed packaging technologies and seed bulking
There has been inconsistent supply of quality seed for most AIVs. Farmers will be taken through
some of seed packaging technologies to achieve the goals of bulking;
Specialization as a key factor in order to produce required volumes and quality (Isubikalu et al.,
1999)
Emphasis will be on post-harvest handling of seed which is a prerequisite for seed quality (drying,
cleaning, sorting, insecticide and fungicide coating)
Seeds are living. Packaging in respect to gaseous exchange is critical in addition to seed protection
Pre-harvest factors on post-harvest quality
Laboratory testing and visual examination will be done to ascertain the effects of some of the
following practises on post-harvest quality
Irrigation, excess-brittle hence high susceptibility to damage vs inadequate
Soil fertility and fertilization (nitrogen-inadequate yellowing)
Stage of harvest vs quality
Pest and disease management Weed control
Planting density and sanitation
Development of business opportunities, entrepreneurship
We will train and advocate for farmers to specialize and be the best in that specific field. The
following are some of the specialized sections:
i. Seed production
ii. leafy production for sale and household consumption or for fodder
iii. Crop protection-IPM strategies
iv. Post-harvest handling and techniques
v. Value addition and structures
vi. Market research and marketing intermediary practises
vii. Transportation and storage
We will organize farmers to identifying their strong working sections considering their abilities.
Media involvement
We are looking at the feasibility of disseminating critical information through local media such as
West FM and Mulembe FM by organizing written and oral messages.
Post-harvest handling, value addition and market research
We will conduct experiments on the importance and techniques of temperature control on the
farm and during marketing.
Sensitizing farmers on packaging as a factor of improving shelf life and reduction of physical
injuries for distant markets
Avoidance of physical injuries along the value chain
Maintenance of a cold chain system especially when the produce is in bulk with definite market
to maintain the metabolic reaction at minimum
23
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Maintenance of proper hygiene to avoid pathological breakdown
Development of vibrant farmer organization to deal with market research, information and
bargaining
Sensitization on the alternative uses of the crop-animal feed, drying, fortification, development of
jam products from seeds
Overview of the project activities
Issues to be addressed
Identification of a source of locally-adapted seed that can be supplied to farmers
Output 4 Development of Marketing and agribusiness opportunities for indigenous vegetables
Identification of business opportunities along AIV value chain – MSc student
Conclusion
Cowpea is a crop that can transform food and nutrition security of communities
Kirimi, J.K., Isutsa, D. K. & Nyende, A. B. (Pumpkins)
Chuka University & JKUAT
Project Title: Collection, characterization and evaluation of Kenyan naturalized multi-purpose pumpkin
(Cucurbita moschata duch.)
Objective of the study
Identification, characterization, evaluation and multiplying of seeds of multi-purpose pumpkin
preferred by smallholder farmers in Kenya for food security and agribusiness opportunities
creation.
Germplasm Collection
Germplasm was collected randomly in Western and Central Kenya from two divisions in 10
districts.
The acquisitions were planted on the Chuka University Research Farm to provide material for
characterization.
Biodiversity International Descriptors were used in characterization.
24
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques were incorporated in the surveys, and included key
informant interviews and checklists.
Specific information included practices, problems, ethno-botanic knowledge, constraints and
opportunities in pumpkin production and utilization.
Twenty farmers identified through purposive sampling with the help of FEOs were sampled in
each County on the basis of their interest and the constraints that needed to be addressed.
Known pumpkin farmers were deliberately included and helped in the identification traditional
pumpkins being grown and introduced.
Farmers gave general description of their pumpkin, whether it was different from other local ones
grown in surrounding villages or places, seed management during drought periods, and differences
between present-day and past-day landraces.
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin fruits of the landraces were collected, labeled and transported to the
laboratory.
Morphological Characterization
A total of 155 collections were made with 70 accessions from Kakamega and 85 accessions from
Nyeri County.
Morphological characterization and evaluation was done on-farm in completely randomized
design, replicated three times.
Five plants per accession were selected and tagged for morphological characterization and
evaluation based on biodiversity descriptors for cucurbits. Planting for morphological characterization was done on 23 May, 2012 and recording of vegetative
characteristics, commenced 20 days after emergence.
The characters measured included vegetative, stem, root, inflorescence, fruit and seed characters.
Results
Morphological Traits
Morphological variation of fruits was great. Fruit length to width ratio and fruit weight
ranged from 0.6-3 cm and 0.25-19.25 kg per accession, respectively.
Variation of peduncle length and total fruit weight was 5.55 cm and 145.65 kg per
accession, respectively.
Most accessions (101) had variable leaf colour i.e. green with silvery strips.
Accessions (88) showed moderate senescence when fruits matured with 44 accessions
portraying conspicuous concurrent senescence.
In all the accessions, the sex type was monoecious male and female, with most flowers
being mostly male.
Most male flowers were early compared to female flowers. Only 9 accessions which had
female flowers appearing before the male flowers
Flower colour varied; most accessions (101) had orange colour flowers.
Predominant fruit shape (38 accessions) was globular shape.
Most accessions (42) had an average fruit size averaging 1.2 kg.
Only one accession matured after 91-110 days, 125 accessions matured above 110 days
due to long dry spell experienced during the growing period.
Accessions (99) showed the ability to regenerate second fruit cycle leaves and male
flowers.
25
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Predominant fruit skin colour at maturity, ranged from green to orange, speckled to
striped. Fruit surface ranged smooth to warty and internal flesh colour from white to
yellow.
Main colour of flesh and flesh colour of outer layer ranged from yellow to salmon (pink-
red).
All the accessions had fruit vein tracks and peduncle abscision when overripe.
Deep fruit ribbing occurred in 40 accessions and 69 accessions had small blossom scars.
Kakamega accessions produced more total fruits per plant (310 kg) compared to the
Nyeri accessions (183.75 kg).
The minimum and maximum fruit weight in Kakamega was 0.5 kg and 19.25 kg,
respectively; Nyeri had 0.25 and 8 kg, respectively.
The mean fruit weight for the Kakamega accessions was 4.8 kg and the Nyeri accessions
were 2.96 kg.
It took more days for fruit from the Nyeri region to mature.
Kakamega accessions had thicker fleshed fruits and showed more variation.
Nyeri accessions showed variation in days to first flowering, maturation period, and stem
thickness
Molecular Characterization
The accessions collected for DNA extraction were 139 out of the 155 Planted.
Some accessions failed to germinate and others died before the leaf plucking stage. One accession was a butter nut (exotic cultivar) hence not included.
DNA was extracted using the CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide) protocol and
the presence of DNA from the samples was confirmed by use of Horizontal Agarose Gel
Electrophoresis is method.
The percentage for the gel was 0.8 % agorose gel (0.8g agorose diluted in 100ml of TAE).
The Samples which didn’t confirm the presence of DNA were re extracted once more
until the presence of DNA was confirmed.
Primers
A total of five microsatellite SSR primer pairs (Table 1) and 7 ISSR primers (Table 2) were
used to amplify the extracted DNA samples.
SSR amplified band sizes for both Kakamega and Nyeri accessions ranged between 100 to
500 base pairs. Primer PKCT-62 and PKCT-111 had the lowest amplified band sizes for
both locations.
ISSR primers were more polymorphic with the lowest band size ranging between 200-500
base pairs and the highest range between 1200 to 2000 base pairs.
ISSR 17898B and ISSR 17899A had the highest band range of 2000 base pairs. ISSR 814A
had band sizes within the range of 500-1200 base pairs
Primers ISSR 844A, ISSR 844B, 17898A and ISSR 17899B had bands with lower range of
between 200-500bp.
Polymorphism of Primers
Alleles per locus ranged from 1 for markers PKCT-47, PKCT-62 and PKCT-133 to 2 for
marker PKCT-111 & PKCT-122 for KK Accessions.
Alleles per locus ranged from 1 for markers PKCT-111 and PKCT-133, 2 alleles per locus
for PKCT-122, 3 to 4 for PKCT-47, 2 and 3 for PKCT-62 for Nyeri Accessions.
There was observed heterozygozity for marker PKCT-111 and PCKT-122, and
homozygozity for marker PKCT-4, PKCT-62 & PKCT-133 for KK accessions.
26
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Nyeri accessions heterozygozity was observed for marker PKCT-47, PKCT-62 and PKCT-
122.
PKCT-111 and PKCT-133 showed only single bands for the Nyeri accessions.
PKCT-122 had the most polymorphic bands in both locations with the Nyeri accessions
having the most polymorphic bands (53) and 25 bands for Kakamega accessions.
All the ISSR bands were polymorphic ranging from 1 to 7 bands.
For the Kakamega accessions ISSR 17898 all the bands were polymorphic (Table 3).
ISSR 814A had the most Monomorphic bands with ISSR 17899A having the most
polymorphic bands in total for both Kakamega and Nyeri accessions.
The ISSR primers are very polymorphic as they amplify many alleles on different DNA
locus.
Polymorphic Information Content (PIC)
Marker PKCT-47 revealed the highest polymorphic information content (PIC), while
marker PKCT-62 had the lowest PIC among the SSR Primers.
PKCT-111, 122 and 133 had no PIC.
PKCT-111 and 122 were only biallelic and PKCT-133 was monoallelic.
The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 4 for PKCT-47, 2 and 3 for PKCT-62
A total of 526 alleles were detected using the 5 SSR primers.
The average polymorphism rate was 21.3% among the 139 genotypes.
The number of allele band fragments detected by a single primer set ranged from 1 - 4, with a mean number of alleles per primer pair of 105.2 (Table 5).
PKCT-47 primer pair identified 4 fragments (4 alleles/primer) than any of the other primer
pair used.
PKCT-122 primer pair identified 2 fragments (2 alleles/primer) per loci and had highest
number of polymorphic bands (78).
The PIC value for SSR primers in this study was between 0.62 (PKCT-47) and 0.38 (PKCT-
62), with a mean value of 0.5 (Table 5).
The two primers were able to detect variations in the accessions more than any other
primer pair
ISSR analysis generated a total of 509 alleles, and the polymorphism rate was 74.01%.
The number of fragments produced by each primer varied from 2 for all the 7 ISSR
primers to 7 (ISSR 844B and ISSR 17898A), with a mean of total amplified bands of 72.7
All the ISSR primers detected variations in the accessions (139) with a mean PIC of 0.597.
The PIC value for ISSR primers was between 0.50 (ISSR 844B and ISSR 17899B) and 0.72
(ISSR 844A).
The number of alleles detected by a single primer set ranged from 1- 7, with a mean
number of polymorphic bands per primer of 53.
Results on Field Evaluation
Comparing Kakamega and Embu, Kakamega took longer for seed germination (7 days) and
days to fruit maturity (89 days).
Kakamega accessions were higher yielding Compared to Nyeri..
Kakamega accessions took fewer days to flowering (61 days), and they had higher number of both female and male flowers in both seasons.
The average fruit weight (1.5 kgs), Total fruit weight per plant (3.99 kgs) and the average
number of fruits per plant (3) were high at Kakamega.
27
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
The number of seeds per fruit per plant (291) was high with a low 100 seed weight (12.45
Gms) on average at the Kakamega region.
There was no significant difference on the number of nodes. Internode length (15.88 cm)
was high at the Kakamega region.
Fruit length (21.5 cm) and fruit width (15.2 cm) were high at the Kakamega an indication
that fruits were large in size compared to the Nyeri region fruits.
Kakamega accessions had a larger number of leaves (216) and high biological yield (377.58
Gms).
The main vine length (597.17 cm) was higher at Kakamega.
Nyeri region had longer vegetative period (184 days)
Molecular Characterization
Combining SSR and ISSR primer reveal 4 main clusters with many sub clusters showing the
similarity and dissimilarity of accessions from both Kakamega and Nyeri Regions
The Dendogram shows that various pumpkin cultivars have great variations not only
morphologically but also genotypically.
The Dendogram also shows that some cultivars collected from both regions were similar
genotypically.
The near the clusters and sub clusters shows close relationship and the further the
clusters shows distant relationship.
Accession Evaluation
The first evaluation was based on yield components and the general performance of the
accession based on pest and disease attack prevalence of the plant.
38 accessions which produced poorly, had high disease and pest prevalence based on
observation and their performance being poor were removed, leaving 101 out of the 139
accessions.
All the green leaved accessions which had very low yields ranging 0.5-1 kg and the poor
performers in the field were also removed.
The second evaluation entailed separating similar accessions based on the yield
performance.
High yielding accessions were selected and the low yielders removed and data was once
more analyzed for similarity.
Figure 2 shows data after third evaluation based on yield components.
DNA sequencing
The cultivars for sequencing will be evaluated by combining genetic similarity, yield
components and also the morphological appearance of the fruits.
Separation using the Dendogram gave 23 similar groups, high yielding plants will be
selected among the similar groups for DNA sequencing.
The plants which are low yielders and are morphologically different from the ones
selected will also be included to make total of 30 selected out the original 155 cultivars
which will be used for DNA sequencing.
Figure 3 shows the 23 similar groups upon which selection will be made.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Green-leafed accessions were susceptible to pests and had early fruits, but most aborted
prematurely, unlike variegated accessions and their fruit number averaged 1 per accession.
28
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
There is great variation in pumpkins in Kenya.
Cultivars are interbreeding a lot.
Conservation of naturalized germplasm needs to be expedited to save it from further distortion
and extinction.
Dr. Andika D.O (Nightshades)
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Dr. Andika D.O opened his presentation by outlining outline, the key research activities on the nightshade value chain which had been done;
Germplasm collection, evaluation, and selection of pure lines, on-farm evaluation of
cropping systems for nightshade,
Develop quality guidelines for IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable value chain.
Conduct quality evaluation of IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable value chain.
Develop improved vegetable recipes.
Analyze the nutritional integrity of vegetable products.
Improve marketing opportunities for the vegetables
Develop supplier-buyer databases.
Package information for various vegetable value chain actors.
29
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Prof. John Nderitu (Mount Kenya University), Prof. James Muthomi (University of Nairobi)
and Mr Bernard Ouma Ogala (University of Nairobi)
Project Title: Thrips management practices in French bean production and efficacy of integrated pesticide application regimes in Embu East
Broad objectives
To determine efficacy of integrated pesticide regimes in managing thrips.
Specific objectives
1. To evaluate the efficacy of integrating biological, synthetic and botanical pesticides in management
of thrips.
2. Enhance capacity of French bean farmers and extension providers
Treatments
chemical plus biological pesticides
chemical plus botanical pesticides
conventional pesticide –
botanical plus biological
Biological pesticide
Control plots - no pesticide application.
Data collected
Growth parameters
Thrips population
Pod quality
Pod yield
Results
Effects of pesticide spray regimes on pod quality of French beans and effect of different pesticide
spray regimes on yield of French were reported.
Enhancing capacity of French bean farmers and extension service providers
30
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Farmers Field School
Sensitization/awareness creation
33 farmers identified
Training were done once a week from planting to harvesting
Data collected
Gender
Factors affecting attendance
OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT (DEEPENING AND UPSCALING PROPOSAL
Presented by Dr. Andika D.O (JOOUST)
Project title: Enhancing Production, Post-harvest Handling, Value Addition and Marketing of Indigenous
Vegetables (cowpea, spider plant, nightshades, amaranth, pumpkin), French Beans and Mushrooms among
Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
Paradigm shift from Phase 1 value chain vegetable project
Focal point area to be Butere Mumias Sub County for all activities of phase II.
Concentration of resources (physical, financial, human) in Butere and Mumias sub county
Identifying an innovation platform in the target area
Processor/Industrialist is a collaborator in this phase II
Linking/partnering the project with county service units (CSU) and service provider in the focal
area
Linking all the collaborators in the ongoing project for deepening and up-scaling phase
Linking youth investment group to bid for funds for agribusiness opportunities
Information platform to be set up at the focal area.
Problem statement: Identified opportunities for deepening
Seed supply systems and availability of clean planting materials
Post-harvest technologies to minimise losses
31
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Value addition, markets and agribusiness opportunities (develop products from the vegetable,
fortification of other food products)
Climate change adaptation through preservation during peak periods
Communication and Information sharing, good agricultural practices and market access for
informed decision making by farmers
The collaborators in the current project will focus their activities on seed systems, soil fertility
management and IPM in the focal area of study to build synergisms between phase 1 and phase 2
Project Location
Kakamega County, Butere and Mumias sub-counties (AIVs hub in Western Kenya
Goal
Contribute to increased production, post-harvest handling marketing and utilization of
indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushroom products to transform the vegetable
production subsector into a commercially oriented enterprise for food safety and nutrition
security, increased household incomes and employment creation, with due consideration of
environmental safeguards, social, and gender issues.
Overall objective
To increase seed supply, improve post-harvest handling and value addition, marketing and utilization of indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushroom products among
smallholder farmers in Kenya.
Specific Objectives
1) To increase availability and supply of clean seed through capacity building, improved
cultural practices, bulking, packaging, storage and distribution channels in the study focal
area.
2) To reduce post-harvest losses in AIVs, and mushrooms through promotion of better
post-harvest handling practices, storage, transport and preservation among small holder
IVs farmers.
3) To improve value addition and utilization of AIVs, and mushroom products through
development of innovative processed products with improved shelf life.
4) To develop markets, access and agribusiness opportunities for AIVs, French beans and
mushrooms among smallholder farmers.
5) To develop mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing along
the indigenous vegetable and mushroom value chain.
Outputs
Output 1. Availability and supply of clean seed through capacity building, improved cultural practices,
bulking, storage and distribution channels in the study focal area improved
Output 2. Post-harvest losses in AIVs, and mushrooms through promotion of better post-harvest handling practices and appropriate technologies among small holder IVs farmers achieved
Output 3. Value addition and utilization of AIVs, and mushroom products through development of
innovative processed products with improved shelf life improved
Output 4. Marketing and agribusiness opportunities for indigenous vegetables, French beans and
mushroom products developed.
32
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Output 5. Mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing along the indigenous
vegetable and mushroom value chain developed.
Outcomes
Reduced vegetable postharvest loses along the value chain and increased volumes of high quality
vegetables in markets in focal area in Butere and Mumias
Increased availability of clean AIV seeds for farmers involved in production in focal area in Butere
and Mumias
Increased range of vegetable products, business strategies and per capita consumption in focal
area in Butere and Mumias
Improved food safety and acceptability of the indigenous vegetables along the Value Chain within
an expanded market catchment.
Increased smallholder and community awareness and consumption of IVs and overall improved
incomes from vegetable enterprises disaggregated by gender.
Youth involvement in AIVs value chain
Implementing Institutions and specific activities
Mt. Kenya University
Chuka University
University of Nairobi
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology Egerton University
National Museums of Kenya
East African Nutraceuticals
Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute
DISCUSSIONS ON DEEPENING AND UPSCALING
After the presentation on deepening and upscaling the participants were given opportunity to share their experiences on the issues raised. There were 43 participants in the plenary discussion.
The main issues that emerged during the discussions are summarized below:
Operationalize a one stop over AIV center at Ekero market center for AIV s collection, value addition and information sharing
Encourage and strengthen farmers ability to produce clean seed
Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be collected and conserved.
Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be characterized
morphologically and genetically
Incorporate KEBS and KEPHIS in seed quality management Bulking of clean seeds to be done in collaboration with the farmers
Sharing of germplasm within the regions to be encouraged
Collect farmers’ indigenous knowledge and add value to it Pests to be managed using IPM strategies.
Value addition studies to be incorporated in every crop value chain.
Commercialization: Emphasize marketing for income-generation/wealth creation.
33
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Knowledge/information/lessons learnt during the studies to be cascaded to RSU’s not
covered by KAPAP Vegetables project, to benefit all concerned small-scale farmers in
the entire country.
There is need to consider socio-cultural issues, status and beliefs when promoting new
ideas/technologies. Economic status: If too low or high, no uptake by households.
Similarly, households that are well-off may not adopt the technologies.
There is need to adopt appropriate technologies: e.g. ash for preservation of seeds, solar
driers for drying the vegetables, bicycle propel chippers for processing the vegetables.
The information should be packaged in easily understandable modes.
Technologies developed should be disseminated widely.
Farmers to take charge of sourcing markets for their products.
Value addition was key to reduce the post-harvest losses.
County and national governments to work together to achieve the project objectives of
improving livelihoods of the AIV farmers
34
KAPAP AIVs Value Chain: Deepening and Upscaling Project Inception Workshop 15 – 16th May, 2014
Action Points Each collaborator to recruit MSc. Students on the project
Each collaborator to provide seed materials to the farmers at focal site for bulking
Each collaborator to provide an implementation plan at the focal site
Researchers should get to work. Clock is ticking: KAPAP is waiting for outputs
CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD
During the workshop, the vegetable value chain project team pledged to do their best to contribute to
achieving the overall goal of KAPAP, which is: “To increase productivity, enhance livelihoods and facilitate
transformation of agricultural sector by turning crop and livestock production into commercially oriented
economic activities, for food and nutrition security, increased household incomes and employment creation,
while utilizing the natural resources optimally and preserving biodiversity”.
The team agreed to work closely to produce tangible deliverables to the target beneficiaries as
outlined in the proposal.
Farmers to increase acreage as demand increases
Collect and conserve: Local germplasm Evaluate and select: Preferred ones our germplasm
Characterize: Phenotypically & genotypically local germplasm
Bulk clean seeds: Local, preferred germplasm
Farmers: Bulk and save clean seeds on their farms Share: The seeds of preferred landraces with farmers
Farmers’ indigenous knowledge: Gather & add value to it
IPM: Do not neglect pest management.
Value addition & transformation: Integrate.
Commercialization: Emphasize marketing for income-generation/wealth creation.
Share: Cascade knowledge/information/lessons learned to RSU’s not covered by KAPAP to benefit all concerned small-scale farmers in the entire country.
Socio-cultural issues, status beliefs: Consider them when promoting novelty.
Economic status: If too low or high, no uptake by households.
Economic status: Similarly households well-off may not adopt
Land ownership and rights: Interrogate and take care. Be careful: Choose contact farmers carefully to ensure projects succeed.
Appropriate technologies: e.g. ash for seeds, solar driers, bicycle propellers.
Package: Information in easily understandable modes.
Technologies: Avail it with little red tape.
Patent: Innovations and inventions.
PRO: Establish them to demystify research undertaken.
Parks: Establish them; e.g. Science Research and Agri-business Park Final Proposal: Circulate final global proposal to Co-PI’s.
CGS Grant Manual: Summarize for the V. V. C. team.
Reporting: Circulate final expectations/timelines/guidelines.