Farmers in Nakuru County are beginning to reap the benefits of agroecological potato farming, with many reporting lower production costs, improved yields and better market prices compared to conventional farming methods.

Among them is Schola Chebet, a farmer from Mauche Ward, who had practiced conventional potato farming since 2013 before transitioning to agroecological farming last year. She says the shift has significantly transformed her farming experience and profitability.

According to Chebet, agroecological farming has proven to be less expensive because it relies on locally available organic inputs instead of costly synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

"I cultivated a quarter-acre piece of land using organic fertilizer and organic pesticides whose raw materials were readily available and affordable. The production cost was much lower than what I used to spend under conventional farming," she said.

Her first harvest under the new system yielded seven bags of potatoes, each selling at Sh4,000. By comparison, conventionally grown potatoes fetched only about Sh2,500 per bag, while production costs averaged around Sh17,000.

"The potatoes have a sweeter taste, and many buyers prefer them. The demand is high, so I intend to increase the land under production," she added.

Similarly, Bethwel Kipsigei from Mariashoni Ward, who is trying agroecological potato farming for the first time, says the transition has been both educational and economically rewarding.

He observed that production costs are considerably lower than in conventional farming and that farmers in the ward continue to learn practical agroecological techniques.

However, Kipsigei identified the shortage of quality certified seed as one of the biggest challenges limiting productivity.

"We need access to clean, quality seeds that can guarantee higher yields. Despite this challenge, many young people are now showing interest in potato farming after seeing the returns from agroecologically grown potatoes," he said.

The two farmers are among 110 farmers from Mau Narok, Mauche and Mariashoni wards during a farmer exchange learning forum who participated in a three-month farmer-led pilot project by World Resources Institute (WRI) to evaluate the performance of agroecological potato production against conventional farming practices.

Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor (R) shakes hands with Director Vital Landscapes at WRI Dr. Susan Chomba during the farmer exchange learning forum on agroecology at KALRO, Njoro Sub-county

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

Speaking during a farmers' learning forum, James Wangu, Food Systems Transformation Associate at the World Resources Institute (WRI), said the pilot sought to compare the effectiveness of agroecological practices with conventional reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides.

"The objective was to understand how agroecological practices compare with business-as-usual farming in controlling pests and diseases while also improving soil health. Because this research was farmer-led, today's forum provided an opportunity for farmers to share their experiences and lessons, which will help strengthen future interventions and generate evidence to support agroecology in Nakuru County and beyond," said Wangu.

He noted that the findings of agroecological practice have demonstrated several positive outcomes, particularly in pest and disease management, improved tuber quality and healthier seed potatoes.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Leonard Bor, said the lessons from the pilot project complement Nakuru County's efforts to institutionalize sustainable agriculture through the implementation of the Nakuru Agroecology Policy.

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Njoro potato farmers start reaping from new farming system

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Muthoni Wanjiku