Farmers’ preferences for climate-resilient potatoes in Kenya
Introduction
Potatoes play a vital role in Kenya's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and household incomes. As one of the country's staple crops, potatoes are particularly important for smallholder farmers, who depend on them for both subsistence and commercial purposes. However, the challenges posed by climate change, including emerging pests, diseases, and water scarcity, have jeopardized potato production (Challinor et al. 2016; International Potato Center 2017). These challenges are now especially acute in regions like Meru County, a leading potato-producing area with diverse agro-ecological zones.
In response, research institutions including the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the International Potato Center (CIP) have developed climate-resilient potato varieties (CRPVs). These varieties are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and improve yields. Despite these efforts, CRPV adoption among smallholder farmers remains low, highlighting the need for a better understanding of farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for specific traits (Kimathi et al. 2021). A recent study conducted in Meru County sought to address this gap, offering valuable insights into how CRPVs can be tailored to farmers' needs.
Methodology
Researchers used a multistage sampling technique to collect data through a household survey of 384 smallholder potato farmers in Meru County. They employed a discrete choice experiment to identify farmer preferences for climate-resilient potato varieties, focusing on attributes such as pest resistance, water requirements, yield, maturation period, and price. They designed choice cards using a D-efficient design, which they analyzed using a mixed-logit model to account for preference heterogeneity (Van den Broeck et al. 2017). The study assessed farmers' willingness to pay for various attributes and provided insights for breeding programs targeting climate adaptation.
Understanding farmers' preferences
The study showed that farmers prioritize certain traits in climate-resilient potatoes. Resistance to pests and diseases emerged as the most important attribute. With climate change exacerbating pest and disease outbreaks, such as late blight and bacterial wilt, farmers risk significant yield losses and see varieties resistant to these threats as critical for sustaining production and minimizing losses (Kassie et al. 2017).
The second most preferred trait was low water requirements. Droughts and erratic rainfall patterns have become more frequent, leaving many farmers struggling to irrigate their crops. Varieties that thrive with minimal water offer a practical solution to this challenge, particularly for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions.
Other highly valued traits included high yields and short maturation periods. High-yielding varieties enable farmers to maximize output, ensuring both food security and higher incomes. Faster-maturing varieties, which can be harvested in under three months, help farmers mitigate risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts or frost (Asrat et al. 2010).
Willingness to pay for climate-resilient traits
How much are farmers were willing to invest in these desirable traits? Farmers expressed the highest willingness to pay for pest and disease resistance, valuing this attribute three times more than any other, reflecting the heavy toll pests and diseases take on their livelihoods. Farmers also showed moderate willingness to pay for other attributes, such as low water requirements, high yields, and short maturation period.
Interestingly, the study found that farmers are relatively insensitive to price changes, suggesting that while farmers value affordability, they are also willing to invest in traits that address their most pressing challenges. This finding aligns with previous research, which suggests that farmers in high-production areas like Meru value traits that enhance resilience and productivity, even if they come at a premium (Gamboa, Van den Broeck, and Maertens 2018; Sánchez-Toledano, Zein, and Gil-Roig 2017).
Diverse preferences among farmers
Farmers' preferences varied based on demographic factors such as gender, age, and education. Male farmers, for instance, tended to prioritize high yields, reflecting their focus on commercial farming and agribusiness. In contrast, female farmers often emphasized traits that enhance household food security, such as resistance to pests and diseases (Patel-Campillo et al. 2018). Older farmers, who generally have better access to resources like irrigation, were less concerned about water requirements than their younger counterparts. Similarly, more educated farmers placed less emphasis on pest resistance, as they could afford pesticides and had greater knowledge of pest control practices (Chandio et al. 2018). These findings underscore the importance of tailoring CRPV development and dissemination strategies to the diverse needs of different farmer groups.
Recommendations
To boost CRPV adoption, researchers and policymakers must take a more farmer-centric approach. This involves:
- Incorporating farmers' preferences into breeding programs: By prioritizing traits such as pest resistance and low water requirements, breeding programs can align their efforts with farmers' needs. Participatory approaches that engage farmers throughout the breeding process-from trait discovery to seed distribution-are essential for success.
- Improving accessibility: Lowering seed costs through subsidies or payment plans can make CRPVs more affordable for smallholder farmers. Expanding seed distribution networks, especially in rural areas, will ensure that farmers can access these improved varieties.
- Enhancing farmer education: Training programs and awareness campaigns can help farmers understand the benefits of CRPVs and how to use them effectively. These initiatives should also address misconceptions and provide practical guidance on integrating CRPVs into existing farming systems.
- Fostering collaboration: Strengthening partnerships among research institutions, government agencies, and farmer organizations will help bridge the gap between science and practice. This collaboration can ensure that CRPVs are not only scientifically robust but also practical and widely adopted.
Conclusion
Climate-resilient potato varieties represent a significant opportunity to address the challenges posed by climate change while improving food security and livelihoods in Kenya. However, their success depends on aligning research with farmers' preferences, enhancing accessibility, and fostering collaboration.
By prioritizing farmers' needs and addressing barriers to adoption, Kenya can unlock the full potential of CRPVs. These innovative varieties have the power to transform potato farming, making it more resilient, sustainable, and profitable for generations to come.