A lobby group has called on stakeholders to support Kwale farmers in embracing potato farming for food security and livelihood growth.
Pamba Na Viazi consultant and Palladium Kenya country manager Eddy Chibu said potato trials have proved successful in the region.
PAVI is Base Titanium's food security and livelihood programme started in 2014.
He said since 2017 under the PAVI programme, they have been conducting various potato trials in Msambweni, Matuga and Lunga Lunga, all yielded good results.
Chibu said an acre produced six tons of potatoes, enough to help the locals battle hunger and improve their lives if farming is adopted.
"Potatoes can be grown here locally just like in Central Kenya. As per our trials, the farming is doing well," he said.
Chibu, however, said local farmers need the support of different stakeholders to shift into potato farming.
He said most farmers are unable to grow the potatoes because of high production costs.
Chibu said a farmer is required to have not less than Sh90,000 to start practical potato farming, which residents do not have the capacity to raise because of poverty and unemployment.
He said despite the challenges, potato farming remains to be profitable if local farmers are well empowered and equipped.
"Potato farming can be a game change to our economy if correctly done," he said.
He said with modern farming technology, potatoes can be harvested in three months and feed hungry residents.
Chibu said potato profits are far better compared to maize because of the price.
He said since Kwale always experiences frequent drought, the potatoes can help improve nutrition and prevent malnutrition among children.
The officer acknowledged the county government's efforts in supporting potato farming, adding that other partners should come in for more backing.
He said they recently launched a five-year programme 'Mradi wa Kuimarisha Kilimo-Biashara Kwale' (MKUKI-Kwale). This is an Australian government food security and empowerment project.
It is supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research in partnership with Business for Development, PAVI Cooperative, KALRO and Pwani University.
Chibu said the programme also intends to support potato and cotton farming hence calling upon farmers to embrace it.
He said cotton is a climate-smart crop and with most of Kwale county being dry, the crop can help farmers improve their earnings.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation socio-economist Juma Magogo said KALRO has conducted research helping farmers get the best-certified seeds for potato, maize and cotton farming among others.
He said the seeds and new technology can assist farmers in producing 12 tonnes of potatoes per acre if farmers follow the required procedures.
"Climate change has affected us in many ways, that's why we have devised new farming sustainable methods that correspond to the current situation. This is in bid to improve food production and enable farmers to benefit from their sweat," he said.
Magogo advised local farmers to join saccos to effectively do agribusiness farming and for socioeconomic growth.
