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Enhancing Production, Value Addition and Marketing of
Indigenous Vegetables (cowpea, spider plant, nightshades,
amaranth, pumpkin), French Beans and Mushrooms among
Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
Proceedings of the KAPAP Vegetables Project Inception Workshop on
15th
September, 2011, Bukura Agricultural Training Centre, Kakamega
Compiled by:
Lead Scientist
1. Prof. John H. Nderitu, Mount Kenya University
Collaborators
2. Prof. Dorcas K. Isutsa, Chuka University
3. Dr. Margaret J. Hutchinson, University of Nairobi
4. Dr. Darius Andika, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
5. Dr. Esther Kioko and Dr. Patrick N. Muthoka, National Museums of Kenya
6. Dr. Richard M. S. Mulwa and Dr. Joseph W. Matofari, Egerton University
7. Mr. Fredrick Musieba, Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute
2
The KAPAP Vegetable Project Collaborators and Partners
LEAD ORGANIZATION Mount Kenya University,
Thika
COLLABORATORS AND PARTNERS
ORGANIZATIONS
CONTACT
INFORMATION
1
. Prof. Dorcas K. Isutsa
Chuka University College,
Chuka
Tel: 0721-252 293
E-mail: [email protected]
2
.
Prof. Agnes Mwang’ombe
and Dr. Margaret J.
Hutchinson
University of Nairobi, College
of Agriculture and Veterinary
Sciences, Nairobi
Tel: 0722-2710591
Email: [email protected]
3
. Dr. Gideon Njau Mwai
Bondo University College,
Bondo
Tel. 0722-679444
E-mail: [email protected]
4
.
Prof. John H.
Nderitu(Lead
scientist)
Mount Kenya University,
Thika
Tel: 0722-308581
E-mail: [email protected]
5
. Dr. Esther Kioko and Dr.
Patrick N. Muthoka
National Museums of Kenya,
Nairobi
Tel. 0722-617508
Tel. 0729-382882
6
.
Dr. Richard M. S. Mulwa
and Dr. Joesph W.
Matofari
Egerton University, Egerton
Tel: 722-557037
E-mail: [email protected]
7
. Mr. Fredrick Musieba
Kenya Industrial Research &
Development Institute,
Nairobi
Tel: 0733-311-087
E-mail: [email protected]
8 Dr. Josephine Ongoma KleenHomes & Gardens,
Kakamega
Tel. 0729-803277
E-mail: [email protected]
9 Evans Njuguna Njoro Canning Factory
Limited, Njoro
3
Table of Contents
The KAPAP Vegetable Project collaborators and partners ................................................ 2 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 4 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5 Welcome remarks ............................................................................................................... 6 Opening remarks ................................................................................................................. 6
Overview of the project ...................................................................................................... 9 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 9 Constraints:- .................................................................................................................. 10
Research methodology ...................................................................................................... 11 Outputs and Activities....................................................................................................... 14
Outcomes .......................................................................................................................... 16 Budget: .............................................................................................................................. 16 Collaborators presentations:- ............................................................................................ 17
Presentation by Dr. Gideon Mwai, Bondo University College .................................... 17 Presentation by Dr. Joseph Matofari, Egerton University ............................................ 17 Presentation by Miss Mercy Njoki, Mount Kenya University ..................................... 18
Presentation by Prof. Florence Olubayo, University of Nairobi ................................... 19 Presentation by Mr. Fredrick Musieba, Kenya Industrial Research and Development
Institute (KIRDI) ........................................................................................................... 20 Presentation by Dr. Patrick Muthoka, National Museums of Kenya ............................ 20 Presentation by Dr. R.M.S. Mulwa ............................................................................... 22
Presentation by Prof Dorcas Isutsa ............................................................................... 24 Discussions ....................................................................................................................... 28
Summary ........................................................................................................................... 29 Conclusion and Way Forward by Prof Dorcas Isutsa ....................................................... 31
Closing Remarks: Dr. Esther Kioko ................................................................................. 31 Annex I: Programee ...................................................................................................... 32 Annex II: List of participants ........................................................................................ 33
Annex III. Invitation Letter .......................................................................................... 35
4
Acknowledgements
The KAPAP vegetable Project team sincerely appreciates:
• Bukura Agricultural Training Centre for hosting this workshop,
• Organizers of the workshop for the sterling efforts made,
• KAPAP Secretariat for providing the funds,
• Participants & twining researchers for availing themselves,
• Employers for allowing us time to spend on this project.
5
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 college, Bondo University College,
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 project will run for
three years starting from August 2011.
The title of the project is “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 are
in Siaya County, Homa Bay County, Kilifi County, Nyeri County, Meru County,
Kakamega County and Embu County. The main project activities include crop
improvement, agronomic practices, value addition, marketing and dissemination of
research results.
On 15th September 2011, the inception workshop was organized at the Bukura
Agricultural Training Centre, Kakamega County. This report provides a summary of the
major activities and results of the inception workshop.
6
Welcome remarks
Mr Morris Wambua, the Principal, Bukura Agricultural Training Centre, opened the
workshop by welcoming the participants to the centre. He urged the participants to
interact freely and enjoy their stay in the Centre and invited them to take a tour around
the facility at their own pleasure. He noted that the KAPAP Vegetables project was very
relevant to the region. He reiterated that the farmers in the region were impatient in
nature and needed crops with short cycles like indigenous vegetables.
Opening remarks
The workshop was opened by Prof. Dorcas Isutsa of Chuka University College, who
highlighted the background and objectives of the research project and the objectives of
the inception workshop. She noted that the Vegetables value chain was among the seven
proposals that KAPAP selected for research support this year to the tune of KES 24 M
each. The project focuses on the Vegetable Value Chain (VVC) in the wider Agricultural
Products Value Chain (APVC) conglomerate. The project brings together seven
institutions and their partners, who are expected to undertake multi-disciplinary, multi-
institutional, multi-sectoral research to achieve greater and sustainable impact in the lives
of smallholder farmers in this country.
She reiterated that the Vegetables Value Chain collaborators earned a grant through
submission of concept notes on a sub-vegetable value chain that interested them to the
KAPAP Secretariat. Ultimately, seven sub-Vegetable value chains were consolidated to
form one global Vegetable Value Chain for greater impact. Therefore, the collaborators
are Principal Investigators (PI’s) in their sub-Vegetable Value Chain and Co-PI’s in the
global VVC. The team is privileged and grateful to have been created and looks forward
7
to 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.
She highlighted six objectives of the workshop:
To sensitize collaborators and partners of the intended approach to the
vegetable value chain project.
To form strategic working groups or team-building networks.
To inform on financial and technical regulations and reporting.
To emphasize on the need for commitment to the project goals.
To link up and bond with stakeholders e.g. contact farmers, extension
officers, twining and assistant researchers etc.
To bring support institutions in picture e.g. regional KARI Centres, FTC’s,
ATC’s, NGO’s, CBO's etc.
She expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders who made the workshop successful.
These included the following:
o Bukura Agricultural Training Centre for hosting the workshop,
o Organizers of the workshop for the sterling efforts made,
o KAPAP Secretariat for negotiating the grant KES 24 M,
o Participants & twining researchers for availing themselves,
o Employers for allowing us time to spend on this project.
She concluded by pledging on behalf of the team, that they will do their best to contribute
to achieving the overall goal of KAPAP, which is: “To increase productivity, enhance
livelihoods and facilitate transformation of the agricultural sector by turning crop and
livestock production into commercially oriented economic activities, for food and
8
nutrition security, increased household incomes and employment creation, while utilizing
the natural resources optimally and preserving biodiversity”.
Remarks and official launch of the project – Eng. Musa Otieno, Agricultural
Engineer in Provincial Director of Agriculture office, representing the Provincial
Director of Agriculture, Western Region, Kenya
Eng. Musa Otieno welcomed the participants to Western region of Kenya and thanked
them for attending the Workshop. He described the research project as timely and
thanked the project collaborators for considering the region as a project area since it will
enable the farmers to diversify crop production and ensure food security and reduce
poverty among smallholder farmers.
He started by observing that the issue of land use was a critical and “hot” issue in the
area. He noted that a number of rural people in the area have been adversely affected by
investment in sugarcane production which takes 24 months to mature. They have become
the victims of misuse of land leases and are food insecure.
Eng. Otieno suggested that some questions should be asked and reflected upon in the
course of the study, including
i. How long can the indigenous vegetables seeds be recycled?
ii. What is the shelf life of the processed vegetables?
iii. Can the farmers in the area intercrop the sugarcane and indigenous vegetables just
after harvesting the cane?
iv. Do the farmers require fertilizers to enhance productivity of the vegetables?
He concluded his remarks by declaring the KAPAP vegetables project officially
launched.
9
Overview of the project Prof. John Nderitu, the Principal investigator (PI) outlined the title, background,
objectives, constraints being addressed, the methodology to be followed, and proposed
outcomes of the project. Briefly, the vegetable crops prioritized for research in the project
are: Indigenous vegetables (nightshades, amaranth, cowpea, spider plant and pumpkin),
Mushrooms and French beans.
Objectives
Overall objective
To increase production, value addition, marketing and utilization of indigenous
vegetables, French beans and mushroom products among smallholder farmers in
Kenya.
10
Specific Objectives
• To enhance safe production of indigenous vegetables, French beans and mushroom
products through IPM practices.
• To improve post harvest handling, value addition and utilization of indigenous
vegetables, French beans and mushroom products.
• To enhance marketing opportunities for indigenous vegetables, French beans and
mushrooms among smallholder farmers.
• To enhance mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing
along the indigenous vegetable, French beans and mushroom value chain.
• 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.
Constraints:-
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.
Mushrooms:-
Lack of adequate supply of quality spawn.
Limited production technologies.
Limited value addition and post harvest handling technologies.
French beans:-
Overuse and misuse of pesticides for management of pests.
Lack of awareness on local utilization.
Limited post harvest practices and value addition.
11
Research methodology The project will be carried out through field experimentation and surveys in seven
counties (Homa Bay, Kakamega, Meru, Nyeri, Kilifi, Embu and Siaya). Initial
reconnaissance surveys and stakeholder meetings and/or workshops will be conducted in
each County to establish contacts with possible stakeholders and collect background
information on the study locations and initiate the project. A questionnaire will be
developed to collect data on germplasm issues and the data will be disaggregated by
gender. Individual or groups of farmers to participate in technology development, seed
bulking, and agronomic packages development will be identified in consultation with
extension service providers and KAPAP RSU office in the project areas. Efforts will be
made to ensure that all gender categories participated and benefit
Field and laboratory experiments will be carried out at University of Nairobi, Egerton
University, Bondo University College, National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and KIRDI
to develop pure lines and establish economical spawn production systems. Furthermore,
participatory germplasm evaluations will be conducted to select the best pest and disease
free varieties/ecotypes of IVs for recommendation to smallholder farmers in the project
areas. Quality vegetable seeds will be produced and recommended.
Survey mapping of the individual vegetable value chains and consumer preference
studies will be carried out through targeted interviewing by use of questionnaires
administered to the respective value chain actors. Gender analysis tools will be used to
document the gender issues in the target groups. An Environmental and social
management Framework (ESMF) checklist will be used for screening potential
environmental and social impact due to vegetable value chain interventions to provide
baseline information for the project. Environmental and social mitigation measures will
12
be identified. Annual environmental and social audits will be carried out for the research
project to identify key issues and mitigation measures undertaken.
Effective strategies to ensure integration of environmental, gender and social
considerations eg sustainable land management, resource conservation, pest management
plan, equitable access to land and resources along the value chain will be implemented.
During the initial stakeholder forum, a list of possible chemicals and pesticides that
would be used along the value-chain segments would be developed and presented to
KAPAP Participatory trainings will be conducted on group dynamics, leadership skills,
gender awareness and entrepreneurship knowledge of the various technologies developed
for IVs and mushrooms and the markets and agribusiness opportunities available.
Participatory planning will be used to enhance participation of stakeholders and
beneficiaries during trainings. Use of sketches in both Kenyan official languages,
translated into vernacular, as well as preparation of training materials to suit different
socio-economic classes of participants included will be implemented.
To improve on post harvest handling value addition and utilization of vegetables, a
system of prolonging shelf life of vegetables will be developed. Drying of IVs and
increasing consumer awareness of utilization of dried IVs will be tested and evaluated
and documented. Milling of dry IVs into flour for fortification eg flour for
porridge/baking and baby food formula will be evaluated and promoted. Fortification of
vegetables for school children (eg mix IVs with Sukuma/cabbage/”Githeri”) will be
tested and promoted. Mixed French bean vegetables and other vegetables as packs for
increased local consumption and nutrition will be evaluated and promoted in markets.
Drying and milling of mushrooms and blending the mushroom flour will be evaluated
and promoted in the markets
13
New selling and transformation strategies will involve marketers and various outlets
such as producers, retailers, supermarkets, hotels and bakeries. KEBS will be invited at
this stage to sensitize farmers on the certification process for the new products. The
researchers will liaise with entrepreneurs interested in the vegetable value chain and
demonstrate business opportunities identified and emanating from the research work
done. The entrepreneurs will be encouraged to enhance the investments in the research
work to expand the scope and range of research activities.
Data will be collected at all stages and analyzed through quantitative and qualitative
statistical methods such as ANOVA, regression, correlation, and Chi-square, as
appropriate.
14
Outputs and Activities 1. 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. 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 Post harvest 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.
4.4 Evaluate product transformation technologies.
4.5 Evaluate vegetable dehydration methods and promote the best bests.
4.6 Evaluate milling and blending options for dried IVs and mushrooms.
5. Improvement of product quality and utilization
5.1 Develop quality guidelines for IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable value
chain.
5.2 Conduct quality evaluation of IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable value
chain.
5.3 Develop improved vegetable recipes.
5.4 Evaluate sensory qualities of the finished vegetable products.
5.5 Analyze the nutritional integrity of vegetable products.
5.6 Evaluate the shelf life of the vegetable products.
6. Improve marketing opportunities for the vegetables
6.1 Develop supplier-buyer databases.
6.2 Analyze produce volumes and pricing trends.
6.3 Determine competing vegetable products.
6.4 Conduct consumer preference profiling and marketing platforms.
6.5 Evaluate farmer market organization models.
6.6 Evaluate efficiency of market outlets.
15
7. Increase Information, Communication & Knowledge Sharing Along the
Vegetable Value Chain
7.1 Needs assessment of vegetable value chain.
7.2 Package information for various VVC actors.
7.3 Identify effective communication strategies for the VVC actors and operators.
7.4 Produce communication materials for the VVC actors and operators.
7.5 Transmit information using different media.
7.6 Train chain actors in agronomic practices, post-harvest handling, value addition
and marketing.
7.7 Train chain actors in agribusiness in IVs, mushrooms and French beans.
7.8 Formulate an IPMP that is uniform and adopted for all actors in the vegetable
value chain.
16
Outcomes Availability of high quality and affordable seed and spawn for IVs, French
beans, and mushrooms, respectively.
Reduced vegetable post harvest 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.
Budget: 1. Chuka University College 3,337,326
2. University of Nairobi, CAVS 3,866,463
3. Bondo University College- 2,788,320
4. Mount Kenya University - 3,372,746
5. National Museums of Kenya 3,158,505
6. Egerton University 3,261,009
7. KIRDI 3,181,149
8. MKU Coordination funds 1,034,483
17
Collaborators presentations:-
Presentation by Dr. Gideon Mwai, Bondo University College
Dr. Mwai opened his presentation by introducing the project team and partners. He went
on to outline, the key research activities on the nightshade value chain which include:
o Germplasm collection, evaluation, and selection of pure lines, on-farm
evaluation of cropping systems for nightshade,
o Develop quality guidelines for IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable
value chain.
o Conduct quality evaluation of IVs and mushrooms along the vegetable
value chain.
o Develop improved vegetable recipes.
o Analyze the nutritional integrity of vegetable products.
o Improve marketing opportunities for the vegetables
o Develop supplier-buyer databases.
o Package information for various vegetable value chain actors.
Presentation by Dr. Joseph Matofari, Egerton University
The second presentation was given by Dr Joseph Matofari, Egerton University, who
explained how their project team was going to enhance production, value addition and
marketing of Indigenous Vegetable (spider plant) among smallholder farmers in Homa
Bay County
He then outlined the project collaborators and team members as:
Collaborators
o KARI – Kisii
o Egerton University
o East Africa Dehydrates
Team
o Dr. R.M.S. Mulwa
o Dr. J.W. Matofari
o Dr. J.O. Ogendo
o Mr. T. Wambua
o Prof. B.O. Bebe
18
Dr. Matofari concluded by listing the expected outcomes of the project as shown below:
o Enhancement of vegetative mass regeneration for increased production
o Extension of vegetative phase
o Development of appropriate post-harvest technologies
o Quality vegetable presentation for enhanced acceptance
o Vegetable processing
o Drying and mixes
o Fresh pre-packs for supermarkets
Presentation by Miss Mercy Njoki, Mount Kenya University
The third presentation was given by Miss Mercy Njoki, Mount Kenya University, who
described how they intended to increase production, value addition, marketing and
utilization of French beans among smallholder farmers in Embu.
She opened her presentation by stating the major constraints to snap beans value chain in
Kenya, which include over-use and misuse of pesticides for management of pests, lack of
awareness on local utilization and, limited post harvest practices and value addition. She
emphasized that the project seeks to put in place measures to contain these core binding
constraints facing the snap bean value chain and ensure that the technologies developed
will be responsive to all actors along the value chain.
The specific objectives will be:
• To enhance safe production of French beans through IPM practices.
• To improve post harvest handling, value addition and utilization of indigenous
beans
• To enhance marketing opportunities for French beans among smallholder farmers.
• To enhance mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing
along the French beans
19
Miss Njoki concluded her presentation by underscoring the key expected outcomes of the
project which will include:-
• Availability of high quality and affordable French beans seeds,
• Reduced French beans post harvest loses along the value chain and increased
volumes of high quality French beans in markets.
• Increased range of French beans products and per capita consumption.
• Increased smallholder and community awareness and consumption of French
beans and overall improved incomes from French bean enterprises disaggregated
by gender.
• Improved food safety and acceptability of the French beans along the Value Chain
within an expanded market catchment.
Presentation by Prof. Florence Olubayo, University of Nairobi
Prof. Florence Olubayo, University of Nairobi described how their project team was
going to enhance production, value addition and marketing of Indigenous Vegetable
(cowpea) among smallholder farmers in Kilifi, Kenya.
She then outlined the project collaborators as:
o KARI – Mtwapa
o Coast Development Authority
o Ministry of Agriculture
She concluded her presentation by highlighting the key research activities on the cow pea
value chain which include:
o Baseline survey
o Establishment of local seed production systems,
o Seed bulking
Prof. Dorcas Isutsa, Chuka University College, who described how their project team
was going to enhance production, value addition and marketing of dual purpose pumpkin
among smallholder farmers in Kakamega and Nyeri. She noted that the pumpkin was an
emerging fruit vegetable and it had many benefits.
20
Research methodology will include: collection, evaluation, characterization and
conservation of dual-purpose pumpkin in Kenya; multiplication to bulk pure seeds of
dual-purpose pumpkin in Kenya; development of optimal crop management packages for
dual-pumpkin production; addition of value and development of new recipes for dual-
pumpkin produce and products.
Presentation by Mr. Fredrick Musieba, Kenya Industrial Research and
Development Institute (KIRDI)
Mr. Musieba opened his presentation by introducing the project partners and giving the
background information on how the project concept was arrived at. He noted that
indigenous mushrooms are used as food by local communities in Kakamega County but
they have not been documented or commercialized. They are used solely as products of
the wild. People collect them and prepare them traditionally with other foods for
consumption. He went on to outline, the key research activities on the indigenous
mushrooms value chain which include:
• Conduct baseline study to document traditional knowledge on production and
utilization
• Germplasm collection, morphological and genetic characterization of the
different species
• Agronomic studies-develop agronomic information on the selected species.
• On-farm trials on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options.
• Product development
• Package information for various value chain actors
Presentation by Dr. Patrick Muthoka, National Museums of Kenya
Dr. Patrick Muthoka, National Museums of Kenya, who described how their project
team was going to enhance production, value addition and marketing of amaranth among
smallholder farmers in Embu. Dr. Muthoka opened his presentation by introducing the
21
project team and partners. He went on to outline, the key research activities on the
amaranth value chain which include:
o Baseline survey on the preferred species and pests incidences
o Select sites and farmer groups
o Select model farms
Dr. Muthoka concluded his presentation by highlighting the achievements made so far:
o Desk research had been done and found the amaranth species that were
prevalent in Eastern region
o Literature survey had been done and major pests recorded as aphids, bugs
(Hemiptera) and cutworms.
o The team had visited DAO Embu North/West and the Provincial crops
officer to map out the study approach
22
Presentation by Dr. R.M.S. Mulwa
Enhancing Production, Value Addition and Marketing of Indigenous Vegetables
(spider plant) among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
Collaboration
KARI – Kisii
Egerton University
East Africa Dehydrates
Focus area and workgroups
Homa Bay County
Farmer groups selected
o Sang’are women group – Kendu Bay
o Hodadi women group – Oyugis
o Mr. Jagero Bwana – Kabondo
o Mrs. Helen Owino – Rangwena women group – Homa Bay
Group objectives
Enhancing production of spider plant vegetable products.
Improving post-harvest handling, value addition and utilization of spider plant
vegetable products.
Enhancing marketing opportunities for spider plant vegetable for smallholder
farmers.
Enhancing mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge
sharing along the spider plant vegetable value chain
23
Outcomes
Availability of high quality and affordable vegetables (spider plant).
Reduced spider plant vegetable post-harvest 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 spider
plants – profitability.
Improved food safety and acceptability of the spider plant vegetable along the
Value Chain within an expanded market catchment
Activities undertaken
Farm survey to recruit farmer groups
Communication to farmer groups on activities
Planning for production technology mainstreaming
o Production inputs and technology demonstrations
o Post-harvest handling pilots
o Processing technology development
o Market surveys for vegetable promotion
Spider plant issues summary
Enhancement of vegetative mass regeneration for increased production
Extension of vegetative phase
Development of appropriate post-harvest technologies
Quality vegetable presentation for enhanced acceptance
Vegetable processing
o Drying and mixes
o Fresh pre-packs for supermarkets
Egerton Team
Dr. R.M.S. Mulwa
Dr. J.W. Matofari
Dr. J.O. Ogendo
Mr. T. Wambua
Prof. B.O. Bebe
24
Presentation by Prof Dorcas Isutsa
Enhancement of Productivity and Utilization of Pumpkin in Kenya
BACKGROUND Importance. Pumpkin (Curcubita moschata
Duch.) in an emerging fruit-vegetable that
belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is
known by various other vernacular names. It
originated in Central to South America, from
where it has spread to many other continents,
including Africa where it has become naturalized
and is categorized among indigenous vegetable
(Abukutsa-Onyango, 2007).
In 2000, worldwide production of pumpkins stood at 16 million tons from 1.3 million ha,
while production in Africa was approximately 1.8 million tons on 140,000 ha, yielding
12.8 t/ha on average. On a global scale, pumpkin is amenable to making many products
using its tender leaves or mature fruits. However, preferences vary from region to region.
Leaves are the main edible product in African countries, leaving fruits under-utilized
(Abukutsa-Onyango, 2003). In West Africa, seed consumption is common. In Asian
countries, pumpkin seeds have several medicinal applications such as anti-helmintic and
skin ailments relief. Pumpkin is an important food because most parts of the plant can be
eaten and are rich in nutrients (Holland et al., 1991). Pumpkin is very rich in carotenoids
that keep the immune system strong and healthy. Pumpkin beta-carotene is a powerful
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It helps prevent build up of cholesterol in
arteries, thus reducing chances of strokes. Being rich in alpha-carotene, pumpkin slows
down aging and prevents cataract formation. Pumpkins reduce the risk of macular
degeneration that usually results in blindness. Pumpkin’s high fiber improves bowel
health, potassium lowers hypertension risk, and zinc boosts immune system and bone
density.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Pumpkin is neglected in formal research and is most under-utilized in African countries.
Cultural practices in African countries are still extensive, while seed, fruit and leaf
vegetable yields are depressingly low due to a combination of poor agronomic practices.
Almost no improvement for high and premium seed, fruit and leaf vegetable yields, pest
resistance and quality has been performed in African countries. Preferred local African
landraces risk disappearing due to introduction of exotic cultivars, and their seeds are in
perpetual short supply. Pumpkin is little produced, commercialised and consumed in
Africa. Meagre value addition is done to pumpkins found in African markets. No export
statistics exist in the Kenyan Horticultural Crops Development Authority on-line
databases. Processed products of the fruit are virtually nil in African countries. There is
exists no documented pumpkin value chain (PVC), preference and consumption trends in
Kenya.
25
RESEARCH JUSTIFICATION
Pumpkin is a multi-purpose, easy-to-cultivate crop with high nutritional and medicinal
values. Pumpkin plants produce large leaves and fruits usable in diverse ways. De-veined
tender leaves and mature fruits are cherished by rural folk and certain urban dwellers.
Fruits have a tough rind that prevents bruising during transportation to distant markets,
thereby helping prolong shelf-life. Identification and conservation of landraces will
provide germplasm for improving cultivars for pest-resistance, fruit, leaf and seed yields,
depending on consumer-preferred usage. Streamlining certified seed supply and
improving crop management will prove a boon to growers looking for alternative high-
value crops to help boost and sustain their livelihoods. Boosting certified seed supply,
crop production and value addition will increase income generation for growers, as well
as food security and foreign exchange earnings for the country. These milestones will
benefit all value chain stakeholders, including crop germplasm conservators, plant
breeders, inputs suppliers, crop producers, retailers, wholesalers, exporters, processors
and consumers. A documented PVC, preference and consumption trends in Kenya will
enable all stakeholders identify gaps, constraints and potential benefits, and thereby
develop effective intervention or exploitative measures and policies.
GOAL/PURPOSE
To collect, evaluate, characterise and conserve germplasm, increase productivity and
value of the under-utilized, dual-purpose pumpkin for enhanced incomes, economic
growth, food and nutrition securities.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
Improve dual-purpose pumpkin production, processing, packaging technologies and
develop innovative processed products for consumers.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. Collect, evaluate, characterize and conserve pumpkin germplasm in Kenya.
2. Develop pure seeds of dual-purpose pumpkin in Kenya.
3. Develop optimal crop management packages for sole pumpkin production.
4. Add value to fresh produce and develop new recipes for pumpkin produce
OUTPUTS
1: Preferred landraces of dual-purpose germplasm identified and preserved.
2: Production of indigenous vegetables (pumpkins) improved through:
Crop Improvement
Agronomic practices
3: Postharvest handling, value addition and utilization of pumpkins improved through:
Improvement of post harvest handling technologies
Value addition and recipe development
Produce transformation and utilization
4: Mechanisms for information, communication and knowledge sharing developed
through:
Information, communication and knowledge sharing
BENEFICIARIES OF THE OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES
1. Small-scale and resource-poor farmers will gain adaptable and preferred cultivars.
2. Resource-poor farmers will have easy access to high quality and quantity seeds.
3. Small-scale growers will have proven cropping systems for commercial production.
4. Consumers and sellers will have diverse processed food products with prolonged shelf-
life to choose from to improve their nutrition and to satisfy customer needs,
respectively.
26
5. Processors, chefs and consumers will have new and diverse recipes for preparing
delicious foods and meals.
6. Postgraduate students will have projects to work on to earn higher degrees.
7. Agro-industries will benefit from the skilled graduates and increased pumpkin raw
materials for processing.
8. Scientific community will benefit from the publications, protocols and literature
availed.
RESEARCH PLAN/METHODOLOGY
1. Collect, evaluate, characterize and conserve pumpkin germplasm in Kenya
Colection will be conducted in Western and Central Kenya. A questionnaire will be
administered in these regions to document the pumpkin value chain. Seeds will be
extracted from fruits, washed to remove pulp, air-dried and planted in pots in a
greenhouse to raise plants for evaluation and characterisation. Characterization of
landraces will use both morphological and molecular techniques (Chigwe and Saka,
1994; Gwanama et al., 2000; Grubben and Chigumira-Ngwerume, 2004). Code-
numbered seed samples of landraces will be deposited in the Kenya Plant Genetic
Resources Gene Bank. The landraces will be evaluated and selected based on growers’
and consumers’ demands such as high yields, early maturity, good flavour and size,
drought tolerance and pest tolerance.
2. Develop pure seeds of dual-purpose pumpkin in Kenya.
Best-performing landraces will be planted to multiply seeds in pure standards on-
station and on-farm. On-farm seed production and saving will be taught to smallholder
farmers, emphasizing growing of preferred pumpkins in isolation and exclusively for
seed production, extraction, drying, packaging and storage for later use. Choice of
landraces to save and their quantity will depend on preference and size of future planting
(Abukutsa-Onyango, 2007).
3. Develop optimal crop management packages for sole pumpkin production.
3.1. The effect of farmyard manure and leaf harvesting intensity on productivity will be
investigated. Cattle farmyard manure (FYM) is expected to work through soil fertility
enhancement, moisture stress amelioration and source-leaf renewal. Farmyard manure
will be interacted with LHI to study how they influence leaf and fruit yields (sink-source
relationship). For each province the adapted and preferred variety of pumpkin will be
planted during the long and short rains.
3.2. Effect of irrigation will be studied with a view to promote year-round or semi-arid
regions production. Leaf harvesting intensity will be interacted with irrigation rate. The
most preferred cultivar will be used in each target region.
4. Add value to fresh produce and develop new recipes for pumpkin produce
4.1. Food processors, including bakeries, hotels and restaurants will be approached to
include pumpkin produce in their foods. The products will be offered to buyers and
consumers through supermarkets, bakeries, hotels and restaurants and preference
assessed.
4.2. Value addition strategies for and by producers, sellers and processors to be
investigated include leaf or fruit drying, waxing whole fruits, wrapping, slicing and
mixing in pre-diced vegetables for busy customers. The products will then be offered to
consumers through selected supermarkets and retailers.
4.3. Surveys will be conducted to document usage modes in the target regions and to
guide researchers in development of recipes for preferred and new products. A schedule
for gauging popularity will be developed to capture: frequency of use, preference by
27
gender, reasons mode is preferred, reason not preferred, ingredients and proportions used.
The cuisines will be blended and samples taken to determine nutritional contents
following standard protocols (AOAC, 1995; Okalebo et al., 2002).
MAJOR ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
1. Resources and funding will be adequate to support the proposed research activities.
2. Local communities will be willing to share their crop germplasm with the researchers.
3. Seed production and food processing companies will be willing to partner in this
project.
4. The weather will be conducive to allow successful completion of field experiments.
5. Pumpkin will continue gaining popularity among local and urban consumers.
6. Postgraduate students will be willing to pursue advanced studies in this fruit
vegetable.
7. Collaborators will be commitment to play their part successfully.
8. One or more of the above-mentioned assumptions will not hold true.
28
Discussions After the presentations, the participants were given opportunity to share their experiences
on the topics presented. There were 26 participants in the plenary discussion. The main
issues that emerged during the discussions are summarized below:
• Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be collected and conserved.
• Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be characterized
morphologically and genetically
• The collected germplasm should be evaluated
• 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.
• 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 look into land ownership and rights: Choose contact farmers
carefully to ensure projects succeed.
• 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.
• Researchers should be on patenting of innovations and inventions.
• Research centres and Institutes should enhance customer care-to have one stop
customer care desk to handle all questions concerning activities undertaken within
their centres or institutes.
• Research centres and Institutes should establish parks i.e Science and Research
and Agri-business Parks.
ACTION POINTS:
• Final Proposal to be circulated to Collaborators by the PI.
• The PI to summarize the CGS Grant Manual for the Vegetables Value Chain team
• The PI to circulate final expectations/timelines/guidelines on reporting:.
• The PI to request for relaxation of the tranche renewal timelines/conditions
• The collaborators to expedite the signing of contract.
• Researchers should get to work. Clock is ticking: KAPAP is waiting for outputs.
29
Summary Project title: 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 Vegetable Value Chain (VVC) project team organized the inception workshop on
15th September 2011 at the Bukura Agricultural Training Centre, Kakamega County.
The objectives of the workshop were:
To sensitize collaborators and partners of the intended approach to the
vegetable value chain project.
To form strategic working groups or team-building networks.
To inform on financial and technical regulations and reporting.
To emphasize on the need for commitment to the project goals.
To link up and bond with stakeholders e.g. contact farmers, extension
officers, twining and assistant researchers etc.
To bring support institutions in picture e.g. regional KARI Centres, FTC’s,
ATC’s, NGO’s, CBO's etc.
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”.
After the presentations, the participants were given opportunity to share their experiences
on the topics presented. There were 26 participants in the plenary discussion.
The main issues that emerged during the discussions are summarized below:
Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be collected and conserved
Local germplasm of indigenous vegetables should be characterized
morphologically and genetically.
The collected germplasm should be evaluated.
Bulking of clean seeds to be done in collaboration with the farmers.
Sharing of germplasm within the regions to be encouraged.
30
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.
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 look into land ownership and rights: Choose contact farmers
carefully to ensure projects succeed.
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.
Researchers should be on patenting of innovations and inventions.
Research centres and Institutes should enhance customer care-to have one stop
customer care desk to handle all questions concerning activities undertaken within
their centres or institutes.
Research centres and Institutes should establish parks i.e Science and Research
and Agri-business Parks.
The PI to circulate final expectations/timelines/guidelines on reporting.
The PI to request for relaxation of the tranche renewal timelines/conditions
Researchers should get to work. Clock is ticking: KAPAP is waiting for outputs.
31
Conclusion and Way Forward by Prof Dorcas Isutsa • 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.
• Tranche renewal timelines/conditions: Relax them.
• Contract signing: Expedite, overcome red tape.
• Fund receipt: Complete signing contract first.
• Clock is ticking: Researchers get to work with stakeholders; KAPAP is waiting for
outputs.
Closing Remarks: Dr. Esther Kioko To close up the Workshop, the PI requested Dr. Esther Kioko to make closing remarks.
In her closing remarks, she commended the participants for their efforts and inputs in the
workshop. She called on project collaborators and partners to be committed to the cause,
and deliver outputs that will positively impact the small holder farmers. She urged them
to stick to the pledge and make a difference in the lives of the farmers through increased
incomes.
Once again she thanked the:
• Bukura Agricultural Training Centre for hosting this workshop,
• Organisers of the workshop for the sterling efforts made,
• KAPAP Secretariat for providing the funds,
• Participants & twining researchers for availing themselves,
• Employers for allowing us time to spend on this project.
32
Annex I: Programee
PROGRAMME FOR INCEPTON WORKSHOP AND LAUNCH OF KAPAP
VEGETABLE VALUE CHAIN RESEARCH PROJECT AT BUKURA
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTRE, 15TH
SEPTEMBER 2011 Time Activity/presentation By who
Session I: Chair person: Dr Richard Mulwa
Rapporteur:Dr Josephine Ongoma, KH&G CBO
8.30-8.45 am Arrival, Registration Ms Penina Njoki, Research and Extension
8.45-9.00 am Introductions Dr Josephine Ongoma
9.00-9.10 am Welcome
Opening remarks
Principal, Bukura Agricultural Training
Centre
Prof Dorcas Isutsa
9.10-9.30 am Key note speech Dr Samuel Muigai, National Coordinator,
KAPAP
9.30-10.00 am Overview of project Prof John H. Nderitu, Principal Investigator,
MKU
10.00-10.10
am
Remarks by key guests Dr Caleb Ikitoo, Research Specialist, KAPAP
Dr. Irungu Waithaka, Director Crops
Management
10.10-10.30
am
Remarks and official launch of
Project
Dr. Wilson Songa, Agriculture Secretary –
Ministry of Agriculture
10.30-10.35
am
Vote of Thanks Dr Esther Kioko, NMK
10.35-11.00
am
Group photograph and health break Ms Josephine Ongoma, KH&G CBO
Session II: Chairperson: DAO, Butere
Rapporteur: Mr Fredrick Musieba
11.00 -
11.30am
Remarks by project implementing
collaborators
Dr Gideon Mwai
Dr Richard Mulwa
Ms Mercy Njoki , MKU
Dr Margaret Hutchinson
Prof Dorcas Itutsa
Mr Fredrick Musieba
Dr Esther Kioko
11.30-12.00
pm
General Discussions/Feedback All participants
Session III: Chairperson:
Rapporteur:
Facilitators :
DAO Butere
Dr Gideon Mwai
Dr.Margaret Hutchinson
12.00-1.00pm Group discussions: Project activities
by objectives
Seven groups of participants grouped by
vegetable sub-value chain
1.00-2.00 pm Lunch Principal Training Centre
2.00-2.30 pm Continue group discussions: Project
activities by objective
Seven groups of participants grouped by
vegetable sub-value chain
2.30- 3.20 pm Presentation by group Group Rapporteurs
3.20-3.35 pm General discussions Participants
3.35-3.50 pm Conclusions and way forward Prof Dorcas Isutsa
3.50-4.00 pm Closing remarks Dr Esther Kioko
4.00-4.20 pm Tea/Coffee/Departure Principal Training Centre
33
Annex II: List of participants
PARTICIPANTS - KAPAP VEGETABLE PROJECT INCEPTION WORKSHOP
BUKURA AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTRE, 15TH
SEPTEMBER, 2011
Project Team
Organization
Role in the project
Contacts
1 Prof.John Nderitu
MKU
Principal
Investigator
Tel: 0722-308581
E-mail: [email protected]
2 Prof. Dorcas Isutsa
Chuka University
College
Project Team
Member
Tel: 0721-252 293
E-mail: [email protected]
3 Dr Gideon Mwai Bondo University
College
Project Team
Member
Tel. 0722-679444
E-mail: [email protected]
4 Dr Richard Mulwa Egerton University Project Team
Member
Tel: 722-557037
E-mail: [email protected]
5 Dr Joseph Matofari Egerton University Project Team
Member
Tel: 722-671843
E-mail: [email protected]
6 Dr Margaret
Hutchinson
UoN Project Team
Member Tel: 0722-2710591
Email: [email protected]
7 Prof Florence
Olubayo
UoN Project Team
Member P. O. Box 13962-00800, Nairobi
Tel: 0722-347659
Email:[email protected]
8 Dr. Esther Kioko NMK Project Team
Member Tel. 0722-617508
9 Dr. Patrick
Muthoka
NMK Project Team
Member Tel. 0729-382882
10 Mr Fredrick
Musieba
KIRDI Project Team
Member P. O. BOX 30650-00100, Nairobi
Tel: 0733-311-087
E-mail: [email protected],
11 Dr. Josephine
Ongoma
KleenHomes &
Gardens,
Kakamega
Project Team
Partner Tel. 0729-803277
E-mail: [email protected]
12
Evans Njuguna
Njoro Canning
Factory
Limited,Njoro
Project Team
Partner
34
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
N
O.
NAME INSTITUTE POSITION CONTACTS
1 JOHN OKOTE
WABUKO
AGRALEP 0727-696150
2 DR. JOSHUA
O. OGWENO
EGERTON
UNIVERSITY
SENIOR
LECTURER
0726-629758
3 JAMES K.
KIRAMANIA
CHUKA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
LECTURER 0737-716345
4 REUBEN
OGUTU
MKULIMA
MUSHROOMS
SERVICES
CHAIRMAN 0713-096930
maramawestmushroomgrowers
@gmail.com
4 MORRIS
WAMBUA
BUKURA ATC PRINCIPAL 0728-116500,
5 NJOKI
MUCHIRAH
MOUNT KENYA
UNIVERSITY
0721-727312
6 ANNE
MANGENI
KAPAP BUSIA RSU 0722-986118
7 ALLAN
NATO
BUKURA ATC DEPUTY
PRINCIPAL
0720-405181
8 JAMES
LIBAAKO
KAPAP BUTERE RSU 0721-328200
9 PHILIP
MUKHWANA
DAO BUTERE DEPUTY
DAO
BUTERE
0725-836096
10 WAFULA M.
MATHIAS
MOA WESTERN 0724-006505
11 MUSA
OTIENO
MOA WESTERN 0721-669033
12 DOROTHY
ATIENO
KLEEN HOMES AND
GARDENS
0711-352280
13 GIDEON
MWANGI
KAPAP BUSIA 0723-570924
14 ASHA SALIM KLEEN HOMES AND
GARDENS
15 NICHOLAS
AZERE
KBC KAKAMEGA
16 ROSE S.
NDENGU
KLEEN HOMES AND
GARDENS
0728-372144
17 WILSON
MBUGUA
MEDIA 0727-441733
18 JAMES
WAKAHIU
MEDIA 0721-458349
35
Annex III. Invitation Letter
INVITATION TO INCEPTION WORKSHOP AND LAUNCH OF KAPAP
VEGETABLE PROJECT AT BUKURA INSTITUE, BUTERE, ON 15TH
AUGUST
2011 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 college, Bondo University College, 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 project will run for three years starting from August 2011.
The title of the project is “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 are in Siaya County,
Homa Bay County, Kilifi County, Nyeri County, Meru County, Kakamega County and Embu
County. Researchers from the seven institutions will lead as follows:-
Institution County Crop
Egerton University Spider plant
Chuka University college Nyeri Pumpkins
University of Nairobi Kilifi Cowpeas
Mount Kenya University Embu French beans
Bondo University College Siaya nightshade
KIRDI Kakamega Mushrooms
National Museums of Kenya Meru/Embu Amaranth
The purpose of this letter is to invite you to give remarks during the official launch of the project
and participate in the discussions that will follow at Bukura Agricultural Training Institute on 15th
September 2011 starting at 8.30a.m. A detailed programme of the launch is attached.
Yours sincerely,
PROF. JOHN H. NDERITU
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, VEGETABLE VALUE CHAIN PROJECT &
DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
