New techniques multiply success with potatoes |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustainable Potato Seed - Tuber Management and Marketing Through Commercialization | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A new method for multiplying potato tuber seed is helping poor smallholders to overcome a deadly potato disease known as bacterial wilt. The seed production system includes field inspection and on-farm detection of bacterial wilt. Collective marketing activities through a new Seed Producer Association are ensuring that the increased production translates into improved livelihoods. The members of the association have acquired skills in marketing and post-harvest handling. Simple potato storehouses are preserving tuber quality and extending product life. Local committees control distribution of the seed potatoes to ensure that all members receive their fair share, giving priority to women and poor households. The successful techniques have now spread to farmers in Kenya and Uganda. Project Ref: CPP02:
Research Programmes: This activity was funded by: Crop Protection Programme With additional support in the first year from DFID Uganda as part of Livelihood Initiative for Eastern Uganda (LIFE) Project 1st July 1999- 30th June 2003. Additional support for quality management training was provided by DANIDA ASPS. Relevant Research Projects:
Institutional partners:
These projects addressed the expressed need of farmers in the highlands of Eastern Uganda to access Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) disease free planting material of the newly released Victoria variety of potatoes. The work built on earlier efforts in Kenya under R7858 which demonstrated the benefits of using clean seed-tubers 1. AT Uganda had failed to promote potato production due to the lack of disease free planting materials for large scale dissemination to farmers. Marketing constraints were also recognised including the absence of a market pull to command a price differential between formal and informal seed, and constraints in marketing of ware potatoes. Collective marketing activities were therefore included to ensure that increased production would translate into improved livelihoods. The Cluster of Outputs addressed included: Ø Research validation of small seed plot system for application in Eastern Uganda through on-farm trials. Ø Establishment of Kapchorwa Seed Potato Producers Association (KASPPA) to multiply quality assured seed potato of the new varieties on a commercial basis. KASSPA assisted to acquire clean seed, and trained in Best Practice multiplication of basic seed including monitoring and testing for BW. Grading system for seed potato established included coding to track identity of supply farmers, sorting by seed size, and selling seed potato according to the number of tubers per bag. Ø Branding of KASPPA as a seed potato producer through use of the KASPPA logo and bag Ø This traceable system of seed production put in place a farmer-based decision framework for pest thresholds [voluntary standard]. Field inspection and on-farm incubation were validated as methods for farmer detection of bacterial wilt within seed lots and used to determine acceptance/rejection of material as suitable for planting. Ø Parish Development committees controlled the distribution of the seed potatoes to group members to ensure that women and poor households were given priority, and that all groups members got their turn to receive seed potato. Recipient farmers were trained in farm level multiplication of BW free seed potato. Simple diffused light stores introduced for improved sprouting and storage of seed potatoes. Ø Collective marketing associations were formed to enhance market linkages. Groups were assisted with constitution development and trained in association management, market information, and financial controls. Ø Marketing associations were trained on post harvest handling to improve produce quality. Simple improved ware potato stores to retain tuber quality and extend product life introduced with the help of CIP.
The main commodity was potato, with specific emphasis on Bacteria Wilt Control and marketing of quality assured seed potato. The seed quality and traceability outputs are widely applicable to other vegetatively propagated crops were pests are transmitted with planting material and the practice of farmer-saved planting material are dominant over formal systems. Similarly, the procedures and lessons learnt in establishing KASPPA and the farmer marketing collectives have generic value to associations supporting other commodities. These outputs can be applied to any system where a quality product supported by a voluntary standard is appropriate and can command a higher market value through promotion and collective marketing by an association.
Especially with respect to the approach to collective marketing which is more general and not limited to potato production which is more specifically highland oriented.
Especially with respect to the approach to collective marketing which is more general and not limited to potato production which is more specifically highland oriented.
Successful implementation of the small seed plot system for seed potato multiplication under R8104 led directly to identification of the need to improve farmer market linkages to capture improved prices and open new marketing channels for potato farmers in Kapchorwa. AT Uganda sought collaboration with Sacred, Kenya, to promote the cereal bank approach to collective marketing associations in Eastern Uganda under R8435. Farmer groups were mobilized, assisted with constitution development and registration, trained in collective marketing, financial management, and product handling. As part of the facilitation of collective marketing, it is important to ensure appropriate post harvest handling and adequate quality control for marketed produce. AT Uganda collaborated with Makerere University and the Uganda Grain Millers Corp. Ltd. to train farmers in post harvest handling and aflatoxin control for their maize which they also planned to market collectively alongside potatoes. For potato, post harvest handling emphasis was placed on dehaulming, sorting, and grading to minimize rotting in the store. Marketing associations were assisted to secure basic drying and grain handling equipment with funding from ASPS. AT Uganda also collaborated with CIP Kenya to introduce improved table potato storage to extend the marketable life of the Kapchorwa produce. Each of these additional interventions is essential to successfully addressing the critical constraints faced by smallholder farmers, and ensuring a significant impact on the livelihoods of the poor. Access to market information is a critical factor in the success of collective marketing efforts. In this regard, collaboration with Foodnet and KACE has been important. To successfully compete with commercial traders, however, the marketing associations urgently need access to revolving loan funds (inventory credit schemes) to be able to offer part payment to farmers at harvest to allow them to meet emergency needs and still hold product for later marketing at a better price. AT Uganda's multiplication approach for quality assured seed potato multiplication is clearly appropriately clustered with the following RNRRS projects.
Looking at the collective marketing promotion aspect of the work, however, the following projects also form a closely related cluster. It should be noted that AT Uganda has been directly involved in the PMCA work for potatoes in Uganda for example under R8418.
How the outputs were validated: Main method of validation/adaptation of outputs has been done by stakeholders in a participatory manner. Participating stakeholders have included:
Where the Outputs were Validated: Targeted social group - Farming communities that practice mainly subsistence farming although most of the produce is used for cash generation. Production system - entirely rain-fed. Farming system - highland. Farmers grow potato-sorghum/maize- beans and sweet potatoes.
Who are the Users?
Where the outputs have been used: See table above Scale of Current Use: See table above. Policy and Institutional Structures, and Key Components for Success: The current policy platform in Uganda is the Policy for Modernizing Agriculture (PMA) issued in 2000. The some of the strategies to achieve the PMA objectives are:
These strategies are a marked improvement over the last ten to fifteen years in terms of public support of all Ugandan farmers and in support of new technology and in moving beyond a subsistence economy. The implementation of AT Uganda's CPP projects was participatory in nature, involving different key stakeholders such as local farmers, extension staff, sub-county local authorities, NAADS and Research institutions. The local farmers are organised in group working committees with defined roles to ensure effective implementation. The extension staff are trained to provide technical backstopping to farmers. The sub-county local authorities are involved in monitoring and evaluation of the activities to ensure success and sustainability. The NAADS programmes help to promote potato farmers who are performing well by identifying and advising them to secure quality potato seeds. NAADS has identified KASPPA as their potato seed source, and have recommended it to farmers in Kapchorwa and other districts where NAADS has programmes. This has made it easy for KASPPA farmers to sell their seeds. Research Institutions like Kalyegyere and Buginyanya play a role of ensuring the quality for foundation planting materials and advising farmers to use the best seed potatoes to maximize their potato production. As a result of all of these activities, the NARO potato programme has more or less mainstreamed training in the use of small seed plot technique for small scale farmers in all its development activities i.e., where ever there is any experiment for potato improvement, SSP is demonstrated. The approach has also been adopted by the farmer field schools in Kabale and this has been very useful in enhancing the adoption of SSP. Lessons Learned and Uptake Pathways Promotion of Outputs: SSP promotion in eastern Uganda is undertaken by KASPPA members. NAADS is also promoting SSP but the scale of the NAADS promotion, is currently limited to one sub-county in Kapchorwa. KASSPA seed multipliers cover two sub counties in the central part of Kapchorwa district and are within easy reach of the farmers. UNSPPA is involved in seed multiplication and promotion in Kabale with support of Kachwekano ARDC. In Kabale district the FAO funded project "TAG 652" executed by NARO and Africare under the supervision of CIP is promoting SSP. 80 females and 60 males from 12 "Farmer groups" are involved. SSP is also promoted by an ASARECA funded project entitled "Enhancing utilisation of quality seed potato by small scale farmers". It is being implemented by KARI National Agricultural Research Laboratories, CIP, NARO and Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU). In Kanungu district, Uganda, 10 farmer groups with a composition of 120 females and 82 males are involved. The project is also being implemented in Kenya and Burundi at a similar scale and will run for two more years. Collective marketing promotion is being supported by NGO's working on a range of crops in various parts of Uganda. Potential Barriers Preventing Adoption of Outputs: MAAIF has failed to develop a coherent certification scheme for seed tubers. The private sector cannot realistically supply certified planting materials whilst seed health standards require a zero tolerance for bacterial wilt. Basic seed continues to be produced by the NARO potato programme, a situation that limits availability and inhibits private sector participation. Seed multipliers therefore have a problem getting enough basic seed from NARO. The basic seed is also costly especially when transport is considered. NAADS lack of forward planning creates problems. NAADS service providers cannot predict when they will get funds for seed procurement. When money comes, they suddenly want large quantities, in excess of the available supply, and they resort to buying untested tubers from the local market. Inadequate sensitization of the small scale farmers on the importance of disease free planting materials is a problem in most areas of the country. For marketing groups, the main challenge is limited working capital. This constrains them from buying produce in bigger quantities and storing for later marketing at better price. The Groups' inability to pay cash for produce at harvest forces members to sell to commercial traders even when they get much lower prices in the long run. How to Overcome Barriers to Adoption of Outputs: Adoption is good where farmers have been trained, but large numbers have not been reached. Need to scale up/out the dissemination of the technique. More mass media forms of farmer education should be undertaken. A coordinated effort is required to plan production and funds disbursement well in advance in order to ensure that quality planting materials are availed at the right time and in the right quantity. The multipliers need a revolving fund to enable them to purchase the seed and repay later after harvest. The research station should be encouraged to work more closely with the private sector - taking the lead in appropriate certification rather than direct production. The marketing groups need access to revolving loan funds (inventory credit schemes) to be able to offer payment to farmers at harvest when prices for the produce are low and store the produce for later marketing at a better price. Lessons Learned: Training of the farmer groups using FFS approaches is effective but expensive. Emphasising the approach of participation of key stakeholders (i.e. the beneficiary farmer groups, production committees (PC) and Parish development committees, extension staff and sub county local government authorities), in planning, implementation and monitoring the project activities helps in ensuring sustainability of the process because the responsibilities are widely distributed calling for collective accountability. Success has already been noted where key stakeholders' involvement in implementation and monitoring of seed distribution was carried out to help the poor farmers. Furthermore, it is important to give the target group (poor people) the opportunity to choose their own local leaders within the groups. This gives them a sense of ownership and empowers them to take on responsibility for the implementation process. For example, under this project the local leaders together with the farmers drew up a distribution plan of seed distribution among the poor farmers and were able to monitor to ensure that the members receive the seeds successfully. Training of trainers approach provides technical skills to all the stakeholders through scaling out and thus giving an opportunity for poor farmers to access the knowledge and each beneficiary (poor farmers) was provided with a farmers' guide on potato production. Setting demonstrations helps farmers to learn by seeing and to follow the recommended practices. Joint field visits to the stake holders at the demonstration sites promotes participatory learning and free exchange and sharing of ideas. Joint review meetings and seasonal evaluation helps all members to come together and assess the progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful implementation. Collective marketing approach where poor farmers are involved through affordable membership fee and shares deposit in form of produce helps to ensure participation of a large number of poor farmers, but it is essential that there own capital be supplemented with revolving loan funds. Poverty Impact Studies: Under the DFID funded LIFE project, a poverty assessment survey was carried out within the same community where the potato projects were then implemented. The community itself set the criteria for categorising the wealthy status of group members as "very poor", "poor", "rich" and "very rich". The study found that the 1,600 group members were were largely representative of the rural community with 42% in the poor to very poor category. 60% of the beneficiaries were women. A impact survey was conducted at the end of R8104 to assess the impact of the project on cropping system, diet, wealth to the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in Kapchworwa district, Uganda. A total of 116 beneficiaries and 240 non-beneficiaries were surveyed. Impact Survey Report on Promoting Potato Seed Tuber Management for increased Ware Yields in Kapchorwa, Eastern Uganda. Sarah Namisi, Rita Laker-Ojok, and Julian Smith December 2004. Draft Report not published. The Cost-benefit analysis of seed potato production in Kapchorwa was calculated with KASPPA seed multipliers in a participatory manner with technical guidance from the project. The production cost of seed production for one acre was found out to be 8,681/= per bag (11,000/= per bag when marketing costs were included). With the value of seed averaging 25,000 this resulted in a net profit per bag of 14,000/=, a very high return on investment. At the end of R8016 in Kabale, 120 group members participated in a final project evaluation. The results are presented in the Final Technical Report. How the Poor have Benefited (including gender and other poverty groups): Under R8104 more than 1,400 farmers were taught how to multiply clean seed potato and trained in improved potato production. According to the R8104 impact survey conducted in 2004, potato was ranked third after maize and beans respectively as a source of livelihood in these subcounties of Kapchorwa in contrast to 2002 before the project, when it was ranked forth (maize, beans, banana and potato respectively). In terms of food security, potato gained preference as a staple food among beneficiaries with a consumption of once to twice in a week compared to the pre-project period when potato consumption was rare. Eighty one percent of the respondents indicated that the project had promoted food security for the households as potato is also a short-term crop that is harvested during the hungry period before the main maize crop is ready. It was noted that the potato project activities had influenced significantly the incomes of farmers. For instance in 2002 potato accounted for 34% of the household income of the beneficiaries but by 2004, with the influence of the project, potato production accounted for 74% of the household incomes. Forty two percent of the respondents reported selling potato to earn cash, which they used to improve the health of their families and to educate their children in better schools. For example, 23% of the multipliers and 21% of the beneficiaries had purchased assets such as livestock, furniture, land and houses. 83% of project beneficiaries surveyed reported an increased standard of living since the start of the project in 2002, compared to only 55% among interviewed neighbouring non-beneficiaries. The primary project benefits reported included acquiring training in improved production, access to high yielding new potato variety to increase their food security, improved markets and resulting increases in household incomes. Benefits were achieved by men and women alike. Results of the R8016 evaluation indicated that 52% of respondents had adopted at least one new potato production technology in the previous three years and they cited improved profitability as the reason. Direct and Indirect Environmental Benefits: Potato is a cover plant with plenty of leaf cover, which helps in the control of soil erosion by reducing the direct impact of rain drops on the soil and by controlling the run-off. Thus in areas where it is grown the rate of soil erosion is less pronounced compared to areas under maize for example. This is in addition to the contribution to the ecological cycle through decomposition of the leaf cover. The project has an elaborate programme of managing bacterial wilt, which is both a seed and soil borne disease, and late blight that have the potential to attack and devastate other solanacae family plants. The farmers have been trained to monitor, identify and test the potato crop for BW by carrying out regular field inspections, uprooting any identified BW infected crop, staking the infected point and by ensuring that they buy clean seed. In case of late blight, they spray with fungicidal chemical. By managing the diseases, other plants in the solanacae family that contribute to the environmental wellbeing are protected from the spread of the disease. To avoid heavy post harvest losses and consequent disposal related environmental dangers, farmers are taught on how to effectively manage post harvest handling of the crop. Through the collective marketing programme, farmers are also trained on how to ensure quality control especially in managing ground nuts and maize aflatoxins, which are lethal to animal health when consumed. Adverse Environmental Impacts: Bacterial wilt disease has high resilience, is very prolific, has no chemical control and is both seed and soil borne, making it easy for it to spread quickly if not managed in time. The disease can wipe out the whole potato crop in no time resulting in zero yields. Thus promotion of potato production without a systematic plan for disease management and multiplication of clean planting materials would result in serious environmental impacts. This is why this output is so important to protect against such contamination. Coping with the Effects of Climate Change, or Risk from Natural Disasters: Because potato is a short-term crop, the farmer is able to harvest at least some potatoes after a short time even with less rain registered within the growing period. This addresses the key periods of food shortages in the area. Potato being a tuber crop it can withstand strong stormy conditions which normally flatten crops like bananas and maize. This and other edaphic factors make it a suitable crop for poor people that assists them to spread risk. Relevant Research Projects,
with links to the
|
For relevant research projects, with links to further information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
