A New Dawn for Potato Farming in Laikipia.
As the first rays of sunlight kiss the arid landscape of Laikipia County, Kenya, Esther Murugi steps out onto her half-acre plot, a smile playing on her weathered face. The cool morning air carries the scent of earth and promise as she surveys her field, now a sea of lush green leaves and delicate purple blossoms. This wasn’t always the case, but thanks to a remarkable potato variety called UNICA, Esther’s fortunes have taken a dramatic turn.
Esther’s Struggle and the UNICA Solution
For years, Esther, like many farmers in her community, struggled against the harsh realities of potato farming in Laikipia’s unforgiving climate. “Before,” she recalls, her eyes distant with memory, “our harvests were pitiful. We’d plant and tend our crops with all our might, but at the end of the season, we’d have only a handful of small tubers to show for our efforts.” The worry lines on her face deepen as she speaks of those difficult times.
But then, like a miracle sprouting from the dusty soil, came UNICA. This unique reddish potato variety, originally developed in the far-off lands of Peru, found its way to Esther’s farm through an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). “When they first told us about UNICA,” Esther says, her eyes twinkling with excitement, “I couldn’t believe such a potato could exist. One that grows quickly, resists diseases, and thrives in our harsh conditions? It seemed too good to be true.”
A Farmer’s Transformation
As Esther leads the way through her thriving potato field, she points out the robust UNICA plants. “Look at these beauties,” she says proudly, gently brushing aside some leaves to reveal plump, reddish tubers nestled in the soil. “In just three months, they’re ready for harvest. And not just a few small potatoes, mind you, but a bounty that feeds my family and leaves plenty to sell at the market.”
The transformation goes beyond just increased yields. Esther’s eyes light up as she explains how UNICA has changed her farming practices. “We used to spend so much money on chemicals to fight diseases, especially the dreaded late blight. Now, with UNICA, we hardly need any of that. These potatoes are strong, just like us Kenyan women,” she adds with a laugh.
Community Impact and Future Dreams
Esther’s success story is not hers alone. As a member of the Ngenia People with Disabilities Self Help Group, she’s seen how the FAO’s Women Economic Empowerment through Climate-Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) project has uplifted her entire community. “We’ve learned so much,” she says, “not just about growing potatoes, but about managing our money and finding new ways to sell our produce.”
With pride, Esther shows off the group’s latest venture – a small processing operation where they turn their UNICA potatoes into crisps, bajia (fritters), and chips. “Who would have thought we’d become businesswomen too?” she chuckles, her eyes crinkling with joy.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, Esther’s gaze turns to the horizon. “We’re not stopping here,” she says with determination. “We’re dreaming big now. Maybe one day, you’ll see our potato snacks in shops all over Kenya, even in the big cities like Nairobi.”
A Legacy of Resilience
As our visit comes to an end, Esther pauses at the edge of her field. The breeze rustles through the potato plants, carrying with it the promise of a bountiful harvest. “This UNICA potato,” she says softly, “it’s more than just a crop. It’s hope. It’s a future for our children. It’s proof that even in the face of a changing climate, we can adapt and thrive.”
Watching Esther stand tall amidst her flourishing potato field, it’s clear that the story of UNICA in Laikipia is more than just an agricultural success. It’s a testament to the resilience of farmers like Esther, and the power of innovation to transform lives and communities. As the sun fully illuminates the lush green field, one can’t help but feel that for Esther and her fellow farmers, the future is as bright and promising as the UNICA potatoes thriving in the Kenyan soil.
