Potatoes are more than just a staple crop in Kenya; they are a critical piece of the country’s economic puzzle. These versatile tubers provide a steady income for numerous smallholder farmers and act as a significant driver of local economies, deeply embedded within the fabric of Kenya’s agricultural system, from rural villages to bustling urban markets. However, the growth of Kenya’s potato industry continues to be hampered by persistent challenges, including low yields, the prevalence of poor-quality seeds and diseases, and the increasing pressures of climate change. It is against this backdrop that Winnie Wambugu, the co-founder and Managing Director of Nakuru Tubers, has emerged as a transformative force, driven by a mission to revolutionise potato farming in the country.
Drawing on her expertise in horticulture, seed potato research, and business management, Wambugu has leveraged her academic background and professional experience to lead a dedicated team at Nakuru Tubers. The company’s core objective is to empower smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on women, youth, and local communities, by directly tackling the obstacles they encounter in agriculture. Their comprehensive approach aims to improve yields, significantly minimise post-harvest losses, and build resilience against the growing and unpredictable effects of climate change.
Recognising that innovation and strategic investment in science and technology are crucial to overcoming these hurdles, Nakuru Tubers has pinpointed the quality of seeds as a major impediment within the potato sector. Wambugu explains that many farmers still rely on traditional seed production methods, inadvertently leading to the widespread proliferation of diseases that negatively impact both yields and the overall quality of the harvested potatoes. To counter this, Nakuru Tubers has embraced cutting-edge techniques such as hydroponics and tissue culture to revolutionise the production of potato seeds.
Through hydroponics, the company cultivates seeds in meticulously controlled environments, significantly reducing the risks associated with soil-borne diseases. Simultaneously, tissue culture involves the propagation of potato plants from small tissue samples within a sterile laboratory setting. This ensures that farmers gain access to high-quality, disease-resistant seed potatoes that possess a high yield potential. By prioritising the production of disease-free seed potatoes, Nakuru Tubers is establishing a vital foundation for enhanced productivity and the adoption of sustainable farming practices among smallholder farmers.
Beyond the critical issue of seed quality, Kenyan agriculture is increasingly grappling with the impact of erratic weather patterns driven by climate change. Wambugu highlights the particular vulnerability of the potato crop to these extreme conditions, with prolonged droughts and periods of heavy rainfall negatively affecting both the quantity and quality of harvests. In response, Nakuru Tubers is actively engaged in developing climate-resilient seed potato varieties. This strategic emphasis on climate resilience is not solely about safeguarding food security; it is also about equipping farmers with the means to adapt effectively to the evolving challenges posed by global warming. In an era characterised by rising production costs and diminishing natural resources, these resilient seed varieties offer smallholder farmers a crucial advantage, providing them with a stronger chance of success.
Another significant challenge that plagues Kenya’s potato farmers is the problem of substantial post-harvest losses. Wambugu points out the highly perishable nature of potatoes, explaining that without proper storage facilities, farmers can lose a significant portion of their hard-earned harvest. To address this, Nakuru Tubers is pioneering the introduction of IoT (Internet of Things)-powered seed potato storage units. These innovative units are specifically designed to maintain the optimal environmental conditions necessary for effective potato preservation. The integrated IoT systems utilise sensors to continuously monitor critical factors such as temperature and humidity in real-time. This provides farmers with valuable data that empowers them to make informed decisions regarding the storage of their produce. This technology is particularly beneficial for farmers who lack access to modern cold storage facilities or who are located in remote geographical areas. According to Wambugu, this technology has already proven instrumental in helping farmers preserve the value of their harvest, reduce waste, and ultimately sell their produce at more favourable prices.
Recognising that access to quality inputs is only one piece of the puzzle, Nakuru Tubers also places a strong emphasis on comprehensive farmer training programmes. These programmes are carefully designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success, focusing on key areas such as sustainable farming practices, effective pest and disease management, maintaining optimal soil health, efficient water conservation techniques, and the judicious use of agricultural inputs. Wambugu notes that while women and youth often form the backbone of agricultural labour, they frequently face barriers in accessing crucial education, resources, and technology. To address this disparity, Nakuru Tubers provides tailored training and support programmes specifically designed to help these often-marginalised groups thrive in the agricultural sector. Through this multi-faceted approach, Nakuru Tubers, under the leadership of Winnie Wambugu, is not just growing potatoes; they are cultivating a more resilient and prosperous future for Kenya’s smallholder farmers and the nation’s agricultural landscape.
