Kirinyaga: Tomato farmers in Kirinyaga County are adopting safer and more sustainable methods of controlling destructive crop pests following an intensive county-led training for farmers. The training, rolled out across 11 tomato-growing wards, has equipped farmers with practical skills in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), reducing reliance on harmful synthetic chemicals while safeguarding farmer health, crop quality, and the environment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training is being conducted in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). One of the focal points of the program is managing the destructive Tuta absoluta pest in tomato production. Tuta absoluta, a species of moth, is notorious for its devastating impact on tomatoes, contributing to over 20% of post-harvest yield losses in tomato-growing zones like Kirinyaga. The pest’s fast development of resistant strains has historically made it difficult to manage, leading farmers to rely heavily on agrochemicals.
The initiative emphasizes biological pest control, farm sanitation, soil health, and the use of biopesticides instead of excessive chemical spraying, which has long posed health and environmental risks. Farmers are also trained on alternative control methods, including pheromone traps, biopesticides, soil testing, and strict farm sanitation. Pheromone traps are eco-friendly tools that attract, monitor, or suppress insect pests by using synthetic scents, playing a crucial role in IPM for early detection and reducing chemical pesticide usage.
The training is part of county investments aimed at transforming agriculture through science-led, farmer-centered interventions, as Kirinyaga is the leading tomato-producing county in Kenya, with annual production rising significantly in recent years. Speaking during one of the trainings in Nyangati ward, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture John Gachara highlighted the training’s direct address of the over-use of agrochemicals in tomato farming. He stated that the goal is to ensure food safety and secure better markets for Kirinyaga produce.
Gachara mentioned that the county partnership with ICIPE aims to train 1,000 farmers on the use of biopesticides and integrated pest management, targeting wards with high tomato production. He added that this is part of a broader agricultural transformation program, with similar initiatives for other crops such as coffee and rice.
Peterson Wachira, ICIPE Research Officer, acknowledged the central role of the County Government in identifying the pest challenge and facilitating farmer training through extension services. He noted that Tuta absoluta remains a major pest causing severe losses in tomato production. ICIPE conducted two-season demonstrations comparing IPM with conventional farming, proving the feasibility of controlling Tuta absoluta without harsh chemicals.
Lucy Wanjiku, a tomato farmer from Kanyekiine Ward, emphasized the training’s role in helping farmers reduce losses and cut production costs. Another farmer, Njuki Mara from Nyangati, highlighted the economic and health benefits of reducing chemical use, noting the expense and harm of conventional chemicals.
