Homa bay: Homa Bay County has unveiled a new integrated plant health model designed to curb rising crop losses and strengthen food security through youth-led agroecology clinics. The initiative, dubbed BOOST (Benefits of Optimal Sustainable Safe Technologies) project, combines pest and disease diagnosis, safe pesticide management, and sustainable farming practices to help farmers protect their crops while reducing production costs.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is supported by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), implemented in partnership with the county government, KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation), and funded by the European Union. Speaking during the launch of the project in Kendu Bay, Jimmy Mweri, an agronomist and FAO Lead Coordinator for the BOOST project, said the new plant health clinics are expected to significantly cut the region’s persistent post-harvest losses, which currently stand at about 30 percent, while offering farmers accurate, science-based solutions.
Mweri emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative, stating, ‘We have today launched the plant health clinic but also hope for the farmers. The possibility of reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the income and food base for our farmers is essential. This integrated approach means farmers will no longer rely on guesswork to spray their crops.’ He added that the model is rooted in a youth-led agroecology service providers hub, transforming extension services into a sustainable, business-driven enterprise. Youth experts will offer diagnosis, guidance, and safe spraying services, ensuring long-term availability of extension support in rural areas.
The project promotes agroecology by minimizing reliance on harmful external inputs and encouraging safe, appropriate interventions. Trained experts will also ensure banned chemicals stay out of farms. Mweri noted that the project’s approach guarantees long-term food security, highlighting the importance of food safety. Trained service providers have been equipped with knowledge from the Pest Control Products Board on safe pesticide use and KALRO on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Margaret Makelo, Director in charge of Partnerships and Business Development at KALRO headquarters, mentioned that the clinics have been rolled out in four other counties, namely Nandi, Migori, Bungoma, and Kakamega. ‘150 experts have been trained across the five counties and will be deployed down to ward level. KALRO specialists will serve as consultants for more complex cases,’ she said. The clinics aim to reduce crop loss both in the field and in storage while promoting environmentally friendly pest management.
Homa Bay Director of Agriculture Erick Adel praised the initiative as a critical step in addressing the county’s high crop losses and limited extension workforce. ‘We lose about 30 percent of our crops to pests and diseases. If we can save this percentage, we will realize food security and improve livelihoods,’ Adel said. The agroecology hubs established in Rachuonyo North and Ndhiwa Sub-Counties will act as long-term service centers for farmers seeking plant health solutions.
With limited county resources, only one agricultural officer can be deployed per ward, and the ratio of extension officers to farmers is one to 4000. The new model, however, brings in 30 agroecology service providers in the two sub-counties, significantly expanding farmer support. ‘The service provider hub is very critical. These trained experts will help us manage pests and diseases and support our food security mandate,’ he added.
